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Private Family Law Earlier Resolution

The Ministry of Justice and Online Procedure Rule Committee are reforming private family law to enable earlier resolution of disputes, with focus on improving access to justice and reducing court delays. Recent parliamentary questions highlight concerns about CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) neutrality, safeguarding balance, and potential bias against fathers, particularly regarding parental responsibility retention. The Courts and Tribunals Bill contains relevant provisions under clause 17.

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2025

3 events
6 Jun 2025 | Consultation (closed) Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Family Procedure Rules: new draft 25.5A, changes to 25.2 and practice directions 25B and 25C — consultation closed

The Family Procedure Rule Committee is consulting publicly on new Family Procedure Rule (FPR) 25.5A concerning the instruction of unregulated experts. The consultation also includes amendments to FPR 25.2 and Practice Directions (PDs) 25B and 25C.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation on the standards required for expe…
+1 more
↓ Unregulated experts FPRC update: draft FPR 25.5A and amendm… (11pp)
14 Mar 2025 | Consultation (closed) Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Family Procedure Rules: new draft 25.5A, changes to 25.2 and practice directions 25B and 25C — consultation opened

The Family Procedure Rule Committee is consulting publicly on new Family Procedure Rule (FPR) 25.5A concerning the instruction of unregulated experts. The consultation also includes amendments to FPR 25.2 and Practice Directions (PDs) 25B and 25C.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation on the standards required for expe…
+1 more
↓ Unregulated experts FPRC update: draft FPR 25.5A and amendm… (11pp)

2024

2 events
12 Feb 2024 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements — outcome published

A consultation on resolving private family disputes earlier through family mediation.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family…
+15 more
↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (58pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (64pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (132pp) ↓ Impact assessment (19pp) ↓ The Family Test (4pp) ↓ Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Analysis (17pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (62pp) ↓ Part 1: General information (easy read version) (34pp) ↓ Part 2: Help for families who are splitting up (easy read v… (35pp) ↓ Part 3: Asking families to go to mediation (easy read versi… (45pp) ↓ Part 4: Ways to encourage people to go to mediation (easy r… (26pp) ↓ Part 5: Impact Assessment, Equalities and Welsh Language (e… (26pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (55pp) ↓ Cefnogi penderfynu cynharach ar drefniadau cyfraith deulu b… (53pp)

2023

7 events
20 Dec 2023 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system — outcome published

The Ministry of Justice is seeking views from all interested parties on the Government’s proposals to increase the use of mediation in the civil justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil ju… (33pp)
+10 more
↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (36pp) ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (64pp) ↓ Impact assessment (9pp) ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (42pp) ↓ Using mediation in the civil justice system: What people to… (31pp) ↓ Cynyddu’r defnydd o gyfryngu yn y system gyfiawnder sifil: … (38pp) ↓ Impact assessment (unsigned version) (17pp) ↓ Impact assessment (signed first page) (1pp) ↓ Regulatory Policy Committee opinion: Impact assessment (6pp)
16 Jun 2023 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements — consultation closed

A consultation on resolving private family disputes earlier through family mediation.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family…
+15 more
↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (58pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (64pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (132pp) ↓ Impact assessment (19pp) ↓ The Family Test (4pp) ↓ Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Analysis (17pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (62pp) ↓ Part 1: General information (easy read version) (34pp) ↓ Part 2: Help for families who are splitting up (easy read v… (35pp) ↓ Part 3: Asking families to go to mediation (easy read versi… (45pp) ↓ Part 4: Ways to encourage people to go to mediation (easy r… (26pp) ↓ Part 5: Impact Assessment, Equalities and Welsh Language (e… (26pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (55pp) ↓ Cefnogi penderfynu cynharach ar drefniadau cyfraith deulu b… (53pp)
25 May 2023 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Assessing risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases — outcome published

A public call for evidence on how the family courts protect children and parents in private law children cases concerning domestic abuse and other serious offences.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Progress update (16pp)
+8 more
↓ Progress update (Welsh) (18pp) ↓ Final report (216pp) ↓ Adroddiad Terfynol (229pp) ↓ Domestic abuse and private law children cases: A literature… (171pp) ↓ Implementation plan (19pp) ↓ Cynllun Gweithredu (23pp) ↓ Implementation plan: delivery update (31pp) ↓ Annex - Integrated Domestic Abuse Courts update (12pp)
23 Mar 2023 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements — consultation opened

A consultation on resolving private family disputes earlier through family mediation.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family…
+15 more
↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (58pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (64pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (132pp) ↓ Impact assessment (19pp) ↓ The Family Test (4pp) ↓ Family Mediation Voucher Scheme Analysis (17pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (62pp) ↓ Part 1: General information (easy read version) (34pp) ↓ Part 2: Help for families who are splitting up (easy read v… (35pp) ↓ Part 3: Asking families to go to mediation (easy read versi… (45pp) ↓ Part 4: Ways to encourage people to go to mediation (easy r… (26pp) ↓ Part 5: Impact Assessment, Equalities and Welsh Language (e… (26pp) ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… ↓ Supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrange… (55pp) ↓ Cefnogi penderfynu cynharach ar drefniadau cyfraith deulu b… (53pp)

2022

9 events
5 Oct 2022 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system — consultation closed

The Ministry of Justice is seeking views from all interested parties on the Government’s proposals to increase the use of mediation in the civil justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil ju… (33pp)
+10 more
↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (36pp) ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (64pp) ↓ Impact assessment (9pp) ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (42pp) ↓ Using mediation in the civil justice system: What people to… (31pp) ↓ Cynyddu’r defnydd o gyfryngu yn y system gyfiawnder sifil: … (38pp) ↓ Impact assessment (unsigned version) (17pp) ↓ Impact assessment (signed first page) (1pp) ↓ Regulatory Policy Committee opinion: Impact assessment (6pp)
26 Jul 2022 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system — consultation opened

The Ministry of Justice is seeking views from all interested parties on the Government’s proposals to increase the use of mediation in the civil justice system.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil ju… (33pp)
+10 more
↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (36pp) ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (64pp) ↓ Impact assessment (9pp) ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… ↓ Increasing the use of mediation in the civil justice system… (42pp) ↓ Using mediation in the civil justice system: What people to… (31pp) ↓ Cynyddu’r defnydd o gyfryngu yn y system gyfiawnder sifil: … (38pp) ↓ Impact assessment (unsigned version) (17pp) ↓ Impact assessment (signed first page) (1pp) ↓ Regulatory Policy Committee opinion: Impact assessment (6pp)
19 Jan 2022 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Family Proceedings Fees (Amendment) Order 2022

This Order amends the Family Proceedings Fees Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1054) (“the Fees Order”). Articles 3(2), (3)(a), (8) and (9)(b) amend the Fees Order to reflect changes in terminology resulting from the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (c. 11). …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
17 Jan 2022 | Statutory Instrument linked

The Family Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2022

These Rules amend the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (“the FPR”) (S.I. 2010/2955) to give procedural effect to the revised legislative framework brought about by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (“DDSA 2020”).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

3 events
2 Mar 2021 | Consultation (closed) Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Draft changes to the Family Procedure Rules arising from planned implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 — consultation closed

Seeking views on proposed amendments to Part 6 (Service) and new rules in Part 7 (Procedure for Applications in Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Proceedings) of the Family Procedure Rules 2010.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation document (16pp)
+2 more
↓ Annex A: draft amemdments to Family Procedure Rule Part 6 (25pp) ↓ Annex B: draft amemdments to Family Procedure Rule Part 7 (24pp)

2020

6 events
16 Dec 2020 | Consultation (closed) Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Draft changes to the Family Procedure Rules arising from planned implementation of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 — consultation opened

Seeking views on proposed amendments to Part 6 (Service) and new rules in Part 7 (Procedure for Applications in Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Proceedings) of the Family Procedure Rules 2010.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation document (16pp)
+2 more
↓ Annex A: draft amemdments to Family Procedure Rule Part 6 (25pp) ↓ Annex B: draft amemdments to Family Procedure Rule Part 7 (24pp)
3 Mar 2020 | Bill stage Ministry of Justice linked

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill [HL]

Committee (Continued) 19:34:00 Amendment 4 Moved by 4: Clause 1, page 2, line 8, leave out “20” and insert “46” Member’s explanatory statement This would extend the minimum legal period for a divorce from six months to one year (with …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament
8 Jan 2020 | Policy paper Ministry of Justice linked

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill

The Bill makes important changes to the legal process for married couples to obtain a divorce, for civil partners to dissolve their civil partnership, or for obtaining a judicial separation.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill
+7 more
↓ Fact sheet (2pp) ↓ Equalities statement (7pp) ↓ Impact assessment (26pp) ↓ Impact assessment (unsigned version) (26pp) ↓ European Convention on Human Rights Memorandum (10pp) ↓ Family impact test (8pp) ↓ Reform of the legal requirements for divorce consultation a…
7 Jan 2020 | Bill stage Ministry of Justice linked

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill [HL]

First Reading 15:18:00 A Bill to make in relation to marriage and civil partnership in England and Wales provision about divorce, dissolution and separation; and for connected purposes. The Bill was introduced by Lord Keen of Elie, read a first …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

2019

7 events
28 Oct 2019 | Bill stage linked

Divorce (etc.) Law Review Bill [HL]

First Reading 15:18:00 A Bill to provide for a review by the Lord Chancellor of the law of England and Wales relating to divorce and judicial separation and to the dissolution of civil partnerships and the separation of civil partners. …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament
28 Aug 2019 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Assessing risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases — consultation closed

A public call for evidence on how the family courts protect children and parents in private law children cases concerning domestic abuse and other serious offences.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Progress update (16pp)
+8 more
↓ Progress update (Welsh) (18pp) ↓ Final report (216pp) ↓ Adroddiad Terfynol (229pp) ↓ Domestic abuse and private law children cases: A literature… (171pp) ↓ Implementation plan (19pp) ↓ Cynllun Gweithredu (23pp) ↓ Implementation plan: delivery update (31pp) ↓ Annex - Integrated Domestic Abuse Courts update (12pp)
19 Jul 2019 | Consultation outcome Ministry of Justice linked

Assessing risk of harm to children and parents in private law children cases — consultation opened

A public call for evidence on how the family courts protect children and parents in private law children cases concerning domestic abuse and other serious offences.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Progress update (16pp)
+8 more
↓ Progress update (Welsh) (18pp) ↓ Final report (216pp) ↓ Adroddiad Terfynol (229pp) ↓ Domestic abuse and private law children cases: A literature… (171pp) ↓ Implementation plan (19pp) ↓ Cynllun Gweithredu (23pp) ↓ Implementation plan: delivery update (31pp) ↓ Annex - Integrated Domestic Abuse Courts update (12pp)
16 Jul 2019 | Consultation (closed) Ministry of Justice Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Consultation in relation to the treatment of Calderbank offers when determining issues relating to costs — consultation opened

This consultation seeks views as to whether the Family Procedure Rule 2010 should be amended in relation to the treatment of Calderbank offers when determining issues relating to costs.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Consultation in relation to the treatment of Ca…
25 Jun 2019 | Bill stage Ministry of Justice linked

Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill

Second Reading 12:53:00 The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Mr David Gauke): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Marriage will always be one of our most important institutions. It is …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

2018

5 events
1 Aug 2018 | Consultation outcome Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Vulnerable witnesses practice direction — outcome published

A consultation on the proposed practice direction to facilitate vulnerable witnesses in family proceedings.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Vulnerable witnesses practice direction consult… (3pp)
+3 more
↓ Vulnerable witnesses practice direction consultation letter (3pp) ↓ Draft Practice Direction 3AA (5pp) ↓ Draft Part 3A: Family Procedure Rule (5pp)
18 Jul 2018 | Bill stage linked

Divorce (etc.) Law Review Bill [HL]

First Reading 15:42:00 A Bill to provide for a review by the Lord Chancellor of the law of England and Wales relating to divorce and judicial separation and to the dissolution of civil partnerships and the separation of civil partners. …

▤ View Bill · ↗ Parliament

2017

4 events
17 Mar 2017 | Consultation outcome Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Vulnerable witnesses practice direction — consultation closed

A consultation on the proposed practice direction to facilitate vulnerable witnesses in family proceedings.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Vulnerable witnesses practice direction consult… (3pp)
+3 more
↓ Vulnerable witnesses practice direction consultation letter (3pp) ↓ Draft Practice Direction 3AA (5pp) ↓ Draft Part 3A: Family Procedure Rule (5pp)
23 Feb 2017 | Consultation outcome Online Procedure Rule Committee linked

Vulnerable witnesses practice direction — consultation opened

A consultation on the proposed practice direction to facilitate vulnerable witnesses in family proceedings.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Vulnerable witnesses practice direction consult… (3pp)
+3 more
↓ Vulnerable witnesses practice direction consultation letter (3pp) ↓ Draft Practice Direction 3AA (5pp) ↓ Draft Part 3A: Family Procedure Rule (5pp)

2016

1 event

2015

3 events

2012

2 events