Journalists can now report on family law cases in court – Is this good or bad?”

Journalists can now report on family law cases in court – Is this good or bad?”

By Partner, Anthony Parrish from Jones Myers Children’s Department

In a milestone development, accredited journalists can 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, these alternatives protect children being exposed to the fall out of their parents’ relationship. They prioritise children’s well-being and help the long-term interests of all those involved in the break-up.

Our family law specialists are at the forefront of options which take a non-confrontational approach to relationship breakdown and put children’s best interests first.

The specialisms of our award-winning Children’s Team span residence, contact, relocation, international child abduction, adoption, and child protection.
Dedicated to consistently delivering excellence, we act for parents and grandparents, we represent children, through their court appointed Children’s Guardians allocated by Cafcass. We also act separately for children of a significant age and maturity.

Our extensive expertise includes a Family Law Mediator, a Child Inclusive Mediator, Collaborative Family Lawyer and In House Counsel.

For queries on children law, mediation, or other family law issues, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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