Government stalls on family court legislation

The coalition Government is stalling on whether to implement legislation by the previous Labour administration which they claimed could make the family courts more transparent and open to greater coverage by the media.

Junior Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly and Education Minister Tim Loughton told the House of Commons that no decision would be made until the Family Justice Review had published its final report. Critics believe the reforms will actually make it increasingly more difficult to report on family cases. They legislation was introduced in the second phase of the Children Schools and Families Act 2010, which was rushed through Parliament prior to the general election in May.

The Family Justice Review, which is being chaired by David Norgrove, chairman of the Pensions Regulator and the Low Pay Commission, was commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Education, and the Welsh Assembly Government. Mr Norgrove is due to publish an interim report next spring, which will be followed by a consultation period, and a final report, which will include proposals for legislation, in autumn next year.

Our Family and Matrimonial Team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice on divorce, financial settlements, pre- and post-nups, contact a member of the team; call us on 01494 790000 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.