Written question asked by Lord Farmer (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 December 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 December 2024. It was answered by Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Labour) on Friday, 20 December 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Separation

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether prevention will be included in early advice for separating couples, before court and other legal proceedings, including in family hubs; and whether relevant professionals will be appropriately curious about whether couples have considered mending their relationship and help them access support to stay together if that is what both parties want.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of supporting separating families, and where appropriate, helping them resolve their issues quickly and without the need to come to court.

We know that early access to information for separating families is essential and we are working to improve the information, both online through GOV.UK, and offline via sources such as family hubs, to help inform separating families of their options before applying to court.

We also continue to work with the Department for Education to ensure that Family Hubs connect families going through parental separation to services and support locally, to ensure outcomes for their children are front and centre when agreeing child arrangements.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3440
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Family proceedings Separation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Separation

Secondary information

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