Strong Room
Family Court Delays Are “Harming” Children, Lawyer Warns
A lawyer has raised concerns that England and Wales’ family courts are causing harm to children by taking too long to rule on access arrangements, with cases averaging 41 weeks to conclude. Shalaleh Barlow, from Central Law Group CIC in Essex, described the system as “undermanned” and “no longer fit for purpose”, warning that it is at “breaking point.”
Parental Alienation and Mental Health Impact
Research by the University of West London suggests that 40% of separated parents have experienced “parental alienating behaviors,” which can lead to serious mental stress in children.
First-Hand Experiences
- Tess from Norfolk: Claims incorrect information influenced court decisions, leaving her estranged from her grandchildren.
- Tom from Hertfordshire: Was alienated from his father as a child and now faces the same situation with his children.
Campaigners and Responses
- Simon Cobb (People Against Parental Alienation – PAPA): Raising awareness of suicides linked to parental alienation.
- Pam Cox, MP: Calls for court innovation to reduce backlogs.
- MoJ Response: Expanding the Pathfinder pilot, which has reduced case backlogs by 50% in trial areas.
This growing crisis demands urgent reform to ensure children’s best interests remain the top priority.
