The UK’s family courts, historically known for their closed proceedings, are undergoing a significant transformation in 2025. This shift, fuelled by increasing calls for transparency and public accountability, aims to strike a delicate balance between the privacy of families involved in legal disputes and the public’s right to understand the workings of the justice system.
In this article Head of Child Care, Solicitor Helen Cojeen explores this new era of transparency in UK family courts, the potential benefits, challenges, and the wider impact on justice and public trust.
If you are having to navigate any legal issues involving your family members, our experienced Family Law Solicitors are on hand to assist you.
To discuss how we can help, please contact your local Kingsfords office in Ashford, Cranbrook or Hythe. Alternatively, you can Get In Touch via our website enquiry icon, or by calling us on 01233 665544.
Background: A History of Secrecy in Family Courts
The UK family court system has traditionally operated with a high degree of secrecy. The principle of privacy was deeply embedded in the family justice system, aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals involved in sensitive cases, particularly children. This resulted in family proceedings being held behind closed doors, with few details publicised. This approach was justified on the grounds that it was in the best interest of children and other vulnerable parties, avoiding potential harm that may arise if exposed to the media or public scrutiny.
Over time this approach has been criticised from various sources including, legal professionals and some members of the judiciary. Their concerns revolved about the transparency of family courts and the potential for miscarriages of justice. Accordingly successive UK governments and the judiciary have shifted their stance on transparency, culminating in the introduction of new reforms in 2025.
The 2025 Transparency Reforms
The transparency reforms are part of a broader movement toward greater openness across the UK’s judicial system. Privacy is still a paramount consideration, but the reforms mark a real departure from the past practices, throwing light on the family courts in a number of ways:
- Public Access to Family Court Rulings: Under the new reforms, family court rulings are now published online, allowing the public and legal professionals to access a swathe of information about cases. This transparency provides insight into how judges are interpreting laws and making decisions in complex family matters.
- Limited Media Access: A new framework enables accredited journalists/media outlets to attend certain hearings. There are however still strict rules in place to protect the identities of children and vulnerable individuals. Providing the media do not compromise this anonymity or safety of individuals they may publicly report.
- Recording and Reporting of Hearings: To secure a greater understanding of the family court process, a limited number of hearings are now being recorded and made public. These recordings give people the opportunity to witness proceedings firsthand, demystifying the process and allowing for more informed discussions about family justice.
- Greater Accountability for Judges and Lawyers: This transparency extends to the professional conduct of judges and lawyers involved. Detailed case reports and records are being made available, providing greater oversight of legal professionals' behaviour in proceedings. Greater accountability ensures that legal practitioners maintain the highest standards of conduct.
- Public Engagement and Feedback: The public are encouraged to engage with the family court system. Feedback can be given on family court proceedings, with suggestions for improvement offered, with opportunities to participate in consultations regarding ongoing reforms. This ensures the public has a stake in the evolution of the family justice system.
Benefits of Transparency in Family Courts
The reforms of 2025 offer several potential benefits for the family justice system, society at large, and individuals involved in family proceedings. These include:
1. Increased Public Trust in the Family Justice System
Transparency can help demystify the system, making it more accessible and less intimidating to those who may one day need to navigate it.
2. Protection Against Injustice
The increased level of scrutiny ensures that family courts remain accountable to the public and operate in a fair and just manner.
3. Empowerment for Families
Transparency empowers families involved in legal disputes. By providing access to court decisions and judgments, those involved in similar situations can benefit from the guidance and knowledge of previous rulings.
4. Enhanced Legal Education
The new transparency has the added benefit of serving as an educational resource. Law students, legal professionals, and the general public can learn from real-life examples of how family law is applied.
Challenges and Concerns
Whilst transparency brings benefits, it also raises several challenges and concerns that must be carefully managed:
1. Balancing Privacy and Openness
Most importantly the privacy of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, must be protected. There is a risk that increased transparency could inadvertently expose vulnerable individuals to harm or stigma.
2. The Well-being of Families
Media coverage, even when carefully managed, can place undue pressure on those involved in sensitive disputes. Will extra transparency exacerbate the stress experienced by embattled families?
3. Increased Case Complexity
Will greater transparency may lead to more complex or prolonged cases? Will it serve to unwittingly encourage individuals or organizations to challenge rulings - lengthening proceedings and making them more complex?
Conclusion
The transparency reforms introduced in UK family courts in 2025 mark a significant evolution in the way family justice is delivered. The shift toward transparency provides opportunities to improve public trust, enhance accountability, and provide more insight into the family justice system. The ultimate goal is to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done, creating a modernised court system that is fair and accessible to all.
Contact Us
If you wish to discuss any of the issues raised our Family Law Solicitors are on hand to support you. Please contact your local Kingsfords office in Ashford, Cranbrook or Hythe. Alternatively, you can click on the Get In Touch icon on the right hand side of our Website to send an enquiry and a member of our team will get back to you promptly. You can also call us directly on 01233 665544, where we will be happy to discuss your concerns without obligation.