Artificial intelligence is entering UK courtrooms at scale. This article examines the risks, opportunities and judicial warnings surrounding AI use by litigants in person — and how to use it responsibly in family proceedings.
This long-form Sunday reflection connects Genesis 18–23 with the lived reality of litigants in person navigating family court. A practical, faith-grounded guide to resilience, structured advocacy, safeguarding awareness and disciplined hope.
The Ministry of Justice’s decision to delete archived court data has raised significant questions about open justice, AI governance and transparency. This article examines what the controversy means in practical terms for family court users and litigants-in-person navigating delay, safeguarding disputes and systemic opacity.
Family Court hearings may now take place remotely by video or telephone using secure platforms such as CVP or the HMCTS video hearings service. Remote hearings require careful preparation — from technical readiness and privacy to clear communication and procedural awareness. This article explains what remote hearings are, how they work, what to expect on the day, and practical tips for litigants in person navigating these modern court environments.
What does a McKenzie Friend actually do in Family Court? This article explains the scope and limits of McKenzie Friend support in England and Wales, including rights of audience, drafting assistance, preparation and in-court conduct. It addresses common criticisms of unregulated support, why complaints sometimes arise, and how litigants in person can choose ethically grounded, procedurally competent assistance. With over 100 FAQs included, this is a comprehensive guide to understanding the role and protecting your position.
What support is available if you are representing yourself in Family Court? This article explains the different forms of assistance open to litigants in person, including Support Through Court, CAFCASS, Citizens Advice, and McKenzie Friends. It clarifies what each service can and cannot do, the legal basis for McKenzie Friend support, and the importance of professional standards. As family proceedings become increasingly complex, structured and ethically grounded McKenzie support plays a growing role in access to justice.
How does Family Court procedure actually work in England and Wales? This guide explains each stage — from issuing a C100 or Form A, through safeguarding checks, directions hearings, evidence exchange, and final determination. It outlines the role of CAFCASS, the welfare principle under the Children Act 1989, financial disclosure requirements, and the importance of complying with court directions. If you are representing yourself, understanding procedure is essential to presenting your case clearly and confidently.
What does it mean to be “evidence ready” in Family Court? It means understanding what must be proved, aligning your documents to the legal issues, organising exhibits properly, and being able to respond confidently under scrutiny. This article explains how to prepare chronologies, structure witness statements, test your own material before cross-examination, and ensure compliance with the Family Procedure Rules 2010. Evidence readiness is not volume — it is precision, clarity and strategic preparation.
In Family Court proceedings, evidence is not simply what you say happened — it is what you can demonstrate on the balance of probabilities. This article explains what counts as evidence under the Family Procedure Rules 2010, how witness statements and exhibits should be structured, the role of hearsay, and how judges assess credibility and relevance. It clarifies the difference between argument and proof, and sets out how evidence must align with the Children Act 1989 welfare checklist in children cases. If you are representing yourself, understanding what evidence actually is — and what it is not — is essential to presenting a coherent, persuasive case.
Your court bundle is not an administrative task — it is the structured presentation of your case. In Family Court, judges rely heavily on properly indexed, paginated and proportionate bundles prepared in accordance with the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Practice Direction 27A.
We’re a Christ-focused community, doing our best to love and serve others. Meet online or in person. We’ll answer your questions and introduce you to your local church community. All are welcome.
For direct, confidential support:
Secure client portal & documents
