East Midlands Courts brings in new system to keep more cases out of court

The East Midlands Court is bringing in a new case management system for private children cases. The changes include: 

  • Resolving cases as early as possible, to reduce conflict between parents. The anticipated time frames are now 25 weeks for cases where there is no fact finding hearing (dealing with allegations of abuse), and 40 weeks where a fact finding hearing is required. 
  • Ensuring children over the age of 12 should be spoken and listened to with their views where applicable 
  • Identify cases which shouldn’t be in court at all, and can access out of court services instead 

Ultimately the aim, as set out by Mrs Justice Lieven, is to ‘provide a better outcome for the children who are involved in these cases’. 

A new site is currently in the process of being made for parents to access resources, find support, and get further information to help enable parents to reach agreements without having to go to court. 

Once again, Family Judges are looking at ways to help families stay out of court. The more co-parents can understand the cost, delay and negative emotional impact court proceedings can have on the adults and children involved, the better equipped they will be to look around for other options. At The Divorce Surgery, we now offer one of meetings for coupes with a shared solicitor to talk about co-parenting and, hopefully, resolve their issues and draw up a parenting plan without ever having to entertain court proceedings, let alone visit a court room. 


If you have more questions about this topic or any other legal issues arising on divorce or separation, please do get in touch as we are always happy to help. You can call us on 0203 488 4475 or email contact@thedivorcesurgery.co.uk.


We have a range of online courses available if you want to find out more about the legal aspects of divorce- we are currently offering free access to our ‘Don’t Know Where to Start with Divorce’ course: Online Courses For Divorce Self Help | The Divorce Surgery.

Author Name: Editor
admin Published content by The Divorce Surgery Editorial Team.

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