Skip to Content

Family Law reforms.

Revolution rather than Evolution


Changes have come into force to drastically alter the family Justice system, following an independent review in 2011 which highlighted that there was in fact 'no system at all', when family courts deal with over half a million cases each year it was absurd that a clear efficient system was not in place.

Some of the key changes include replacing the old Family court 'system?', with a single family court and introducing new time limits for taking children into care. These and other changes are designed to make the process more efficient and protect any children involved.

The review established that the old system failed children that needed protection, with the justice system taking on average over a year to determine a Childs' future; the new time limit of 26 weeks will improve this but as this is all new we are yet to see how it will work in practice; if a case needs more time this limit can be extended.

Under the old Family Law system parents contested contact and residency of a child, with the objective being the rights of the parent rather than what is best for the child. The new system removes these phrases, the new focus being on the child's needs rather than the parents', with parents attending mediation prior to delivering proposals to Court. Once again as this is all new it will be interesting to see how this is interpreted.

The new changes have been welcomed across the board, with the best interests of children at the centre of all decisions. It is important that the courts do not get caught up in bureaucracy and evaluating unnecessary evidence, and the new laws should put an end to this.

This is an opportunity and the changes have taken a broom to the inherent problems within the family judicial system, let's hope the new ethos and practices are embraced long term.



Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

Protecting your on-line memories

Protecting your on-line memories - In a recent survey over 2,000 people were asked what they think happens to digital images on Facebook if a user passes away, ..

Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

Children and the Law Leaving a child at home.

There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if ..

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

link

Registering your Childs Birth.

Registration of a Childs birth is a legal requirement - understand what you need to do...

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

Children and the Law - Smacking

Children and the Law - Smacking.
It is surprising that the UK have not adopted the same stance as in Europe where the EU have adopted a clearer stance in makin..

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many way..

link

Guide to Mediation - Children

One of the biggest decisions facing couples when a relationship breaks down is what happens with the children, there are many decisions that need to be made, al..

The legal rights of unmarried couples.

The legal rights of unmarried couples, regarding property. - In the event of the breakup of a relationship where the couple are not married what happens to the ..

Reasons for Divorce

Reasons for Divorce. - What constitutes grounds for divorce..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top