Start Here: Inside the UK Supreme Court — What Litigants in Person Need to Understand About How Judges Think
A behind-the-scenes look at the UK Supreme Court and how judges think — essential insight for litigants in person navigating Family Court.
Author Archive for: Jessica Susan Hill
Entries by Jessica Susan Hill
Start Here: A Clear, Candid Overview of UK Family Law — Baroness Hale’s “Family Law in the 21st Century”
Confused by Family Court? This video guide explains family law, children welfare decisions, no-fault divorce and the “common law marriage” myth.
The Use of AI in Preparing Court Documents: Why the Civil Justice Council Consultation Matters
The Civil Justice Council has launched an eight-week consultation examining whether new rules are needed to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in preparing court documents. Chaired by Lord Justice Birss, the Working Group is considering whether safeguards or formal declarations should apply when legal representatives use AI to draft pleadings, witness statements and expert […]
Child Safety and Emotional Harm in Family Court: Understanding Risk Beyond Bruises
In Family Court proceedings, harm is not limited to physical injury. Under the Children Act 1989, the court must consider emotional as well as physical harm when determining what arrangements promote a child’s welfare. Exposure to domestic abuse, coercive control, chronic conflict or instability can affect a child’s emotional regulation, attachment patterns and long-term development. […]
The Child’s Voice in Family Court: How Wishes and Feelings Are Heard — and Misunderstood
In Family Court proceedings, a child’s wishes and feelings form part of the statutory welfare checklist under section 1 of the Children Act 1989. But the child’s voice is often misunderstood. It is not a simple matter of asking what a child wants and making an order accordingly. The court must assess wishes in light […]
Section 7 Reports in Family Court: What They Are and How to Respond
A Section 7 report is one of the most influential documents in private children proceedings. Ordered under section 7 of the Children Act 1989, it provides the court with independent welfare analysis and recommendations on child arrangements. Judges often give significant weight to these reports — but they are not binding.
Cafcass Safeguarding Checks: What Happens After You File a C100?
After you issue a C100 application in private children proceedings, Cafcass automatically carries out safeguarding checks before the first hearing. These checks involve police and local authority enquiries, along with a telephone call to each parent. The outcome is a short safeguarding letter sent to the court before the FHDRA. Many litigants in person underestimate […]
Child Impact Analysis in Family Court: How to Present Harm Properly
Learn how to structure a child impact analysis in Family Court, apply the welfare checklist, and present harm clearly under PD12J.
When Coercive Control Leads to Conviction — Why Sentencing Still Falls Short
A recent coercive control conviction in Surrey resulted in a short custodial sentence. But even where conviction is secured, sentencing often fails to reflect the cumulative harm of years of domination and fear. Here’s what that means for survivors navigating family court.
Transparency & Reporting in the Family Court (England & Wales)
The Family Court in England and Wales is undergoing a major cultural shift. From 27 January 2025, accredited journalists and authorised legal bloggers may report on most family hearings under court-issued Transparency Orders, provided children and families remain anonymous. This reform follows Sir Andrew McFarlane’s 2021 Transparency Review and aims to increase public confidence while preserving privacy and safeguarding. However, parties themselves remain prohibited from publishing details of their own case unless expressly permitted by the court. This page explains what has changed, who can attend and report, how Transparency Orders work, and what litigants in person must do to protect themselves from unlawful publication. If you are concerned about anonymity, media attendance, or reporting restrictions, understanding the framework is essential.