Open petition: Review costs awards for proven false evidence in family court proceedings

Created by Megan Greaves
Closes on 20 November 2026

Review the consistency of costs orders in family court cases where false or misleading evidence is proven. We think that courts should ensure that deliberate dishonesty results in fair and proportionate financial consequences while protecting genuine claims.

Family courts should protect vulnerable parents and ensure the process is not misused to maintain power or control through false or misleading evidence. Where a judge makes clear findings of deliberate dishonesty, we think costs orders should be considered more consistently and transparently. This would strengthen accountability, reduce harm from prolonged litigation, and improve confidence in the system, while still protecting genuine safeguarding concerns and judicial discretion.

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