Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020

Lord Harries of Pentregarth Excerpts

Tuesday 13th October 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

I assure the House that we are on target for autumn 2021, and I feel confident that we will get there.

[Lord Harries of Pentregarth (CB) [V]]

I find the sources of help signposted on the government website, particularly those provided by Relate, very clear and sensitive. But in almost every case depicted, there is an assumption that those who have started proceedings will want to continue with them. Will the Minister ask Relate to look again and take into account the fact that some people want help to stay together, in their relationship? That should be properly recognised on their website.

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

I hope I heard what the noble and right reverend Lord said. The 20 weeks are there specifically to make time for people to reconsider if they want to. All relationship or marital support will be online, so they can stop the proceedings if they need and want to.