Olivia’s comments were published in Family Law Week, 16 June 2026, and can be seen here.
Olivia Piercy, Partner in our Family & Relationships team, explores the Ministry of Justice’s recent consultation on reforming financial remedies on divorce and the wider legal framework governing relationship breakdown.
The proposed reforms aim to bring greater clarity and fairness to a system that has developed incrementally through case law, often resulting in complexity, inconsistency, and uncertainty for separating couples.
Olivia highlights that, while judicial discretion has allowed flexibility in outcomes, it has also made it difficult for individuals to predict settlements. Codifying key principles such as “needs” and “sharing” could improve transparency and consistency, though any changes must carefully balance certainty with the ability to reflect the nuances of individual relationships.
A central focus of Olivia’s commentary is the treatment of domestic abuse within financial remedy proceedings. She emphasises that the financial consequences of abuse have historically been overlooked, treated as secondary rather than integral to achieving fair outcomes. The consultation signals an important shift towards recognising the economic realities faced by survivors and incorporating these considerations into judicial decision-making.
Olivia underscores that this consultation represents a significant opportunity for meaningful reform, particularly in ensuring that economic abuse is properly addressed and not perpetuated through the legal process. She stresses the importance of designing a system that safeguards vulnerable individuals while maintaining fairness and flexibility, ultimately ensuring better outcomes for survivors and their families.
Read the full article on the Family Law Week website [subscription required].