Finance Minister John O'Dowd has launched a public consultation on family law reform, proposing legislation commonly referred to as Jade's Law. The plan would automatically restrict the parental responsibility of anyone convicted of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of a person with whom they share parental responsibility.

The consultation will also consider whether automatic restrictions should extend to other high-harm situations and the most serious criminal offending and harm.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Dowd said: "The safety, welfare and wellbeing of children are among the most fundamental responsibilities of government.

"There have been a number of highly distressing domestic homicide cases in this jurisdiction in recent years, with several directly impacting children through devastating exposure to violence, trauma and bereavement.

"Decisions concerning parental responsibility and child arrangements are currently dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the Family Court, often requiring bereaved family members and carers to navigate legal processes at a time of profound grief. "I want to see legislative reform that places children's welfare and victims' rights at its heart, while easing the burden on families."

The Minister concluded: "This is an opportunity to help build a family law framework that continues to place children first and supports families at times of profound difficulty, while ensuring that the burden of seeking protection does not fall unfairly on those already coping with loss and trauma.

"I encourage families and all interested parties to engage with this consultation to help ensure future reforms make a meaningful difference to the lives of people here. Undertaking this important work and developing this legislation will enable a Bill to be brought forward in the early part of the next mandate."

Open from 10 November 2026 to 8 February 2027, the consultation invites responses via consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dof/family-law-reform.

It also seeks views on broadening the legislation to cover: attempted murder and other serious violence against the child's other parent; cases where a child was conceived through rape; other serious sexual offending against children; and severe harm to a child. Options under consideration include automatic restrictions, mandatory Family Court reviews, or discretionary approaches.