Quickie divorces scrapped in small print of new law meant to make it easier to dissolve marriage All couples will have to wait at least six months to get divorced once new legislation is passed

“Quickie divorces” are to be abolished after a new law which states couples must wait at least six months before dissolving their marriage.

The Government has formally tabled legislation which introduces no-fault divorce for the first time, intended to make it easier for couples trapped in failed relationships.

But lawyers accused ministers of a “hidden bombshell” by using the new law to impose stricter rules on how long it is necessary to wait before getting divorced.

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Currently a divorce can in theory be granted within six weeks of an application, but once the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill is passed it will take at least 26 weeks.

Increasing divorce wait time

There will be a minimum period of 20 weeks before a conditional “degree nisi” is granted, then another six weeks before the “degree absolute”. Currently 40 per cent of all divorces see a decree nisi granted within three months, meaning a large number of cases will take significantly longer under the new regime.

Emily Brand, a partner at law firm Boodle Hatfield, said: “This is going to more than double the amount of time it takes to complete those divorces where one party really needs to complete the divorce quickly.

“Sometimes a marriage has become so stressful that both parties want to end that marriage as quickly as possible – unfortunately this legislation doesn’t help that kind of situation.”

Avoiding ‘blame game’

The bill changes the status quo where a divorce can be granted only if one party accuses the other of wrongdoing such as adultery, or if the couple live apart for at least two years.

It also removes the ability for a spouse to contest a divorce in court, which risks a situation where the couple must remain married when one of them believes their marriage has broken down.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: “Our reforms will stop divorcing couples having to make unnecessary allegations against one another and instead help them focus on separating amicably. By sparing individuals the need to play the blame game, we are stripping out the needless antagonism this creates so families can better move on with their lives.”

The legislation was originally introduced last year but could not make progress in Parliament because of the gridlock created by Theresa May’s failure to pass her Brexit deal.