The Family Justice Board has issued a statement and supporting documents setting out its priorities for Family Justice for the next two years.
They state: ‘We need to focus on improving the experience of those who access the Family Court, and on improving the outcomes and life chances for children and young people affected by family separation. We wish to emphasise the need to look at the ‘system’ holistically, identifying early support and issue resolution for families, rather than consigning them to protracted and unnecessary court hearings which damage family relationships. We need urgently to address the current merry-go-round of returning cases.’ They also suggest the creation of a Ministry for Separating Families, so there can be holistic overview.
We have long advocated that divorce and separation should be treated as a shared problem for a couple to navigate responsibly and together, rather than against each other.
We welcome these proposals and look forward to seeing where they lead.