Introduction of Open Reporting
From 27th January 2025, open reporting provisions have been introduced in the Family Court in England and Wales and will give accredited journalists and legal bloggers a “presumptive right” to attend most family court hearings, including family proceedings in the High Court.
The aim is to remove the perceived secrecy in the family courts so as to improve public confidence and understanding of the family justice system.
Media reporting is not permitted in cases such as those relating to adoption, placement orders, parental orders, or judicially assisted negotiation such as Financial Dispute Resolution Hearings. Judges can refuse members of the media permission to attend in specific circumstances.
Being able to attend a hearing does not, however, entitle members of the media attending proceedings to report more than limited details about the case, particularly if the proceedings concern children and/or are held in private. Cases attended by journalists and bloggers will be covered by a transparency order, setting out what can be reported. Reporters can also access some basic case documents and families can talk to journalists about their case, without risking punishment for contempt of court.
Knowing that a reporter or blogger could be in attendance may influence couples/families to focus on resolving matters outside court using alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, which have the benefit of offering a private and confidential forum to resolve issues. There is no risk of reporting a private resolution because the meetings take place out of court in the anonymity of solicitors’ premises or barristers’ chambers.
To explore your family law resolution options, please contact Sharon Lyon: slyon@moyle.co.uk.
