Posts
Experts and Alienating Behaviour: The Modern Approach
Last week saw publication of an important judgment from the President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, in a case called Re Y (Experts and Alienating Behaviour: The Modern Approach) [2026] EWFC 38. The case involves now notorious family court expert...
‘Undoing’ an adoption – an update
We've written before, (13 May 2021; 12 August 2021) about the very limited circumstances in which an adoption order can be set aside (sometimes described as 'revoked'). The current law is that it is possible for an order to be set aside if the court finds that it...
Trauma in the Family Courts: the 2026 Family Law Breakfast
Training and resources were the key themes to emerge at last month's fund-raising Family Law Breakfast, marking Support Through Court’s 25th anniversary, with a panel discussion about trauma in the family courts. The event on 21 January 2026 was hosted by Charles...
Family Court Reporting Watch Roundup: Dec 25 to Jan 2026
Welcome to the Roundup, where we correct, clarify and comment on media reports of family law, explain and comment on published family court judgments, and highlight other transparency news. MEDIA COVERAGE OF FAMILY LAW, TRANSPARENCY etc The Financial Times (£) invited...
Journalist allowed to read psychologist’s reports
A significant decision has been made by Mr Justice Poole in the High Court, allowing a journalist access to a number of psychological reports that were commissioned in family proceedings. Although when a Transparency Order (TO) is made under the Reporting...
ChatGPT and Transparency Orders
This is a guest post by Alex Cisneros, barrister at 39 Essex Chambers. Although it is primarily concerned with cases in the Court of Protection, the risks of using AI apply equally to family law cases, particularly where they have been or will be heard in private. I...
‘Much loved’ two-year-old to be adopted following contested court proceedings
‘Tomas’ is a two year old boy who was removed from his parents to live in foster care under an interim care order in January 2025. (None of the parties’ real names are used in this post.) In a three-day final hearing in November, care and placement for adoption orders...
Tributes to Sir James Munby, former President of the Family Division
We have collected some of the obituaries and public tributes to Sir James, focusing mainly on his contribution to family justice. Sir James was a proactive supporter of The Transparency Project. He passed away on 1st January. Patrick Kidd, 'Outspoken leader of...
Rules for online court hearings – consultation
The Covid lockdown period provided unexpected opportunities to discover the advantages and disadvantages of holding court hearings 'remotely' online. Currently, family courts prefer to hold hearings in person but there's a general move toward more cases being heard...
Sir James Munby’s greatest hits: an appreciation of his work
If you have been to family court, there is a good chance that your case was influenced by decisions made by Sir James Munby, who has died aged 77. As a barrister, as a judge, and finally as President of the Family Division – the most senior family judge in the...