Changes to the Family Courts during the COVID-19 Pandemic

On the 19th March 2020 the President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice, Sir Andrew McFarlane, issued new guidance as to how the Justice System will function during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its subsequent impact on the Courts. 

The aim of the guidance is to ensure the Family Justice System continues to operate as normally as possible, whilst ensuring all reasonable precautions are taken to protect both the parties and the legal professionals. 

The guidance confirms that until further notice, all Family Court hearings should be affected remotely, unless the Court directs otherwise. This can be via various options including telephone or video. 

The current situation is changing on a daily basis, and the Justice System is taking these steps to reassure the public that the Courts will continue to operate throughout this difficult time.