23/06/2025
Consultation On Divorce And Civil Partnership Law Reform Launched
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has launched a public consultation on the current law governing divorce and the dissolution of marriage and civil partnerships in Northern Ireland.
The existing legislation, passed in 1978, operates on a hybrid system, allowing for divorce based on either fault (such as unreasonable behaviour, adultery, or desertion) or no-fault (evidenced by separation). Similar fault and no-fault grounds apply to civil partnership dissolutions, though adultery is not a ground for the latter.
Minister O'Dowd acknowledged the often difficult reality of relationship breakdowns. "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," he stated. "This can have a devastating effect on those families especially where children are involved and can lead to additional and unnecessary conflict."
The Minister emphasised the core objective of the consultation: "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."
He urged all interested parties to contribute their views. "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 consultation period will allow individuals, legal professionals, and organisations to provide feedback on potential reforms aimed at creating a more supportive and less adversarial process for families navigating the end of a marriage or civil partnership.
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
The existing legislation, passed in 1978, operates on a hybrid system, allowing for divorce based on either fault (such as unreasonable behaviour, adultery, or desertion) or no-fault (evidenced by separation). Similar fault and no-fault grounds apply to civil partnership dissolutions, though adultery is not a ground for the latter.
Minister O'Dowd acknowledged the often difficult reality of relationship breakdowns. "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," he stated. "This can have a devastating effect on those families especially where children are involved and can lead to additional and unnecessary conflict."
The Minister emphasised the core objective of the consultation: "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."
The consultation period will allow individuals, legal professionals, and organisations to provide feedback on potential reforms aimed at creating a more supportive and less adversarial process for families navigating the end of a marriage or civil partnership.
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
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.