This week marks a milestone development in family law with accredited journalists allowed to report in family law courts on cases which decide the future and wellbeing of children whose parents are divorcing.

They can also report on cases which determine if children should be taken into care.

Whereas the media have previously been allowed to observe such hearings since 2009 - but only report on what a judge allowed - they can now write in detail on cases, have access to some legal documents and interview families about their cases - providing their identify is protected.

The move follows a two-year pilot scheme covering private and public law children law cases. It aims to remove long-standing concerns about the ‘secrecy’ surrounding family courts, create greater transparency and build public confidence.

As a whole, our Children’s Department - which covers every area of public and private children law - sees the change as a favourable move.

There are some reservations however about how those who represent themselves in Court Proceedings - because they either can’t afford a family lawyer or simply choose to do so - may try to use the media to their own advantage.

This could apply in situations where they portray the other party in an unfavourable light or put their privacy at risk. Such scenarios raise concerns about safety and especially around the potential for social media platforms to be abused.

On the positive side, as long as journalists adhere to responsible reporting, the development will provide a constructive insight in helping the public to understand the realities of the Family Court System - and for an unbiased approach to be taken.


The new reporting freedoms could also see divorcing couples - particularly those with a profile in their community who are concerned about protecting their own and their children’s privacy - resolve matters out of the courtroom glare.

This can be achieved through alternative routes such as mediation or the collaborative process which help separating couples to find an agreed way forward in a constructive, positive manner.

Less costly, acrimonious, and drawn-out, the alternatives protect children being exposed to the fall out of their parents’ relationship.

This non-confrontational approach prioritises children’s well-being and helps the long-term interests of all those involved in the break-up - especially children whose welfare should be at the heart of a relationship breakdown.

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers has been awarded top tier legal rankings in legal guides for almost three decades. Specialist lawyers include the firm’s own in-house counsel.