Remote Family Law Hearings during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Courts continue to operate despite the pandemic, albeit in a very different way to before. It has been necessary for the Family Court to adapt rapidly and change the way that hearings normally take place in order to ensure that Family Law continues to be administered.

As a result of this, the majority of court hearings, including those dealing with disputes about the care of children and financial matters as a consequence of a divorce or separation, have been taking place remotely via telephone or video platform.

At Spratt Endicott, we understand that the prospect of a remote hearing can cause further stress at a time in our client’s lives which is already very challenging. We can assure you that whether your Hearing is conducted in person, by phone or video link you will be advised and supported throughout.

Circumstances permitting, you are welcome to attend Spratt Endicott’s offices for your remote Hearing, where you be represented by your Solicitor or Barrister.

Your legal representative will be present, in a socially-distanced setting, to provide you with advice before, during and after your Hearing. Although remote hearings are a relatively new way of conducting Family Law, Spratt Endicott’s clients remain represented to our highest standards throughout.

We can ensure that you have access to all necessary documentation and you need not be concerned over any technical difficulties as our IT team and systems ensure we have the ability to log in to your Hearing by telephone or any video platform the Court requires us to use.

Your safety and health are our paramount concern and consideration, so we comply with current Government guidance including social distancing and providing hand sanitisers and visors as an alternative to masks. We have a QR code for track and trace and limit the number of people in our offices at one time.

The indication from the President of the Family Division, Lord Macfarlane, is that remote hearings are set to continue for the foreseeable future and may become a permanent feature of the Family Justice system.  At Spratt Endicott, we have embraced this change and adapted to it so that our clients continue to be well-advised and supported by our specialist Family Lawyers.

For further information on any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Gemma Davison, Associate in our Family Law Practice at gdavison@se-solicitors.co.uk.

*Disclaimer: While everything has been done to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this article, it is a general guide only. It is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be sought in relation to the particular facts of a given situation. The information is accurate at date of publication, 27th of November 2020 .