Family Courts Are Changing: Your Questions Answered About the New Child-Focused Approach
Major changes are being introduced to family courts across England and Wales, with a new “child-focused” approach set to change the way disputes between parents are handled. The reforms, described by the country’s most senior family judge as the biggest change to the family justice system in 30 years, aim to make court proceedings less stressful for children and help families resolve issues more quickly.
For parents going through separation or disputes over child arrangements, here are the key questions answered in simple terms.
What is changing in the family courts?
The biggest change is that the court process will focus much more heavily on the child’s experience, feelings and wellbeing from the very beginning of the case. Instead of parents simply presenting their own sides of the story in court, judges will now have information much earlier about how the conflict is affecting the child.
How will the new system work?
Before parents attend court, a professional from Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) will usually meet both the child and the parents. The judge will then receive a report before the first hearing takes place. This means the court can focus immediately on what is best for the child and what steps might reduce conflict between parents.
Why are these changes being introduced?
Many family court cases currently take months or even years to resolve. This can be emotionally exhausting for parents and deeply upsetting for children.
The new approach is designed to:
• Help children feel heard sooner
• Reduce delays in court cases
• Encourage parents to focus on solutions rather than conflict
• Improve support for families at an earlier stage
The government says pilot schemes have already helped resolve cases faster and reduced backlogs in some areas.
Will children now have more of a voice?
Yes. One of the key aims of the reforms is to ensure children’s wishes and feelings are considered much earlier in the process where appropriate. This does not mean children will be asked to “choose” between parents, but it does mean their experiences and emotional wellbeing should play a bigger role in decisions affecting them.
Will these changes happen immediately?
The new system has already been tested in 10 areas since 2022 and will now be introduced across England and Wales over the next three years.
What should parents do if they are separating?
Parents should try to keep communication child-focused wherever possible and seek advice early if disagreements begin to escalate. Court proceedings can still be stressful and emotional, but understanding the process and getting the right support can make a significant difference for both parents and children.
At Sydney Mitchell Solicitors, our Family Law team understands how difficult child arrangement disputes can be. We provide clear, compassionate advice to help parents navigate separation while keeping their children’s wellbeing at the heart of every decision.
If you are facing a family court issue or need advice about arrangements for your children, contact our team today for practical support and expert guidance tailored to your family’s circumstances.
