*/
The Ministry of Justice is to carry out a wide-ranging review of the family justice system in England and Wales.
The review—part of the cross-government “Families and Relationship Green Paper” launched in January—will look at ways to avoid confrontational court hearings and encourage the use of mediation.
Between five and ten per cent of separating parents resolve child access disputes through the courts. They are often unaware that mediation is available or wrongly assume it is only for couples wishing to reconcile.
The paper proposes making it compulsory for privately-funded clients to consider mediation before having residence and contact disputes heard in court. This is currently a requirement for legal aid clients. Extra support may be given to the Family Mediation Council to build on existing accreditation schemes for family mediators.
A review panel is to be appointed to hear from people with experience of the family justice system, and may issue calls for evidence, focus groups and formal consultation.
Between five and ten per cent of separating parents resolve child access disputes through the courts. They are often unaware that mediation is available or wrongly assume it is only for couples wishing to reconcile.
The paper proposes making it compulsory for privately-funded clients to consider mediation before having residence and contact disputes heard in court. This is currently a requirement for legal aid clients. Extra support may be given to the Family Mediation Council to build on existing accreditation schemes for family mediators.
A review panel is to be appointed to hear from people with experience of the family justice system, and may issue calls for evidence, focus groups and formal consultation.
The Ministry of Justice is to carry out a wide-ranging review of the family justice system in England and Wales.
The review—part of the cross-government “Families and Relationship Green Paper” launched in January—will look at ways to avoid confrontational court hearings and encourage the use of mediation.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Susie Griffin on the admin that keeps barristers from billable work
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
