Remote hearings (and possible alternatives...) in the UK family justice system
The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory have stated that: “The coronavirus crisis and social distancing pose immediate challenges to the family courts’ ways of working”.
An infographic produced by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory has shown a clear picture of family court operation in the wake of COVID-19. Family cases have been delayed significantly by lockdown, social distancing and health and safety concerns. This is on top of an already overburdened family court system.
85% of hearings in England and Wales are taking place remotely according to HMCTS, 2020.
Court need not be the solution in all cases. You can find out more about alternatives to court at the Resolution website. Alternatives to Court when divorcing or separating.. Alternatives can include family mediation, family arbitration, collaborative family law process or financial dispute resolution (FDR).
You can read the full report on the Nuffield Observatory Family Justice observatory website