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Closed Hold a public inquiry into the work of the Family Courts

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We think there are huge inefficiencies in the family court system. We think this leads to delays, incorrect appointments, wrong outcomes and lack of contact between parents and children. We believe hundreds of thousands of people are affected.

The inquiry should consider rules around joint custody, evidence, third party presence in courts, legal advisor affordability, and reporting restrictions.

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  • Petition closed

  • Related activity

    Improving family court services for children: MPs want to hear from you

    Do you have experience of family court services?

    MPs on the Public Accounts Committee are holding an inquiry on improving family court services for children.

    They are hoping to hear from anyone with relevant experience in this area.

    The inquiry will focus on:

    • whether the family court system across England and Wales has capacity to meet current and future demand, including accounting for the needs of different groups within the system;
    • how Departments and other organisations are working towards a whole system approach to improve family courts performance and;
    • how the system can deliver an effective and efficient service that also offers value for taxpayers money.

    Share your insights and experiences by 9 June 2025.

    Please note that the Committee’s inquiry cannot assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem, you may wish to read the information on Parliament’s website about who you can contact with different issues.

    What happens next?

    Your responses will inform the Committee’s understanding and work on this issue.

    At the end of the inquiry, it will publish a report with recommendations for the Government.

    The Government must then respond to the report.

    What is the Public Accounts Committee?

    The Committee is a group of MPs from different political parties. It looks into the value for money of Government projects, programmes and services.

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  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 29 May 2025.