Family law partner discusses proposals to reform divorce legislation on Woman’s Hour

Posted: 14/09/2012

Julia Thackray, of Penningtons’ family law team, was a guest on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour on Thursday 13 September in a programme which examined the Law Commision’s new review of divorce settlements. She joined presenter Jenni Murray to discuss the implications of potential changes along with Professor Elizabeth Cooke, one of the Law Commissioners heading the public consultation process which began on 11 September.

During the three month consultation the Law Commission will focus particularly on two financial issues on divorce - the extent to which partners should be required to meet each other’s financial needs after marriage and what should happen to inherited property and assets acquired before the marriage. One of the aims of the review is to bring greater clarity to divorce proceedings, something Julia feels will be particularly welcomed by her clients. She also believes there is a desire for no fault divorces to be made more accessible.

Other issues examined during the broadcast were whether certain reforms would impact disproportionately on women and how to achieve a balance between securing independence for women and ensuring that they are not left with an unequal share of the responsibilities that have arisen from the marriage.

The Law Commission will be reporting on its findings in a year’s time and providing recommendations on how divorce should be reformed following a 40 year period during which the law in this area has developed in a piecemeal, rather than consistent way.

To listen to the full Woman’s Hour discussion, please click here.

Related services: Family

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