Adam Lennon, head of family modernisation and improvement at HM Courts & Tribunals Service, told a Westminster Legal Policy Forum that enabling people to apply for a divorce online could eliminate up to 13,000 hours of time spent by court staff checking divorce petitions

Adam Lennon, head of family modernisation and improvement at HM Courts & Tribunals Service, told a Westminster Legal Policy Forum that enabling people to apply for a divorce online could eliminate up to 13,000 hours of time spent by court staff checking divorce petitions.

Lennon spent years in the courts service issuing divorce petitions. He returned an estimated 4 out of every 10 petitions to the applicant because of an error. ‘In many cases, applicants and their legal representatives were not able to accurately copy word-for-word the place of marriage from the marriage certificate.”

HMCTS piloted a scheme last year enabling people to apply for a divorce online, print off the form and send it to court. The service has been extended so that people can submit a form, send relevant documents and make payments.

The number of rejected applications fell from 40% of all paper applications received to 7% for digital applications.

HMCTS is also considering adopting a similar approach for the process for caring for vulnerable children.

President of the Family Division Sir James Munby said online divorce had been a ‘triumphant success’ but there were still five ‘burning issues’ requiring statutory reform: no-fault divorce; cohabitants’ property rights; ancillary relief; alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse being able to cross-examine alleged victims; and transparency, to review.

If you are looking for family advice then please call 0161 624 6811 to speak to Corinne Bailey-Brown in our Family Department or email cb@wrigleyclaydon.com.

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Shalish Mehta

Shalish acts on behalf of both private individuals and commercial clients, bringing or defending claims in the High Court or the County Court. Shalish is fluent in Gujarati and will happily represent those for whom Gujariti is the first language, in English. Shalish is also able to advise and assist with negotiations to resolve disputes, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Shalish joined the firm 10 years ago, very shortly after he qualified as a solicitor. Shalish is a keen sportsman, regularly playing cricket and five-a-side football. He is also a self-confessed foodie, taking great pleasure in sampling different cuisines from around the world. Currently, Shalish is pursuing his interest in languages, attending evening Spanish lessons at a local college.

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