Things people get wrong about divorce and family law

The family court - The court that handles family cases including divorce, children arrangements, financial orders, protection orders, and adoption. Less formal than other courts: the judge usually wears a suit, not robes. can be used as a weapon. The Domestic Abuse - Any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between people who are or have been in a relationship. Includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. Commissioner found that repeated litigation, false allegations and weaponised child proceedings are forms of post-separation coercive control - A pattern of behaviour that seeks to take away a person’s liberty or freedom, including intimidation, isolation, monitoring, or controlling their daily life. It is a criminal offence.. 62% of private law cases involve allegations of domestic abuse.

Most people in family court do not have a lawyer. In 47% of private family law cases, neither party has legal representation. This is not by choice. Legal aid - Government funding that pays for legal help if you can’t afford it. In family law, it’s mainly available for domestic abuse cases and some child protection matters. was removed for most private family matters in 2013.

The system is slow, and getting slower. The average divorce takes 74 weeks from application to final order - The document that legally ends your marriage. Previously called a decree absolute. You’re free to remarry once this is granted.. In children cases, only 35% meet the 26-week statutory target. Over 4,000 children are in proceedings lasting 100+ weeks.