Domestic Abuse Commissioner responds to government’s ‘Early Resolution’ plans for the Family Court

Today the Ministry of Justice has published its response to the Private Family Law Early Resolution Consultation which sought views on measures to help families resolve disputes as swiftly and easily possible.

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs says: “The Family Court is critical in keeping child and adult victims safe from abuse. I am delighted that the Pathfinder Court pilots will be extended to two further sites, with a view to national roll-out. These courts take a child-centred approach, supporting victims and embedding an understanding of domestic abuse throughout the proceedings, which were key recommendations I made in my 2023 Family Court report. 

“I welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that early resolution measures – such as provision of early legal advice, and reforming the family justice system to be less adversarial and more child-centric – will further improve the Family Court response to domestic abuse and protect child and adult victims from further harm.”

Read the government’s response here.

Read the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Family Court report here.