For much of the 20th century, there was a heavy social stigma around divorce. In many Western countries marriage was considered permanent, regardless of conflict. That perception began to shift during the 1960s and 70s with the rise of the women’s rights movement, changing gender roles, and the liberalisation of divorce laws.
In the UK, the Divorce Reform Act of 1969 included “irretrievable breakdown” as sufficient grounds for divorce. This made divorce more accessible and reflected a shift in attitudes: marriage was no longer seen solely as a duty, but more as a partnership that needed mutual satisfaction to endure.
Legal reforms
Legal structures have adapted in response to social change. Several countries have adopted no-fault divorce frameworks, where couples can end their marriage without assigning blame. In England and Wales, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into effect in 2022, removing the need to cite reasons such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. The act also enabled joint applications for divorce.
This was aimed at reducing conflict and supporting a more amicable process. The government’s website said the reform had ended the “blame game” and was described as “the biggest shakeup in divorce law for more than half a century.” The changes also have implications for legal professionals, whose role now often includes mediation and support through collaborative law processes, rather than focusing solely on courtroom litigation. For example, a ‘one lawyer, two client’ approach is offered by many experts, such as divorce solicitors in Cheltenham who can act for both parties who have made a joint decision to end their marriage. As well as divorce, solicitors also offer expert advice on dissolving a civil partnership and ending a cohabitation relationship.
Financial and practical implications
Ending a marriage is an extremely emotional process that also has real financial consequences. Dividing assets, managing debt, handling pensions are important aspects of divorce proceedings. In the UK, there’s no strict formula for asset division. Courts aim for fairness and will consider the needs of both parties. Key factors include the length of marriage, contributions (financial and otherwise), and future earning capacity. Childcare often plays a significant role as well.
The process can become more complex when there are business interests, international assets, or high net worth individuals involved. Divorce solicitors may work with financial advisors, accountants, and pension experts to navigate these challenges.
Emotional realities
Much attention is paid to the legal aspects of divorce but the emotional dimension is central. Healthline notes that a divorce process brings changes ranging from quieter mealtimes and an empty house to moving home and spending days without children. Writer Crystal Raypole wrote (with medical review by Janet Brito, Ph.D.), “Caring for your emotional and physical needs is an essential step to navigating the post-divorce period effectively”, offering 12 tips. These tips included acknowledging your feelings (whether anger, grief, or loneliness), and considering expanding your friend circle. Raypole also wrote about the importance of creating a co-parenting plan.
Co-parenting
Studies have shown that children have better emotional, behavioral, and physical health, as well as better relationships with both parents, when they spend at least 35% of the time with each parent.
Research from 2020 showed that ex-partners who maintain a quality parenting relationship can experience greater family well-being and healthy child development.
A co-parenting plan may include things like scheduling time with each parent; routines for bedtime and homework time; chores and other household tasks; and what to tell the child about the divorce.
Last word
Marriage continues to change and so does the nature of divorce. It’s no longer the taboo it once was, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple or painless. Legal reforms have reduced blame, but the emotional and financial challenges remain.
