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Anyone waiting for the introduction of no-fault divorces and other reforms to matrimonial laws will have to wait a little longer.
The modernisations to the law seek to simplify present routes to obtain a divorce to reduce unnecessary conflict, recognising that not all marriage breakdowns mean a blame on one or both of the parties.
To that end, no-fault divorce will be introduced, the ability to contest a divorce will be removed, and grounds for annulment will be modernised amongst others changes.
But an implementation date by the end of 2023 has come and gone, with Policy & Resources now expecting the law to commence by the end of June 2024.
The top committee said other work has been prioritised instead.
Currently couples must prove the irretrievable breakdown of marriage to allow it to be heard in court, through routes including adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, a separation of two years (with consent) or a separation of five (without consent).
The States consulted the public in 2019 on reforms, and in 2022 published and approved the changes with Royal Assent granted that year too.
The changes will also remove the requirement on the court to consider reconciliation in proceedings.
Similar reforms were adopted in England and Wales in 2022.
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