Family justice system set to improve

21 July 2004

The government has set out plans to create a better family justice system for parents who separate and their children.

The Green Paper, called 'Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities', details a range of measures including:

• better information for parents
• Parenting Plans to help parents make good arrangements
• in-court conciliation and mediation for those parents who do go to court
• stronger powers for judges to enforce court orders

Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer said:

"This is a strong package of proposals which will make a significant difference. We intend to implement the necessary changes as soon as possible.

"The law states that the child's interests are paramount. That will not change. The Government strongly believes that children need both parents - these proposals will make it more likely that children will continue to have two parents."

He said that 90 per cent of separating couples come to their own arrangements for their children and the plans will help more parents to do this:

"But when courts do make orders we will give judges the tools they need to ensure they are respected."

Lord Falconer also said that there cannot and will not be an automatic presumption of 50/50 contact. He added:

"Children cannot be divided like the furniture or the CD collection. It's more complex than that."

The plans in the consultation paper cover England and Wales and the closing date for comments is 1 November.

Extra info

• Read the green paper on parental separation (external link)