Report on Family Law justice system and remote court hearings
A rapid consulation was commissioned into the effectiveness of remote hearings in family law courts in the UK. The results are now in.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the introduction of social distancing measures, the family courts in England and Wales have rapidly adapted to using telephone and video hearings. In light of this significant change, the President of the Family Division asked the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory to undertake a rapid consultation on the use of remote hearings in the family court.
The consultation ran for a two-week period from 14 to 28 April 2020 and well over 1,000 people responded. Our subsequent report provides an overview of the consultation responses.
The consultation discussed the use of videoconferencing technology, such as Zoom:
Videoconferencing received more positive feedback when participants were able to overcome technical and connectivity issues. Positive comments tend to relate to technical functions replicating ‘real life’ as closely as possible. Being able to see everyone’s face and the ability to communicate privately outside of the main forum is considered important. Professionals highlighted the need for a second screen to read documents.
You can read the full Nuffield Family Justice Observatory report here: Nuffield Family Justice Observatory: Rapid consultation on remote court hearings