Ministry of Justice
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Children's relationship with separated parents to be emphasised by new law
The importance of children having relationships with each parent following family breakdown will be reinforced by a new law from next week.
The change, which comes into force on Wednesday (22 October), will encourage parents to be more focused on children’s needs following separation and the role they each play in the child’s life. The new law will require family courts to presume that each parent’s involvement in the child’s life will further their welfare – where it is safe. However the needs of the child will always remain the paramount priority of the courts.
Justice Minister Simon Hughes said:
We have made bold reforms so that the welfare of children is at the heart of the family justice system, and there can be no doubt that parents play a very important role in every child’s life. Following break up of relationships we are encouraging all parents to focus on the needs of the child rather than what they want for themselves.
No parent should be excluded from their child’s life for no good reason. This change in the law is not about giving parents new ‘rights’ but makes clear to parents and everybody else that the family courts will presume that each parent will play a role in the future life of their child.
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