Media access and transparency

The family courts were opened to the media with effect from 27 April 2009. Media access is subject to stringent rules and is largely focused on allowing the media to attend hearings with restricted reporting. The President of the Family Division has issued guidance on media access and transparency.

Transparency

Transparency in the family courts is currently subject to a wide-ranging review following a consultation and report issued by the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane. A Transparency Implementation Group (TIG) has been set up and a standard transparency order published for use by the court.

There are currently two transparency pilots:

•
Transparency reporting pilot in the Financial Remedies Court (includes financial remedies on divorce, applications under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 and applications for financial provision after overseas divorce), and
•
Transparency reporting pilot in the Family Court (excludes financial remedy cases)

On 19 June 2024, the President published Transparency in the family courts publication of judgments practice guidance as part of the concerted move towards greater transparency in the Family Court. The guidance aims to provide practical advice to judges, legal

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