Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Eddie Hughes and Desmond Swayne

Tuesday 9th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)]

4. What steps the Government are taking to encourage divorcing couples to reconcile.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

20. What steps his Department is taking to provide counselling to couples seeking a divorce.

[The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Gauke)]

When people make the difficult decision to divorce, the evidence suggests that counselling will often be too late at that stage. Seeking counselling would be a personal choice for those involved. For counselling to bring a change of direction, it would require the willing co-operation of both people in the marriage. We will look at the information available to people who are contemplating divorce to see whether we can strengthen signposting to marriage counselling, and our Bill will provide the opportunity for parties to reflect on the decision to divorce by introducing a minimum timeframe within the legal process. Couples who can reconcile will be able to do so.