Do judges ever see children in court?

New guidelines have just been produced which clarify the expectations on Judges and children’s representatives

The law has struggled to find the right balance between protecting you from the pressures of wanting to say what will please each of your parents or others, and enabling your own wishes and feelings to be expressed and given due weight, without burdening you with the responsibility for making decisions.

New Guidelines seek to set out the scope and purpose of the circumstances in which you may be seen by the Judge and clarifies what is expected from those who are representing you.

It is to be hoped that this strikes the right balance between giving you a desire to be heard, and protecting those who are vulnerable from undue pressure.

Read the full report here: Family Justice Council Guidelines on Judges meeting Children