Family Solicitors

Children separated from their parents by court rulings must be able to find out the reasons behind the decision when they become adults according to new recommendations made by the most senior family judge.

Sir James Munby admitted that it is a “great concern” that secret judgements made by family court judges are not part of a “definitive record” and criticised the fact that the majority are not transcribed or published as children affected by such rulings are unable to find out the finer details later.

Sir James, President of the Family Division, said: “More importantly, in future years: five years, ten years, twenty years, thirty years or fifty years into the future, a child, who may, for example, be subject of adoption proceedings, is able to see what the judge actually said.”

He added that this was a pressing issue for children as their lives may have changed dramatically following the rulings. Sir James said that such “disclosure into the public arena” has cost implications but that it was necessary for “greater transparency”.

The most senior family judge issued guidance to the family court system in January, stating that there must now be “compelling reasons” for judgements to be kept private. He said that this had already had a positive impact on secrecy that had been criticised by MPs and fathers' groups in the past.

Duncan Lewis' experienced team of family solicitors are child care law experts. We understand how separation can affect you and your family and will provide a solution that eases the stress on minors.