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Using AI in Family Court Proceedings: What Parents Need to Know

Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT can be useful, but using them during family court proceedings comes with significant risks. Find out why parents should think carefully before relying on AI for legal advice or uploading confidential court documents.

Re Y (2026): A Modern Approach to Parental Alienation and Unregulated Experts

Courtroom setting representing the Re Y family court judgment

The recent judgment in Re Y (2026) highlights important developments in the family court’s approach to allegations of parental alienation and the use of expert evidence. The decision emphasises the need for courts to carefully consider domestic abuse allegations and raises concerns about reliance on unregulated experts in family proceedings.

The Benefits of Family Mediation

The Benefits of Family Mediation

Family disputes can be emotionally draining and expensive. Whether it’s working out child arrangements or sorting out your finances on divorce or separation, finding a solution that works for everyone is often challenging.  Family mediation offers a constructive alternative to lengthy court battles, helping separated couples to resolve conflicts amicably and efficiently. What Is Family … Read more

Understanding Your Child’s Rights to SEND Support

Parent receiving legal support for child with special educational needs

If your child has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), they have legal rights under the Children and Families Act 2014. Your local authority must carry out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment if your child may have SEND requiring an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  If an EHCP is issued, the … Read more

Family Justice System Under Pressure

Parent holding a child’s hand, symbolising the impact of delays in the family justice system on families.

The Family Justice system in England and Wales. The Family Justice system is facing growing criticism for failing children and families who depend on it. Private law cases (disputes between parents about the care of their children) are taking an average of 41 weeks to conclude. This crisis worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rising … Read more

Expert Family Law Barristers Now Serving the North of England and the Midlands

Black and white close-up of a globe showing the United Kingdom, Ireland, and parts of Western Europe.

Expanding Our Legal Support to More Families Children in the Middle’s family law barristers North of England and Midlands team, now support more families than ever. As demand for reliable family law representation grows, we’ve expanded our team of direct access barristers. This ensures families across the country can receive expert guidance from experienced family … Read more

What Happens at a Final Hearing About the Care of Your Child?

Adult and child walking barefoot along a beach shoreline, holding hands, with reflections in the wet sand.

Attending a final hearing about child arrangements can feel stressful for any parent. Understanding what happens during this stage helps you prepare and focus on your child’s wellbeing. A final hearing is when the family court makes a final decision about the long-term care arrangements for your child. This decision may cover where your child … Read more