In an article published 7/24 in Attorney at Law Magazine, Rebecca Palmer explains that certain conservative segments of Congress are seeking to end no-fault divorce, which is now legal in 17 states, including Florida. Palmer writes that no-fault divorce is rather beneficial for individuals who are in abusive relationships, and that victims can file for legal separation in these situations and share stories of their partner’s abuse in open court. Palmer says that if efforts at the Capitol to reverse no-fault divorce succeed, divorce proceedings would become far more adversarial and more protracted—with the bills for legal services simultaneously increasing.

“Also, individuals in abusive relationships might find it more difficult to leave their marriages as the need to provide evidence of abuse or other misconduct could deter victims from even seeking a divorce — trapping them in unsafe and unhealthy situations,” Palmer writes. “Removing no-fault divorce could also burden the judicial system more, as courts would need to adjudicate the validity of fault claims, further clogging an already overburdened system.”

Furthermore, she believes that the push to curb no-fault divorce actually pushes society backward, and that the campaign to end it would be a win for outdated notions of patriarchy.

“While not without its flaws, the current no-fault system offers a more pragmatic approach to the dissolution of marriage, prioritizing individuals’ safety, dignity, and autonomy,” Palmer said. “Ending no-fault divorce could turn back the clock on decades of progress in family law, making the path to personal freedom and safety more difficult for many — and, with that destructive outcome, there would be many people to blame.”

Read the story in full; click here.