Key Developments in Family Law – What to Look Out for in 2024

Transparency

In a ground-breaking move towards increased transparency, a new pilot scheme is set to launch on January 29th, 2024, allowing accredited journalists and bloggers to report on financial remedies proceedings within family courts. This initiative aims to shed light on the intricate financial issues arising from divorce, civil partnership dissolution, and child support cases. By opening up these proceedings to media scrutiny, the legal system hopes to foster greater public understanding and trust in the family court process.

Removal of Parental Responsibility

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Justice is pushing for a significant amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill, which is slated to progress to the next stage in January 2024. The proposed change involves the automatic removal of parental responsibility for parents convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of their co-parent. This step, albeit drastic, is rooted in the pursuit of justice and the protection of vulnerable family members. Notably, exemptions will be made in cases involving domestic abuse, acknowledging the complexities of such situations.

Law Commission Report on Financial Remedies

However, the most anticipated development in family law is on the horizon, set to unfold in September 2024. The Law Commission of England and Wales is poised to release a scoping report resulting from its exhaustive review of financial remedy orders. This comprehensive examination delves into the intricacies of how finances are divided among couples post-divorce or civil partnership dissolution. The overarching goal is to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of existing laws governing financial remedies.

The potential reforms stemming from the Law Commission’s findings could significantly reshape the landscape of family law. This forward-looking initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that financial outcomes in divorce and dissolution cases align with principles of justice and fairness. The scoping report, due in September, promises to be a crucial document, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current legal framework.

Conclusion – Enhancing Transparency and Reforming Family Law Finance Claims

The developments outlined underscore the dynamic nature of family law in 2024, where efforts to balance transparency and justice are at the forefront. The pilot scheme for media coverage is a stride towards demystifying legal proceedings, fostering public awareness, and dispelling myths surrounding family courts. Simultaneously, the proposed amendment to the Victims and Prisoners Bill exhibits a commitment to safeguarding the interests of families by addressing extreme cases with appropriate measures.

As stakeholders eagerly await the Law Commission’s scoping report, the legal community and the public alike are poised for potential legislative reforms. The year 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for family law in England and Wales, where the pursuit of transparency, justice, and fairness converges in a series of transformative initiatives. These developments highlight a collective commitment to refining the legal system to better serve the diverse needs of families navigating the complexities of divorce and dissolution.

Useful Links

For further details on each of these areas, we have put together some handy links: