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21/07/2004
Government's family justice plans unveiled
The government has set out plans aimed at creating a better family justice system for parents who separate, and their children.
Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer said that 90% of separating couples come to their own arrangements for their children and the plans will help more parents to do this.
"But when courts do make orders we will give judges the tools they need to ensure they are respected," he added.
The Green Paper, 'Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities', details a range of measures including in-court conciliation and mediation for those parents who do go to court, and stronger powers for judges to enforce court orders. Provisions for supplying better information for parents and assistance for parents to make better arrangements are also contained in the paper.
Lord Falconer said: "This is a strong package of proposals which will make a significant difference. We intend to implement the necessary changes as soon as possible.
"The law states that the child's interests are paramount. That will not change. The Government strongly believes that children need both parents - these proposals will make it more likely that children will continue to have two parents."
Lord Falconer also said that there would not be an automatic presumption of 50/50 contact.
"Children cannot be divided like the furniture or the CD collection. It's more complex than that," he said.
The plans in the consultation paper cover England and Wales and the closing date for comments is 1 November.
(gmcg)
Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer said that 90% of separating couples come to their own arrangements for their children and the plans will help more parents to do this.
"But when courts do make orders we will give judges the tools they need to ensure they are respected," he added.
The Green Paper, 'Parental Separation: Children's Needs and Parents' Responsibilities', details a range of measures including in-court conciliation and mediation for those parents who do go to court, and stronger powers for judges to enforce court orders. Provisions for supplying better information for parents and assistance for parents to make better arrangements are also contained in the paper.
Lord Falconer said: "This is a strong package of proposals which will make a significant difference. We intend to implement the necessary changes as soon as possible.
"The law states that the child's interests are paramount. That will not change. The Government strongly believes that children need both parents - these proposals will make it more likely that children will continue to have two parents."
Lord Falconer also said that there would not be an automatic presumption of 50/50 contact.
"Children cannot be divided like the furniture or the CD collection. It's more complex than that," he said.
The plans in the consultation paper cover England and Wales and the closing date for comments is 1 November.
(gmcg)
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