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Child Safety and Emotional Harm in Family Court: Understanding Risk Beyond Bruises

In Family Court proceedings, harm is not limited to physical…
February 18, 2026/by jessica susan hill

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…
February 18, 2026/by jessica susan hill

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.
February 18, 2026/by jessica susan hill

Cafcass Safeguarding Checks: What Happens After You File a C100?

After you issue a C100 application in private children proceedings,…
February 18, 2026/by jessica susan hill

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.
February 18, 2026/by jessica susan hill

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.
February 18, 2026/by jessica susan hill

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.
February 13, 2026/by jessica susan hill

Lost a Child Arrangements Case? How to Appeal a Family Court Decision.

If you have just lost a child arrangements hearing, you may feel overwhelmed — but you may also have the right to appeal. Appeals in the Family Court are not about re-arguing your case. They focus on legal error, procedural unfairness, or a decision that was plainly wrong. Strict deadlines apply: in most cases, the appellant’s notice must be filed within 21 days. Permission to appeal is usually required, and the correct route depends on who made the original order. This guide explains the appeal test, the correct forms (FP161 or N161), service requirements, and how to apply for a stay pending appeal. If you are within the appeal window, understanding the process quickly and accurately is critical.
February 12, 2026/by jessica susan hill