Divorce (Financial Provision) Bill [HL]

A Bill to amend the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 and make provision in connection with financial settlements following divorce

Originating House

House of Lords

Parliament last updated

29 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would change the law on financial arrangements after divorce by amending the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. It aims to make the rules for sharing money and property after divorce clearer and more predictable.

Key Points

Amends the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 to govern financial settlements after divorce.
Seeks clearer rules on the division of assets, income and maintenance for divorcing couples.
Originated in the Lords and has completed multiple Lords stages before moving to the Commons.
Currently in the Commons at the 2nd reading after being introduced there in December 2018.
Affects divorcing couples and those involved in family-law proceedings (including children and dependants).

Progress

The bill started in the Lords and has completed its Lords stages. It has been introduced to the Commons and is currently at the 2nd reading there.

Who is affected?

Divorcing couplesChildren and other dependants of divorcing couplesPeople involved in family-law proceedingsFamily lawyers and courts

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingLords

3 Jul 2017

2nd readingLords

11 May 2018

Order of Commitment dischargedLords

23 Nov 2018

3rd readingLords

19 Dec 2018

1st readingCommons

19 Dec 2018

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Divorce (Financial Provision)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (3)

Bill 310 2017-19 (as brought from the Lords)

BillCommons

20 Dec 2018

Divorce (Financial Provision) Bill [HL]: Briefing for Lords Stages

Library NotesLords

2 May 2018

HL Bill 26 (as introduced)

BillLords

3 Jul 2017

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.