Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to reduce the demand on the family courts by diverting private law cases from court where it is safe to do so.

It can be a difficult time when parents decide to separate but it is important that they are supported to make child-focused decisions in a way that minimise conflict and, importantly, are in the best interest of the child.

The Government believes that, in cases where is it safe and appropriate, there are a range of services, such as mediation or other forms of non-court dispute resolution, that can provide parents with a constructive and less adversarial alternative to court proceedings.

We will continue to consider options to enable parents to receive the services that are right for them and raise awareness of alternatives to court.