Question 1
Ben and Jane met in Paris whilst attending a conference. Both were Heads of Departments
at Camelot University and Excel University in the UK respectively. They both earned in the
region of £70,000. They began a relationship in Paris falling madly in love with each other.
When they returned to the UK, they continued their relationship. Jane moved into Ben’s
cottage house in Leeds.
However, after 1 year of marriage, their relationship began to sour. Ben had lost his job
because of redundancies at his university Soon after, Jane realised that Ben was a
different person to when she first met him. He would get angry very quickly at the tiniest of
things. For example, when she left the dishes in the sink, he would break the plates. If she
left her clothes on the floor, he would throw them away. Ben has even thrown a plate at
Jane which was when Jane realised she had to get out of the relationship. Feeling scared,
she left the house during the night and stayed with her parents in Sheffield. The following
day, Ben began following Jane by driving around to her parent’s house, calling and texting
her. He continues to harass Jane.
You are a solicitor for Weston LLP and Jane has come to you for legal advice. She
specifically would like to know the following:
1) The grounds for obtaining a divorce from Ben;
2) How she can stop Ben from harassing her; and
3) Whether or not she would have to divide her financial assets in anyway.
Advise Jane on the above issues giving justifications for your answers and quoting the
relevant law.
Question 2
‘The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 received royal assent on 25th June 2020
but is not expected to come into force until the Autumn of 2021. Critics of the Act argue that
it will make obtaining divorce too easy thereby weakening the institution of marriage in
society.’
Explain whether or not you agree with this statement giving reasons for your answer.
Sample Solution