Carole Atkinson, of Weightmans, welcomes proposed changes to family justice

THE recent Norgrove Report saw recommendations put forward to improve the family justice system.

It found that cases are taking too long, the cost is often high, children and adults are confused by the system, organisational structures are overly complicated and IT support and information services are inadequate.

As a result of the report, separating parents may need in future to attend a Separated Parent Information Programme, as well as an initial mediation session to ensure that any dispute that can be resolved out of court is resolved out of court.

In particular, I welcome the report’s recommendation for judicial continuity in cases relating to children. Having the same judge conduct every hearing in a particular case would ensure that the approach taken was consistent throughout the case. There would also be greater accountability for delays in listing cases for the next hearing.

The recommendation that sparked the most controversy is the decision that no law should be introduced that implies a parental right to equal time with the children. This has been interpreted in some spheres as a blow to fathers’ rights. I disagree – and fathers should not be disheartened. There is nothing in current legislation that favours either parent when it comes to deciding what arrangement is in the best interests of the children. The recommendation does not change this.