UK family law relates to family matters in England and Wales. It covers topics such as divorce, adoption, child abduction, and parental responsibility. Family law can involve both public and private law matters.

General UK Family Law Resources

• English Family Law – Wikipedia:
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_family_law
  
• Family Law in the UK (England and Wales): Overview:
  
  https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/
  
• Private Family Law After Brexit – The Law Society:
  
  https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/
  
• Family Law Act 1996 – Legislation.gov.uk:
  
  https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/27/contents
  

Child Matters in UK Family Law

Child matters focus on children’s welfare and legal rights. Common issues include:

• Child Arrangements: Decisions about where children live and how they maintain contact with parents after separation.
• Parental Responsibility: Legal rights and duties regarding a child’s upbringing, including education, health, and religion.
• Child Protection: Safeguarding children from harm or abuse and understanding actions authorities may take where safety concerns arise.

Helpful Resources for Child Matters

• Child Law Advice:
  
  https://childlawadvice.org.uk/
  
• Children and the Law – Family Court Process (Rights of Women):
  
  https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/
  
• Legal Aid for Family Law Matters:
  
  https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/legal-aid-for-family-law-matters/
  
• Hearings in the Family Court:
  
  https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/hearings-in-the-family-court/
  

Mediation in Family Law

Mediation is a way of resolving differences between separating partners with the help of a neutral third person known as a mediator. The mediator does not impose decisions but helps both parties reach agreements amicably while improving communication.

Mediation can help avoid court proceedings, which can be time-consuming and costly. It can also reduce stress and conflict for parents and children. Mediation may be free for those who qualify for legal aid.

Check legal aid eligibility here:

https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid

Helpful Mediation Resources

• Mediation – Cafcass:
  
  https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/
  
• Using Mediation to Help You Separate – Citizens Advice:
  
  https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
  
• Family Mediation – Childlawadvice.org.uk:
  
  https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/family-mediation/
  
• The Role of Mediation in Family Disputes – Law Gazette:
  
  https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/