In a significant move towards openness in family law, new transparency rules are being rolled out across England and Wales, allowing journalists and legal bloggers to report on family court cases. After a successful pilot program in 2023, these rules are set to transform how family court proceedings are viewed and understood by the public.

The rules will enable journalists to request transparency orders in all family courts, giving them the ability to report on the cases they observe. They will also have access to key documents related to these cases, although they must maintain the anonymity of families involved. While judges still have the authority to deny requests, the default approach will be to support transparency. This change is expected to shed light on the often-private world of family law and allow the public to better understand the workings of the system.

The roll-out will begin with public law care cases and expand to private law cases, such as disputes over child custody and living arrangements, in May 2025. By the end of 2025, the new transparency rules will extend to family cases in magistrates’ courts, further broadening access to family law proceedings.

The new rules are a crucial step towards accountability in family law, with a focus on ensuring greater openness about family proceedings due to the significant impact they have on families every day. The aim is to hold judges accountable for their decisions, particularly in high-profile cases. For those who prefer privacy, non-court dispute resolution options such as mediation and arbitration are available, offering alternatives to public court proceedings.

At the core of this shift towards transparency is public interest and the goal of making the family justice system more accessible and accountable. By offering greater insight into the decisions that affect families, the hope is to foster greater understanding, trust, and fairness within the legal system. As the rules continue to evolve, it’s clear that this is a step towards a more transparent and open family law system.

If you have any questions about how these changes could affect your case, speak to one of our Family Law Solicitors on 01403 45643, or email: info@lewisdenley.com

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