Jersey should follow UK on family law changes

A Jersey law firm is urging the island to follow the UK, if a move to give children the legal right to see both parents after divorce proves successful.

Earlier this month, UK Government plans to amend the Children's Act 1989 emerged, as part of a shake-up of the family justice system. The amendment would give children the legal right to maintain relationships with both parents after separation or divorce.

They are also planning to put an extra £10 million into mediation services in order to stop cases going to court, which is currently the last resort. At the moment the vast majority of court settlements end up leaving the children with the mother.

Advocate Matthew Godden, head of the Personal & Family Law team at Sinels, said: “If it is successful, then it could be something Jersey may want to consider. At Sinels, we would first recommend mediation or other alternative methods of resolving disputes to parents as a way of helping them to work together for their children. Mediation and courses, for example, the Bridge offers a course entitled ‘Keeping Children in Mind’, are good ways to encourage parties to consider the needs of their children first.”
(from CTV)