The “overly complex” divorce system in England and Wales needs reforming, says the Nuffield Foundation.

The foundation’s new report, based on analysis of a national sample of both undefended and defended divorce cases and entitled Taking Notice, found that the current system can fuel conflict and disadvantages people who represent themselves and those alleging abuse as grounds for divorce.

Responding to the government’s proposal to reform the legal requirements for divorce, Taking Notice made the following recommendations:

-The proposed notification period of six months should begin before decree nisi ...