Consultation launched on law on marriage and civil partnerships
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has launched a consultation on the law on divorce and the dissolution of marriage and civil partnerships.
The current legislation on divorce here was passed in 1978 and is hybrid, allowing for divorce on grounds of fault (unreasonable behaviour, adultery and desertion) or no-fault (evidenced by separation). The dissolution of a civil partnership similarly comprises fault and no-fault grounds although adultery is not a ground for the dissolution of a civil partnership.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd said: “Many marriages and civil partnerships are loving, happy and last a lifetime but unfortunately some don’t and break down for a number of reasons. This can have a devastating effect on those families especially where children are involved and can lead to additional and unnecessary conflict.
“We now want to consult on options that could reduce the conflict that can arise from divorce or dissolution leading to better outcomes for everyone affected.
“I would encourage all those with an interest in changing the current law or retaining the current arrangements to have their say and contribute to this important consultation.”
The three, broad options included in the consultation are:
- No-fault divorce evidenced by separation as in the South of Ireland
- Administrative, no-fault divorce similar to England and Wales where one party can apply for a divorce which cannot be challenged, and
- No change to the current, substantive law.
The consultation will run from 23 June to 26 September 2025. Further information and to participate in the consultation online visit Consultation on Divorce and the Dissolution of Civil Partnerships. You can also contribute by emailing divorce.review@finance-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
1. All divorce applications here regardless of grounds are heard by a court.
2. Recent figures show the majority of all divorces here are no-fault/separation divorces - close to three quarters in 2023 - with fault divorces accounting for fewer than a fifth. Annual statistics on divorces - https://www.nisra.gov.uk/statistics/births-deaths-and-marriages/divorces
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