Recent Changes to Family Law in 2025: What You Need to Know

Family law is constantly evolving to reflect changes in society, improve fairness, and strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable people. As we move through 2025, several important developments are shaping how family courts and solicitors support separating couples, parents, and victims of domestic abuse.

At Maria Fogg Family Law, we believe in keeping our clients informed. Here’s an overview of key family law updates for 2025 — and what they could mean for you.

Recent Changes to Family Law in 2025: What You Need to Know
Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA

Recent Changes to Family Law

Here are some of the most recent changes we’re seeing to family law in 2025:

1. Continued Focus on Domestic Abuse Protections

In recent years, the family justice system has placed increasing emphasis on safeguarding victims of domestic abuse. This focus continues in 2025, with further implementation of recommendations from the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and updated Family Procedure Rules.

Key changes include:

  • Automatic special measures for victims, such as separate waiting rooms, video links, or screens in court.
  • Improved evidence requirements for those seeking Legal Aid due to domestic abuse.
  • Greater training for judges and court staff to recognise coercive control and economic abuse.

These developments ensure that victims are heard, protected, and supported throughout the legal process.

2. Modernising the Family Court System

Technology continues to play a growing role in how family law cases are managed. The HMCTS digital reform programme is streamlining processes such as divorce, child arrangements, and financial remedy applications through online platforms.

For clients, this means:

  • Faster document submission and reduced delays.
  • Easier access to case updates.

Virtual hearings for certain stages, reducing the need for unnecessary court appearances.

While this modernisation aims to improve efficiency, it’s still essential to have professional guidance — as online forms can be complex and mistakes may cause costly setbacks.

View our previous guide on attending family court.

3. Reforms to Child Arrangements and Parental Responsibility

There is growing recognition of the importance of child welfare and safety in all family decisions. In 2025, courts are expected to continue tightening rules around this.

How these rules are changing: 

  • Fact-finding hearings where domestic abuse is alleged.
  • Supervised contact arrangements to ensure children are safe during visits.
  • Greater voice for children, with more emphasis on their wishes and feelings being heard in age-appropriate ways.

The court’s guiding principle remains unchanged: the child’s best interests come first.

Learn more about our child contact services here.

4. The Push for Greater Use of Mediation

The government continues to promote mediation as a constructive way to resolve disputes without court intervention. Financial incentives and expanded Family Mediation Vouchers may become more widely available this year, helping more families access professional mediators affordably.

Using Mediation

Mediation offers a less adversarial, more child-focused way forward — and at Maria Fogg Family Law, we encourage clients to explore this option wherever it is safe and appropriate.

Staying Informed and Supported

Family law changes can seem complex, but the purpose behind each reform is simple: to make the system fairer, faster, and more protective of those who need it most.

At Maria Fogg Family Law, our team stays fully up to date with every development so we can provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients.

If you’d like to understand how these changes might affect your case, contact us for clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation.

The family court continues to oversee cases involving divorce, child arrangements, financial remedies, and protection from domestic abuse. Recent reforms aim to make the process faster, more transparent, and more supportive of children and victims. Digital platforms now handle many applications online, but legal representation remains vital to ensure compliance with complex court procedures.

The Children Act 1989 remains the cornerstone of child law in England and Wales. It ensures that a child’s welfare is the paramount consideration in any legal dispute. Courts continue to apply its principles when making decisions about residence, contact, and parental responsibility. Recent updates further strengthen the focus on the interests of a child, particularly in cases involving abusive parents or allegations of domestic abuse.

Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights, duties, and powers a parent has concerning their child’s upbringing. Both mothers and fathers typically share this responsibility, though courts may limit or remove it in cases of domestic abuse or risk to a child’s welfare. In 2025, there is growing debate about whether to repeal the presumption of parental involvement when it may not be in the child’s best interests.

The Ministry of Justice and the family courts have implemented new measures to protect survivors of domestic abuse. These include automatic special measures in court (such as video testimony), stricter evidence rules for Legal Aid, and greater training for judges on coercive and economic control. Campaigners like Claire Throssell, who lost her sons Jack to domestic violence, continue to influence reforms that prioritise safety and justice.
The Law Commission regularly reviews outdated legislation and recommends updates to Parliament. In 2025, it continues to explore reforms around nuptial agreements, cohabiting couples, and the financial remedies system. However, these proposals depend on available parliamentary time, meaning some changes may take longer to implement.
Every decision made by the family court must consider children’s welfare as the top priority. Judges assess factors like emotional well-being, safety, and the child’s relationship with each parent. New reforms also ensure children’s voices are heard directly, reflecting a shift toward a more inclusive and empathetic justice process.
The pro-contact culture refers to the traditional assumption that children benefit from contact with both parents after separation. However, campaigners and policymakers now question this approach, especially in cases involving abusive parents. There is a growing call to repeal the presumption of parental involvement to prevent forced contact that could place children at risk.
The government is promoting court dispute resolution methods like mediation to reduce pressure on the justice system. Through schemes such as the Family Mediation Voucher, separating couples are encouraged to resolve conflicts collaboratively and avoid lengthy litigation. Mediation is especially helpful for parents involved in child arrangement or financial disputes, as it supports constructive communication.
Financial remedies are legal orders that determine how assets, income, and pensions are divided following divorce or separation. Reforms in 2025 aim to simplify applications through online systems and make the process more transparent. The Law Commission is also reviewing the fairness of current laws to better protect both spouses and cohabiting couples who lack formal marital rights.
Yes. The Law Commission continues to examine ways to strengthen nuptial agreements and extend legal protection to cohabiting couples, who currently have limited rights upon separation. These updates are intended to reflect modern family structures and reduce financial vulnerability.
Victims now benefit from enhanced family court protections, including dedicated domestic abuse support, better evidence procedures, and trauma-informed judicial training. The focus has shifted toward preventing re-traumatisation and ensuring the interests of a child always take precedence over parental contact.

Parents should seek advice from experienced family solicitors familiar with the latest Ministry of Justice guidance. Each case is unique, particularly when domestic abuse, financial remedies, or child contact disputes are involved. Staying informed about the latest legal developments helps ensure decisions are made in the child’s best interests.

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