Have Your Say on Divorce and Civil-Partnership Reform
A new public consultation from the Department of Finance gives everyone in Northern Ireland a chance to shape how divorce and the dissolution of civil partnerships are handled in future.
Relate NI is urging individuals, community groups, professionals and faith organisations alike to respond before Friday 26 September 2025.
What’s the consultation about?
- Background: Core divorce law in Northern Ireland dates back to 1978. At present a couple can end a marriage or civil partnership by proving one of several “fault” grounds (such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour) or by living apart for a set period. The process is always court-based and can become adversarial, especially when fault is alleged.
- Aim of the review: Ministers want to explore reforms that reduce unnecessary conflict, lessen the emotional toll on families, particularly children.
- Three, broad options are included in the consultation:
- Separation-only no-fault divorce (Republic of Ireland model): couples confirm their separation after a defined period, with no need to assign blame.
- Administrative no-fault divorce (similar to England & Wales): either party could apply online; once a short reflection period passes the divorce cannot be contested on fault grounds.
- No change: leave the existing hybrid fault / no-fault system in place.
Full details and the response form are on the Department of Finance website: https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-divorce-and-dissolution-civil-partnerships.
Relate NI’s stance
- Less blame = less harm: Our counsellors and mediators, witness first-hand how fault-based processes fuel resentment at a time when calm heads are required to engage in cooperative decision-making. Removing the obligation to blame a former partner can spare adults and children months, sometimes years, of additional anxiety and stress. It has been alleged that the current system encourages the ‘blame game’ right at the start, working against a more solution focused amicable agreement. The reduction in the potential for adverse childhood experiences, that often accompany a high conflict separation, is the focus of our professionals, who deliver a raft of services to support those experiencing relationship breakdown.
- It’s not about “quickie divorces”: The intention is not to make divorce ‘easier’, divorce will remain a serious, carefully considered process: reflection periods, court oversight and arrangements for children and finances will still apply. The change is simply about preventing avoidable conflict.
- Wellbeing first: Everything we do at Relate NI centres on healthy relationships and mental wellbeing. When partners can end a relationship without formal accusations of wrongdoing, they are far more likely to communicate constructively, prioritise their own wellbeing and create the calm, stable environment children need. That gentler route does not trivialise the gravity of divorce or dissolution, it simply recognises that compassion and clarity serve families better than conflict ever could.
For these reasons, Relate NI welcomes the consultation and favours a modernised no-fault approach, provided safeguards for vulnerable partners and children remain robust.
Why your response matters
Legislation will only move forward if a broad range of voices take part. Whatever your experience or perspective, this is your chance to influence a law that impacts thousands of families every year.
How to respond
Deadline: Friday 26 September 2025
Responses via the online form: click “Respond online” on the consultation page: https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-divorce-and-dissolution-civil-partnerships
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