The Memo: Family court reporting restrictions eased across England and Wales

As of 27 January 2025, accredited journalists and legal bloggers can now report on what happens in any family court, providing that a transparency order has been granted. They are also able to request documents related to the case, speak to those involved, and quote them within their reports. The new provisions mean it can be presumed that there is a transparency order in place, though it’s important to note here that the anonymity of children and families involved is still protected, and judges are still able to put stronger restrictions in place. A pilot scheme to trial this began in 2023 with family courts in Leeds, Cardiff and Carlisle, and this was then extended to another 13 courts in England and Wales in January 2024. The easing of restrictions now applies to all family courts in the jurisdiction after the Family Procedure Rule Committee approved the extension at the end of 2024. As a result, the Family Procedure Rules were changed as necessary, and new practice directions issued. 

There has been some concern that the easing of restrictions means people may be less likely to give details of their private lives in court knowing that journalists and bloggers could report on their cases, but the restrictions have been eased to improve levels of transparency in the judicial system. The plan will be introduced in phases, starting with public law cases, including those which involve local authorities. Private law cases (such as custody disputes) and financial remedy disputes will then follow.