Blog

CAFCASS updated domestic abuse practice policy

CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) have published an updated domestic abuse practice policy, which was implemented on...

The Transparency Project - An update

In October 2024, we reported on a pilot scheme known as ‘The Transparency Project’, (you can read a copy here) in which a select number of courts...

Equal Protection from Assault for Children

The Children’s Commissioner has called on the Government to remove the defence of “reasonable punishment” as a defence in common law and the Children...

Understanding Non-Molestation Orders

What is a Non-Molestation Order? A Non-Molestation Order is a protective order that prohibits a person from behaving in a certain way towards another...

Leave to oppose an Adoption Order following Care Proceedings

At the conclusion of Care Proceedings, a Judge may make Final Care and Placement Orders in respect of the child or children.

CAFCASS’ new animated video for children in Family Court Proceedings

CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) has released a new animation intended for children subject to proceedings in the...

Family Justice Council’s new guidance on alienating behaviours and the Domestic Abuse Commissioners response

In December 2024 the Family Justice Council (“FJC”) released new guidance detailing how the Court’s should deal with allegations that are made by...

What is an Interim Care Order?

If a Local Authority issues an application to the Family Court to commence Care Proceedings in respect of a child, it may be asking the Court to make...

Types of Assessment in Care Proceedings

Care proceedings initiated by the Local Authority involve a range of assessments to help the Court to determine what is in the best interests of the...

Wholesale reform recommended for adoption process

A report has been published on 7th November 2024 recommending wholesale reform to the process of adoption in the UK.

Declaration of Parentage

In cases where establishing biological parentage is necessary - whether for personal, legal, or identity-related reasons - individuals may apply to...

Transparency orders in the Family Court

In October 2021 it was decided that journalists and legal bloggers should be able to report on what they see and hear in court, subject to strict...

Top Tips for Parents involved in the Family Court

Proceedings concerning children after parents have separated can be an extremely challenging time for everyone involved. A whirl of emotions can make...

The Role of an Intervenor within Public Law Care Proceedings

Care proceedings are usually a very confidential process. Without a jury or a public gallery like various other legal proceedings, the only people...

What is a Prohibited Steps Order?

A Prohibited Steps Order prevents a person, typically a parent, from a certain activity in relation to a child and from exercising their parental...

Grandparents' rights to contact with their grandchildren

The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can be a cherished and vital part of family life, offering emotional support, stability, and...

Understanding Parental Alienation: Progress and Challenges in Family Law

In 2019 I wrote a blog about parental alienation (linked here). It’s time for an update on where we are now 5 years on…

Do I have the right to make decisions about my child?

What is Parental Responsibility?‘Parental Responsibility’ or ‘PR’ is the bundle of rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and obligations that...

Taking children abroad – the dos and don’ts for separated parents

If you are separated from your child’s other parent or are currently involved in Court proceedings regarding your children, and want to take the...

What is a Guardian and why are they involved in proceedings concerning children?

The Local Authority may issue care proceedings when they have concerns that a child is at risk of significant harm. Examples of neglect Examples...

What to expect at a family court during care proceedings

It can be very daunting attending court for the first time, especially during care proceedings. Care proceedings are a court process started by a...

What do I do if I receive a Public Law Outline (PLO) letter?

What is a PLO letter? A PLO letter will be sent to you if a Local Authority become concerned about your child’s wellbeing. The Local Authority will...