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Strength in Experience — Garden House Solicitors’ Family Law Team Welcomes Mark Betteridge

  • Mark Betteridge
  • 28 minutes ago
  • 2 min read


Garden House Solicitors is delighted to announce that experienced family lawyer Mark Betteridge has joined the firm as a Consultant. Mark brings with him over 36 years of specialist experience in family law to compliment the firm’s existing experienced family lawyer, the highly respected Frances Bedbrook-Kelly, whose calm expertise and client-focused approach has been at the heart of the firm’s success for many years.

Frances and Mark will continue to provide clients with the clear, compassionate, and practical guidance that Garden House Solicitors is known for, particularly at a time of continuing evolution in family law.


The No-Fault Divorce — Three Years On


Since its introduction in April 2022, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has reshaped the way couples divorce in England and Wales. Gone are the days when one party had to “blame” the other for the breakdown of the marriage. Now, a simple statement that the marriage has irretrievably broken down is all that’s required.


What this means in practice


· Less conflict: The new law removes the need to assign fault, helping couples separate with greater dignity and less hostility.


· More time for reflection: A new 20-week minimum period allows space for calm consideration or reconciliation.


· Joint applications: Couples can now apply together, reflecting a more cooperative approach.


· Simplified process: Defended divorces are now rare, with focus rightly placed on children and finances.

Statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that more than 70% of divorces in 2023 were granted under the new regime, clear evidence of how quickly no-fault divorce has become the standard approach.


While the reform has reduced acrimony, the fixed waiting periods can still pose challenges in urgent or abusive situations, showing that even progressive change must be applied sensitively.


A Recent Supreme Court Development: Standish v Standish


Procedural change isn’t the only evolution in family law. A recent Supreme Court decision in Standish v Standish has drawn attention to how courts treat pre-separation transfers between spouses. In that case, certain investments transferred for tax and family reasons were held to be non-matrimonial, meaning they fell outside the usual sharing principle on divorce.


Why this matters


· Classification matters: Not all property or investments are part of the “matrimonial pot.”


· Context counts: The reasons and timing behind asset transfers can determine whether they are shared.


· Planning is key: Early advice and documentation are crucial, particularly for business owners and high-net-worth families.


As Frances and Mark both note, these developments reinforce the importance of early, clear legal guidance, something the Garden House team prides itself on providing.


A Collaborative Future for Clients


Frances and Mark share a commitment to resolving family disputes with fairness, sensitivity and integrity. Their combined experience spans every aspect of family law, from complex financial settlements to children matters, cohabitation disputes, and international divorce. Together, they aim to continue Garden House Solicitors’ position as a trusted source of calm, informed advice during times of change.

“Family law is constantly evolving,” says Mark. “Working alongside Frances and the team at Garden House, I look forward to helping clients find clarity and confidence as they navigate those changes.”

If you would like to discuss your situation confidentially, please get in touch.

 
 
 

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