Family law reform

Family law reform

Consultation tracker—Family

The Family consultation tracker tool displays the current status and developments in relation to key consultations, calls for evidence and inquiries (collectively referred to as 'consultations') being conducted by the judiciary, the UK Government and other bodies that have an impact on family law.

Pilot schemes in the Family Court

A number of pilot schemes are in operation in the Family Court. They are set out in Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955, Pt 36, and the associated Practice Directions. Many, although not all, of the pilot schemes are part of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) digitalisation programme, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of family proceedings.

See Practice Note: Pilot schemes in the Family Court.

FPR 2010—recent and forthcoming amendments

FPR 2010 are the main procedural rules that apply to family proceedings, with supporting Practice Directions. In the Practice Note: FPR 2010—recent and forthcoming amendments, amendments are detailed by year from 20207 onwards, together with details of amendments to FPR 2010 made as a result of Brexit from 11 pm on 31 December 2020 (implementation

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Latest Family News

Family weekly highlights—27 March 2025

This week's edition of Family weekly highlights includes details of a new protocol on the disclosure of information between coroners and the Family Court in cases involving fatality. Analysis of a High Court decision on unlawful surrogacy arrangements is also set out, together with notable aspects of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement, analysis of recent judgments on whether a Mesher order was appropriate, forced marriage protection orders and appeals made out of time. A new Practice Note on the citation of authorities in the family courts and a new flowchart on applications under Part 18 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 are also set out.

High Court warns against unlawful surrogacy arrangements (Re Z (Unlawful Foreign Surrogacy—Adoption)

Family analysis: An unusual predicament faced a couple in this case where they sought to be recognised as the parents of two children after an unlawful foreign surrogacy. This decision brought into sharp focus the legal and ethical dilemmas that arise when intended parents embark on illegal surrogacy arrangements in a foreign country. A significant feature in this case was also that the applicants were in their sixties and had not given sufficient consideration to the impact on the children of their age. Ultimately the only orders that were appropriate in the circumstances were adoption orders which were granted by the court. Tahmina Rahman, barrister at 1|GC Family Law Chambers, considers the issues.

Disclosure of information between coroners and the Family Court in cases involving fatality

The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, and the Chief Coroner, Her Honour Judge Alexia Durran, have published a new protocol and good practice model the— 2025 Protocol and Good Practice Model: Disclosure of information between coroners and the Family Court in cases involving fatality which takes effect from 24 March 2025 in cases involving the death of a child or adult where the circumstances of the death may be relevant to, and/or have the potential to inform, the assessment of risk concerning the subject children in family proceedings. The protocol is a guide to best practice for Family Court judges and coroners where there are parallel proceedings. It provides guidance on the flow of information between the two jurisdictions, and on dealing with requests for testing of the deceased to establish paternity. It also explains how Family Court judges and coroners can work together to seek expedited post-mortem examination evidence, in cases where care and welfare decisions for surviving children cannot be made until the cause of the deceased’s death is determined.

Family weekly highlights—20 March 2025

This week's edition of Family weekly highlights includes details of a consultation on the regulation of experts in family law children proceedings, together with the latest Family Procedure Rule Committee meeting minutes. Analysis of recent judgments on premature infant injury, the division of assets in financial remedy proceedings and coercive and controlling behaviour are also set out.