A kinder, clearer path through separation: why Good Divorce Week matters Good Divorce Week (week beginning Monday 10 November 2025) is a timely reminder that, even in the toughest moments, there is a better way to separate. As a member of
Legal
Resolution, which
is a community of over 6,500 family
justice professionals
committed to reducing conflict, I follow a Code of Practice that puts children’s welfare, clear communication and
problem-solving at the heart of everything I do. So, although we promote this way of working once a year; it’s how I practise, day in and day out.
This year, the theme is about
demonstrating our commitment to
that Code and the constructive role we play in helping families. In plain
terms, it means we prioritise calm over confrontation. It means explaining
options clearly and early, looking for agreements wherever possible, and keeping court as a last resort rather than a first step. For many families,
that approach lowers the temperature, shortens the journey, and protects
26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk
relationships that will continue long after legal processes end, especially where children are involved.
Why does this matter so much right now?
Our approach matters because the family courts are under immense
pressure. A recent parliamentary report highlights that private law
cases (disputes about arrangements for children) took on average 41
weeks to be concluded through the Court system in 2024, up from 26
weeks in 2018. Even where there
have been small improvements this year, timings remain far above pre-
pandemic levels. The delay isn’t just a statistic; for families it means months
of uncertainty, heightened anxiety and
additional cost. Locally in East Sussex, everyone working in and around the
courts is doing their level best, but the system is stretched.
At the same time, demand remains
consistently high. Ministry of Justice
data shows that tens of thousands of
family cases are started each quarter, equating to well over a thousand new
matters on a typical working day across England and Wales. The average length of those cases has increased by 36%
since 2018. Against that backdrop, it’s clear that delays won’t meaningfully
reduce without better resourcing and smarter ways to help couples earlier.
That’s why, alongside fellow Resolution members, I’m supporting the need for there to be greater investment in early legal information and advice. When
people understand their choices at the
outset, they are far more likely to take a constructive route: mediation, solicitor-
led negotiation or arbitration rather than
becoming trapped in lengthy, adversarial proceedings. Early guidance can de-
escalate conflict, narrow the issues and
keep decision-making closer to the family.