Keeping up to date with what’s going on in our family court systems is an imperative in how we operate as family lawyers. It was interesting to read about the latest data from the Ministry of Justice, which highlighted delays with the Courts for private Child Arrangements.
Unfortunately, with these delays, it can be up to a year until cases can be heard. That’s an awfully long time to wait.
With these delays now an ongoing issue, with any proceedings involving children, focus should be on what is best for the child or children involved. First and foremost, what will provide them with stability and what will be in their best interests.
Children change so quickly. Therefore, if proceedings are taking close to a year, the child at the heart of the proceedings will have developed and become accustomed to what they already perceive to be as the norm.
It is, therefore, important parents prioritise their feelings and emotions throughout the process, so that their norm does not become one of hostility.
Most adults can reflect on their time as children. Remember feeling like the school holidays went on for a lifetime or the wait for Christmas seemed like forever.
A year is a long time for a child to be exposed to adult hostility and, it is, therefore, important that their parents’ legal battles do not overshadow times which can be better spent making fond and positive childhood memories.
If you or anyone you know would like advice around child arrangements, please get in touch with our Family Team. We are happy to sign post you to resources to help you and your children through this time.
