Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reform of Family Law

Tuesday 8 February 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government plans to reform family law aim to reduce conflict, protect children, and address domestic abuse.
  • The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will commence on 6 April.
  • Courts in Dorset and north Wales will pilot new integrated domestic abuse courts from 21 February.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Bridgen Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Children & Families
Context

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 is set to commence on April 6th, representing significant changes to divorce laws. The act introduces no-fault divorce.

Question

What plans does the Government have to reform family law? Specifically, how will these reforms reduce conflict, protect children, and address domestic abuse?

Answer from James Cartlidge

We are committed to reforming family law to reduce conflict, protect children and protect victims of domestic abuse. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 will commence on 6 April. Courts in Dorset and north Wales will pilot new integrated domestic abuse courts from 21 February, introducing a less adversarial way of hearing private family law cases.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specifics about how the reforms would protect children or address domestic abuse beyond mentioning pilots and the Act's introduction.

How: We Are Committed To...

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Q2 Andrew Bridgen Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Child Maintenance Service administers child maintenance, but there is concern that the current system financially incentivises resident parents to withhold contact with children from non-resident parents.

Question

Is the current system for child maintenance fair for children and parents? Specifically, can the Minister clarify whether the system financially incentivises resident parents to withhold contact?

Answer from James Cartlidge

My hon. Friend asks an important question. Child maintenance calculations can be adjusted to reflect shared care situations, though they do not account for every aspect of a person's circumstances. The Minister with responsibility is Baroness Stedman-Scott at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address whether the system financially incentivises withholding contact or if it is fair overall.

How: My Hon. Friend Asks An Important Question.

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