“Fairness For Families” – Resolution Asks For Election Manifesto Pledges 

With the election manifestos being released this week, Resolution has been eagerly awaiting responses to their letter to all political parties, ‘urging them to prioritise much-needed family justice reforms in their election manifesto’. 

In their letter, dated the 14th November 2019, National Chair Margaret Heathcote and the Chair of the Family Law Reform Group, Jo Edwards, called on all three main parties to pledge legislation in four key areas. 

No Fault Divorce

Resolution expects the new Government to reintroduce the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill upon the reopening of Parliament; following on from its ‘overwhelming support’ by the previous Parliament and a YouGov poll which showed 79% of the population in support of reform. 

Legal Protection For Cohabiting Couples

Cohabiting couples currently make up the fastest growing family type in England yet there is still no rights afforded to them in regard to property or maintenance in the event of a separation or death of a partner.  Resolution called for cohabiting couples to have at least some level of basic legal protection on the breakdown of a relationship or death of a partner. 

Protecting Victims Of Domestic Abuse In The Family Court

As with the Divorce Bill, Resolution has supported the charity Women’s Aid and demanded that the currently shelved Domestic Abuse Bill be reintroduced to Parliament as early as possible.  The Bill would have included measures such as the banning of direct cross-examination of a domestic abuse victim by the alleged perpetrator. 

Provide Early Legal Advice For Separating Couples

Cuts to Legal Aid for separating couples has had dire consequences on the whole family law system; from pushing couples away from legal advice due to cost and levels of mediation still lower than they were in 2013, before the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act.   

There has also been an increase in the number of litigants in person which has, alongside all the other issues, put extra pressure on an already stretched family court system.  In response, Resolution has asked the incoming political party to increase funding for initial advice to enable families to find information on ways to resolve their dispute at an early stage. 

The aim of these proposals is “essential for improving the family justice system, reducing unnecessary conflict, and providing necessary protection and support for separating couples – and, more importantly, any children they may have.” 

From the manifestos currently released by the Liberal Democrats and Labour, it appears that their requests are to be met if either party comes to power. 

The Liberal Democrats have included all four proposals in their manifesto, including a £500 million investment to restore Legal Aid, welcome news for many families and lawyers.    

Both parties have pledged to introduce no-fault divorce as well as ensure that measures are in place for domestic abuse victims to not be cross-examined by their abuser.   

There has been no mention however, by Labour regarding the Cohabitation Reform, whereas Liberal Democrats have promised to give greater protection in the event of separation or a partner’s death. 

With no date yet announced for the Conservatives manifesto, although it is rumoured to be during the last week of November, we are yet to know whether they, like their rivals, will bring good news for Resolution’s call for a pledge on important family law issues.