COVID-19 and the family courts: key practitioner findings in children cases

In March 2020, stringent social distancing measures were introduced across England and Wales to reduce the spread of Covid-19. These have presented significant challenges for family justice system. This article sets out findings interviews conducted with professionals in North East who represented or otherwise supported litigants private public children proceedings since introduced. The reveal that whilst practitioners are broadly positive about their experiences shorter non-contested hearings, they nonetheless concerns effectiveness remote/hybrid hearings ensuring a fair just process lengthy complex cases. particular, indicate move remote has exacerbated pre-existing barriers unrepresented vulnerable litigants. aims this not ‘name shame’ any particular court but highlight evidence good practice provide scope improving practitioners’ litigants’ within current restrictions.