Curry Popeck

Leading judges back campaign for divorce law reform

Several leading judges and lawyers have backed a campaign in the Times newspaper for sweeping reforms to divorce law, which they describe as “unjust and outdated”.

The campaign calls for the following changes:

Former High Court judge Sir Paul Coleridge, who is now chairman of the Marriage Foundation, said: “We must urgently do something about the laws on marriage and divorce. These are antediluvian and no longer fit for purpose.”Our chief concern is to address the impact of the breakdown of relationships, particularly where there are children. These breakdowns have devastating consequences for both adults and children that can last for decades.”

Lord Mackay of Clashfern, the lord chancellor to two prime ministers, and Baroness Butler-Sloss, president of the High Court family division, have also backed the campaign.

So far, the government has not given any indication that it is prepared to consider change and has rejected similar calls in the past.

For more information about this article or any aspect of our family services, please call Jeremy Garson on 020 8907 2000 or click here to email him and he will be delighted to help you (there is no charge for an initial telephone discussion).