CAFCASS have reported that in February 2017 there were continued increasing levels of new Private Law cases.
These are applications made by parents who seek Child Arrangements Orders for children to live with them or to spend time with their children. They can also include applications for the Court to determine specific steps known as Specific Issue Orders that deal with items such as changing school or a Prohibited Steps Order which can prevent a person from exercising their Parental Responsibility. There has been a growing trend recently of increased numbers of applications within the Private Law arena.
The knock on effect of this has meant that the Court is not as able to list hearings as quickly or as swiftly as they have previously done.
Mark Smith is a partner and specialist family solicitor with a specialism in Private Law cases. Our family law team advises families across the South West on the best solutions for them. If you would like to get in touch with the team by telephone 0345 450 5558 or email enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk