Following a controversial Court of Appeal decision which left a UK woman trapped in a “desperately unhappy” marriage, a leading family law charity is calling for the urgent introduction of no-fault-divorce.
Family law foundation Resolution has said that the case of Owens v Owens highlights the ‘urgent need’ for no-fault divorce in the UK.
The case, which came to a close very recently, saw an Appeals Court dismiss Ms Tini Owens’ appeal against the dismissal of her petition for divorce based on her husband Hugh’s unreasonable behaviour.
The controversial decision effectively left Ms Owens “trapper in [a] loveless marriage,” and sparked mass criticism in the media.
Resolution chair Nigel Shepard has responded to the case by issuing a fresh call for the introduction of no-fault divorce in the UK.
Speaking immediately following the judgement, he said: “This judgment will obviously come as a disappointment to Mrs Owens, and absolutely underlines the urgent need for no-fault divorce.
“Nobody should be compelled to remain in a marriage against their will, yet judges’ hands are tied by the current divorce law.
“Sadly, all too often, couples are forced to play the blame game, and today’s decision demonstrates why this needs to change.
“Successive governments have dragged their heels on this issue for too long. Owens v Owens must be the spark that ignites a fundamental change in our divorce law,” he added.
While the law remains as it currently stands, MFG Solicitors can offer expert legal advice about the contents of a divorce petition. For more information, please contact us.
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