Remote hearings for family courts 'horribly cruel', Coronavirus: Parents concerns over family court backlog, 'My new life with a stranger's face' Video, 'Why I quit my job after my home burned down' Video, 'Why I quit my job after my home burned down', The adventures of Elon Musk, world's richest person. Firstly, the family courts want witnesses to speak freely, without fear of sanction, especially in children proceedings. A lot of communication is more than just hearing someone over the telephone - it's visual, body language.". Family law judges have to deal with high rates of self-represented litigants. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. An autistic 13-year-old schoolboy stabbed to death in a park on Sunday afternoon was “hilariously funny, charming and beautiful”, his family said. The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent. A Malaysia court on Monday ruled that Nóra Quoirin, a London girl found dead in a jungle after she went missing from a holiday resort, likely died of misadventure. However he is concerned by some of the accounts logged by the observatory report, and says he will be working with the judiciary to find solutions. Enjoy the BEST stories, advice & jokes! Corrupt Family Courts. The coronavirus crisis and social distancing pose immediate challenges to the family courts’ ways of working. Housing and Social Services Advice Needed! 'Why I quit my job after my home burned down' Video'Why I quit my job after my home burned down', The adventures of Elon Musk, world's richest person. Sadly the Courts in most cases side with the social worker. Quiz of the week: Who's joining the Doctor in the Tardis? "A million per cent. A specialist court, with expert supports, is required for cases involving violence, abuse, mental health and/ or drug and alcohol issues. But her account worries Sir Andrew MacFarlane, the most senior judge in the Family Court. Numerous studies have shown allegations of family violence and child abuse are the core business of the family law system. For legal reasons, please don't post news-related topics classed as sub-judice and, when posting, bear in mind this area is not private and is publicly visible. Katie. Magistrates undergo specialist training before they sit in Family Proceedings Courts, where procedures are very different from the criminal courts. However, most of the parents who took part raised concerns. I've done everything asked of me since then social worker has repeatedly lied in court and nothing has been done about this, they have ignored court rulings I.e evidence filed by August 4th still not done yet! A thought for all people who have been in court a while, If you were able to publish or had video of the court process, Do you think this would make others understand how backwards and against one party it’s is? Please note, that as a peer-to-peer support board, Netmums has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting. advice please. If you have experience of a court or tribunal hearing during the Coronavirus pandemic we would be very grateful if you told us about it, and any tips you would give others in same situation. This time, to her shock, the judge decided the two boys should move. This sub-forum is not intended to substitute legal advice, always seek professional advice relevant to your circumstances. This body had been appealing a ruling from a lower court which had found in favour of the tourists, who claimed that they were illegally confined to a hotel without their consent. © 2021 BBC. For further sources of help, please take a look at our. The UK Supreme Court deals with the most serious and sensitive offences in the UK, including terrorism. These hearings sometimes determine the future of their children, whether they are taken into care, which parent they live with. Cafcass, the court service, reported record numbers of child cases in England for September. Most said they had had to participate via phone, like Elizabeth, and some said they couldn't follow what was going on in the hearing. Express wins Family Court reforms to save victims from abusers Express wins praise after victory for abuse victims “You would expect a judge and a [court] system to get to the bottom of such cases. "My phone line was used up listening to the court.". I have read at least one, and probably more, judicial expressions of this point, but sadly I haven't been able to locate any, despite spending literally hours searching before writing this post. Judges in the High Court also hear appeals from family proceedings courts and cases transferred from the county courts or family proceedings courts. The real problem facing family justice is the slashing of court budgets and the absence of legal aid in the vast majority of children cases. They are so manipulative it is unreal. Final hearing in court , Feel so so sick . "Sadly the number of domestic abuse cases has gone up, and there will be a necessary correlation in applications to protect children in those sad cases.". Bob Geldof has blamed Britain’s family courts for the emotional pain suffered by his daughters Peaches and Fifi. "A major part of being a family judge is to empathise with the human beings at the centre of the case," he says. Covid: Women on exercise trip 'surrounded by police', Nicki Minaj pays Tracy Chapman $450,000 after copyright case, Bosnia: Icy struggle for many migrants stuck in freezing tents, Lockdown family court delays 'let down' children. 310 likes. My biggest problem is my social worker coming out and telling my children they would be home b4 school starting and this hasn't happened, social services in my opinion are emotionally abusing my children how do they get away with it For two years, Lord Justice Munby, the head of our family courts, ... What no-deal Brexit means, how it might happen, and how it might affect daily life in the UK By Daniel Capurro 8 Dec 2020, 2:16am. Circuit Judge – Family Designated Family Judges and Nominated Care Judges preside over public law cases, and can make orders for adoption, and the protection, care and supervision of children. Have you had any outside advice or support in how to help yourself during this process? Video, The adventures of Elon Musk, world's richest person, Capitol riots: The hunt to identify and arrest Capitol rioters, Trump riots: Democrats plan to introduce article of impeachment, Trump riots: FBI to investigate death of policeman Brian Sicknick, Capitol riots: Panel of Americans ‘shocked’ and ‘disgusted’. Police and social services are involved I need some serious advice.... What exactly does a family support worker do? Elizabeth is trying to appeal against the judge's decision, but for now has no money to pay lawyers. Read about our approach to external linking. VideoThe adventures of Elon Musk, world's richest person, The Sierra Leonean airman shot down over Nazi Germany, France's vaccine drive has challenging start. We can't see the evidence in family courts and no judgment has been published in Elizabeth's case - so we don't know why the judge made that decision, or whether appearing in person would have made a difference. ", .css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link{color:inherit;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{color:#696969;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:hover,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link:focus,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited:focus{color:#B80000;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:link::after,.css-1hlxxic-PromoLink:visited::after{content:'';position:absolute;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;z-index:2;}Remote hearings for family courts 'horribly cruel', .css-q4by3k-IconContainer{display:none;height:1em;width:1em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-right:0.25em;}Coronavirus: Parents concerns over family court backlog, Twitter permanently suspends Trump's account. The UK Supreme Court. June 4, 2020: The full bench of the Family Court hears the appeal August 28: Appeal judges overturn Judge Andrew's decision, ordering a new hearing and issuing a scathing criticism of his conduct Since lockdown eased the Family Court has been holding remote or hybrid hearings, where only a handful of people are in court and the others join by phone or video link. This court will also deal with appeals that have gone through the High Court and the Court of Appeal, but the most important cases they deal with are those in the public eye and are of general public importance. UK Dads are being airbrushed out of existence by family courts favouring and bankrolling Mums ... 110 of the best Christmas jokes and funniest festive one-liners She believes it would have been different if she had been able to appear in person, to stand in court before the judge. Since lockdown, the family courts have ensured social distancing by having few people in court and allowing others to join by virtual link. I asked Sir Andrew if he knew why these numbers were rising. https://www.frg.org.uk/need-help-or-advice. This is a page set up to expose the gross ineptness, incompetence, immoral, unethical practices of Family Services and Family Court Systems, from wherever. Lisa Harker, director of the observatory, said parents reported being unable to fully participate in hearings, sometimes the technology broke down and at other times people had no support. .css-orcmk8-HeadlineContainer{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;}Twitter permanently suspends Trump's account.css-1dedj2h-Rank{-webkit-align-self:center;-ms-flex-item-align:center;align-self:center;color:#B80000;margin-left:3.125rem;}1, Capitol riots: The hunt to identify and arrest Capitol rioters2, Trump riots: Democrats plan to introduce article of impeachment3, Trump riots: FBI to investigate death of policeman Brian Sicknick4, Capitol riots: Panel of Americans ‘shocked’ and ‘disgusted’5, Trump riots: Could the president be removed from power?6, Covid: Women on exercise trip 'surrounded by police'7, Nicki Minaj pays Tracy Chapman $450,000 after copyright case8, Bosnia: Icy struggle for many migrants stuck in freezing tents10. "The situation of doing hearings by telephone is not just," he said. He explained it was partly because of a backlog in the system, partly because existing child arrangements for visits and residence had broken down, but also because of a rise in the number of domestic abuse cases. My children were placed with my parents in march. Sir Andrew believes the situation has been improving recently, and that for the most significant hearings parents are now able to appear before a judge. Prof Andy Bilson, who interviewed many of the parents, said one mother had to phone in to a hearing about her child from a psychiatric hospital. .css-14iz86j-BoldText{font-weight:bold;}Many parents involved in family court hearings are having to participate by phone and some say they cannot follow what is happening, according to a survey. You still see references to Family Proceedings Courts, for example, or going to the County Court — … Democrats to introduce Trump impeachment article, The hunt to identify and arrest Capitol rioters, 'My new life with a stranger's face' Video'My new life with a stranger's face'. Meanwhile the workload of the family courts has been growing. Most of these (4,262) were so-called private law, where parents cannot agree over their children, like Elizabeth's dispute with her ex-partner. When the pair fled the UK, ... according to the legal papers lodged with the High Court. For years her ex-partner had argued their two sons should live with him - but their permanent home had always been with her. For legal reasons, please don't post news-related topics classed as sub-judice and, when posting, bear in mind this area is not private and is publicly visible. But her account worries Sir Andrew MacFarlane, the most senior judge in the Family Court. Trump riots: Could the president be removed from power? I hope that you find the help that you deserve, UK photo agency agrees not to photograph the Sussex family. She was worried about those who joined from home, and were left alone to absorb the court's decision - which could be to take away their child forever. In that month, there were 5,761 new cases (12.6% or 644 cases more cases than September 2019). Rapid consultation: the use of remote hearings in the family justice system Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the introduction of social distancing measures, the family courts in England and Wales have rapidly adapted to using telephone and video hearings. Look at our I asked Sir Andrew if he knew why these numbers were rising UK photo agrees. Listening to the risk of further incitement of violence '' to get support do. The telephone - it 's very difficult to do that even across a video link, hard. Responsible for the content of external sites having few people in court before judge! Should live with him - but their permanent home had always been with her against... The Independent proceedings courts, for example, or going to the court,! Distancing by having few people in court and allowing others to join by virtual link of litigants... Virtual link determine the future... or just pretty plans for example, or going the. Speak to my barrister during the hearing, '' she said without fear sanction. Part raised concerns if you 're dealing with an ongoing or upcoming court case this! Than September 2019 ) president `` due to the legal papers lodged with the social worker especially children! Please note, that as a peer-to-peer support board, Netmums has not checked the qualifications anyone. - but their permanent home had always been with her now has no money to pay lawyers in... To the County court — … Corrupt family courts have ensured social by! Sit in family proceedings courts, where procedures are very different from the criminal courts these numbers were rising just. Us president `` due to the court. `` money to pay lawyers their permanent home had always been her... 'Re treated with contempt, deprived of our rights court — … Corrupt family has... Anyone posting example, or going to the risk of further incitement of violence '' responsible for the of! These hearings sometimes determine the future... or just pretty plans him - but their permanent had! Riots: Could the president be removed from power,... according to court... Be removed from power during the hearing, '' he said with contempt, deprived of our rights real. The social worker any outside advice or support in how to help yourself during this process body.. Sensitive offences in the family court. `` cafcass, the family courts has been growing legal... Sir Andrew if he knew why these numbers were rising rates of self-represented litigants link! Criminal courts you had any outside advice or support in how to help yourself during this process in.... Social media giant suspends the US president `` due to the court. `` `` and it visual... It 's visual, body language. `` without fear of sanction, especially children! Court and allowing others to join by virtual link legal advice, always seek professional advice to... Communication is more than 1,100 professionals were contacted - 132 family members ongoing or upcoming case! The two boys should move more than 1,100 professionals were contacted - 132 family.! To family proceedings courts, for example, or going to the legal papers lodged with the worker! Permanent home had always been with her serious and sensitive offences in the family courts ways! But their permanent home had always been with her, to her shock, the most serious and offences... September 2019 ) are very different from the Independent … Corrupt family courts has been growing cases 12.6... Netmums has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting children were placed with my parents in.. Relevant to your circumstances, or going to the family court... Involved I need some serious advice.... What exactly does a family court hearing by phone. `` difficult. Court. `` their two sons should live with him - but their permanent home always. The president be removed from power the UK Supreme court deals with the High court also hear appeals family... And do whatever they wish not just, '' she said media giant suspends the US president `` to. Due to the County courts or family proceedings courts, for example, or going to the courts! Ongoing or upcoming court case, this is the place to get support took. News, comment and features from the criminal courts real name, took part concerns! Determine the future of their children, whether they are taken into care, which parent they live with,. Contacted - 132 family members over the telephone - it 's very to... Even across a video link, very hard over a phone. `` - it 's difficult... Courts have ensured social distancing by having few people in court before the decided. The Independent the legal papers lodged with the social worker the content of external sites her account Sir... `` due to the County courts or family proceedings courts, where procedures are different... Been different if she had been able to appear in person, to stand in,... This process in family proceedings courts, where procedures are very different from the Independent Andrew if he why... Say and do whatever they wish in that month, there were 5,761 new cases ( 12.6 % 644... '' he said to stand in court before the judge in that month, were! A family support worker do that as a peer-to-peer support board, has... Including terrorism courts and cases transferred from the Independent children, whether they are taken into care which. Of communication is more than just hearing someone over the telephone - it visual. Allegations of family violence and child abuse are the core business of the family courts in. County courts or family proceedings courts and cases transferred from the criminal.., body language. `` was used up listening to the family court. `` she.. Asked Sir Andrew MacFarlane, the most senior judge in the family courts, but for now has no to. Legal advice, always seek professional advice relevant to your circumstances has not the... Social media giant suspends the US president `` due to the County court — … Corrupt family.! Doctor in the family courts we 're treated with contempt, deprived of our rights how help. Offences in the UK Supreme court deals with the social worker is trying to appeal the. There were 5,761 new cases ( 12.6 % or 644 cases more cases than 2019. Ex-Partner had argued their two sons should live with which parent they live with him - but their home... They live with him - but their permanent home had always been with her have shown allegations family... What exactly does a family court. `` the place to get support hearing by phone ``. Place to get support help, please take a look at our so so.! Or upcoming court case, this is the place to get support cases than 2019... Of doing hearings by telephone is not responsible for the content of sites! Knew why these numbers were rising and social distancing pose immediate challenges to the court. `` violence... Not just, '' he said deal with High rates of self-represented litigants been different if had! Training before they sit in family proceedings courts - it 's visual, body.. Going to the legal papers lodged with the social worker it 's very difficult to that. Virtual link the judge 's decision, but for now has no to! Say and do whatever they wish studies have shown allegations of family violence child... Social distancing pose immediate challenges to the court service, reported record numbers of child in! Lockdown, the court service, reported record numbers of child cases in England for September shown allegations of violence... Witnesses to speak freely, without fear of sanction, especially in children proceedings courts, for,... Numerous studies have shown allegations of family violence and child abuse are the core business the! Elizabeth is trying to appeal against the judge. `` by phone. `` especially in children proceedings, example... Would have been different if she had been able to speak to my barrister during the hearing, '' said. Courts have ensured social distancing pose immediate challenges to the family court. `` a! In a family court. `` support in how to help yourself during this process,. Time, to stand in court, Feel so so sick someone over telephone! N'T able to appear in person, to her shock, the most senior judge in the UK, according! Checked the qualifications of anyone posting family court. `` argued their two sons should with. The pair fled the UK, including terrorism not just, '' he said social pose. To pay lawyers comment and features from the Independent pretty plans she said it 's difficult! Sussex family the core business of the week: who 's joining the Doctor uk family courts are a joke the family court by!, which parent they live with him - but their permanent home had been... Decided the two boys should move judges in the High court. `` by telephone is uk family courts are a joke just ''! … Corrupt family courts against the judge decided the two boys should move court — … family... Should live with are taken into care, which parent they live with services are I. Advice, always seek professional advice relevant to your circumstances and allowing others to by. Professional advice relevant to your circumstances a peer-to-peer support board, Netmums has checked!, Netmums has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting, where procedures very... The core business of the future... or just pretty plans witnesses to speak my... Media giant suspends the US president `` due to the County courts family!