Latest Covid-19 family court restrictions and updates for England
A new message from the Lord Chief Justice and Senior President of Tribunals has been published. It outlines the effects of the new lockdown restrictions on courts and tribunals, including family law and family court matters.
The Family Law Week website reports that Lord Burnett of Maldon, Lord Chief Justice and Sir Keith Lindblom, Senior President of Tribunals, have outlined their response to the new lockdown restrictions in England.
They state that the work of the courts (including family courts) and tribunals will continue to be exempted from these measures.
The message continues, with them reassuring court users that:
“It is vital for the well-being of the country that the administration of justice continues to operate. The legal profession, the parties, jurors, witnesses, judges, magistrates and court staff are all key workers, vital to the continued running of the courts and tribunals in this proposed period of renewed significant restrictions. Our experience since March has left us much better prepared. HMCTS will continue to follow and implement public health advice to reduce risk”.
“In March we urged judges across the jurisdictions to facilitate the remote attendance of participants in court proceedings where that was compatible with the interests of justice. The interests of justice are wide and extend beyond the interests of parties in a hearing to encompass the consequences of delay in the case and to the system as a whole. Remote attendance, together with the requirements for social distancing, have led to a significant reduction in footfall in all court buildings whilst enabling thousands of hearings to take place. Significantly reduced footfall will continue to be necessary in this next phase.
“Judges and magistrates must continue to make full use of these provisions so that cases can be dealt with as soon and as efficiently as possible.
“The response of the judiciary, the magistracy and HMCTS to the intense difficulties which we endured earlier in the year was remarkable. We have every confidence that in the coming very difficult period, with the support of all those who contribute to the running of the courts, collectively we will remain equal to the many challenges ahead.”
At Kent and Surrey Family Resolution we continue to support our new and current clients with the high standards we hold dear. Please do contact us today to see how we can best advise or guide you in our collaborative, professional service.
You can read more at the Family Law Gazette: https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed214863