Child Focused Courts hailed by Cheshire-based family law expert

A Cheshire-based family law expert has saluted the nationwide roll out of Child Focused Courts and its potentially transformative impact on the system.

Formerly known as Pathfinder Courts, the model aims to reduce trauma, speed up cases, and prioritise safety, particularly for those involving domestic abuse or high-conflict separations.

After a positive period operating in 10 of 43 court areas in England and Wales, the scheme has expanded to include Cheshire and Merseyside as well as Lancashire, amongst others.

This new system follows on from other key changes, including the Courts and Tribunal Bill, which has seen the presumption of parental involvement revoked.

This means courts no longer start from the assumption that contact with both parents is always best but rather conduct an open-minded enquiry into what is safest for child wellbeing.

Lauren Soutar, member of the family department at Warrington law firm Watsons Solicitors, said: “Reducing trauma and prioritising the safety of children is crucial, and these changes are a big step in the right direction.

“The trial period has been a success, which is fantastic, and having it extended far and wide can only be a positive.”

Family court backlogs halved and cases were resolved up to seven-and-a-half months faster under the enhanced model.

Lauren, who holds the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation, continued: “Too many families are locked into lengthy, highly-emotional court proceedings which leave youngsters vulnerable.

“The new system appears to have helped alleviate some of the pressure around the time taken to determine cases and hopefully, everything keeps progressing in a positive manner.”

The government aims to achieve full national coverage across all 43 family court areas by 2029.

Justice Minister Baroness Levitt KC said: “No child should have to live with fear, uncertainty or the shadow of conflict hanging over their everyday life. Behind every case is a young person who needs reassurance, protection and the chance to simply be a child.

“By rolling out Child Focused Courts nationally, we can help spare more children the pain of drawn-out proceedings, deliver swifter justice for families while making sure support comes earlier when it is needed most.

“This is about giving children and their families safety, stability and the best possible foundation for a healthy future.”

To speak to someone at Watsons Solicitors about all aspects of family law, please contact enquiries@watsonssolicitors.com or call 01925 571212.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, and conveyancing. The team of experienced solicitors holds various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.