On the 30 January 2023, a new pilot scheme began in England and Wales in Leeds, Cardiff & Carlisle. The scheme which currently only applies to public law proceedings will allow for journalists to report on what is happening in the Family Courts. The scheme is subject to strict reporting restrictions to protect the anonymity of families involved and those journalists that are allowed to attend are covered by the Transparency Order which specifically sets out what can and cannot be … [Read more...]
Family Court backlogs increased to 110,000
According to the Law Society Gazette, family court cases are continuing to grow. The government have been urged to respond to this by ensuring that there is sufficient judicial capacity to deal with the family court backlogs, which has now reached 110,000 according to the latest HM Court & Tribunal Service figures. This increase is reflected in both private law cases and public law cases. The result of the increase in cases coupled with the court backlogs means that it can take much … [Read more...]
Will I have to face my ex-partner in court if I am a victim of domestic abuse?
Having to attend a court hearing is unsettling enough for most people, let alone those who have been victims of domestic abuse at the hands of the other party. Having to face their abuser in court can affect victims mental and emotional wellbeing hugely, in addition to the initial stress and worries of being subject to court proceedings. As a result, the courts have enacted several provisions in order to protect the most vulnerable. Can I apply for special measures? In order to be … [Read more...]
Child arrangements during the Christmas holidays
After the past two years, time with loved ones has never felt so important, but for separated parents Christmas can be a time of stress and worry as plans need to be agreed about where and how children will spend the festive season. So how do you avoid any festive unhappiness and agree on arrangements for children during Christmas? Whilst the Government has said that further lockdowns are unlikely, it has reiterated that restrictions should not prevent children from being able to move between … [Read more...]
Privacy v Transparency in the Family Court
A recent report on transparency in the Family Courts has led to the conclusion that change is needed to the current system. At present, when a journalist attends a Family Court hearing, they cannot usually publish anything about the hearing. The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane has stated that this is not sustainable going forward. Instead, he has suggested that it is important that we allow journalists to publish articles about what is seen and heard during Family Court … [Read more...]