Family Court changes

Tue 03 Jun 2014|

As from the 22nd April 2014 there is now only 1 Family Court which will deal with all family matters including Divorce, children, financial matters arising from divorce,and care proceedings. There are 3 levels of Judges who may deal with an application, and much will depend on the complexity of the issue to be decided.

Another change is that couples must now attend a Mediation Information Assessment Meeting BEFORE issuing applications in respect of children (now called Child Arrangement Orders) and Ancillary Relief (money matters arising from relationship breakdown) The changes also brings in a 26 week time limit to finish applications by Local Authorities for Care Orders or Supervision Orders in respect of children