The Voice of the Child and Expert Reports in Family Law Proceedings

This title provides an essential practical guide for family law practitioners and those engaged in the family law process, on the use of expert reports relating to access and custody disputes, in child and family law proceedings.

It covers Section 47 Reports, Section 32 Reports, Section 20 Reports, Section 12 Reports and Section 27 Reports pursuant to the Domestic Violence Act 2018, Guardian Ad Litem reports, and Parental Capacity Assessments in the context of childcare proceedings.

The book covers relevant legislation, guidance for practitioners prior to engaging in the process, the process of appointment of an assessor, the role of the assessor, the purpose of each report, addressing the report's recommendations, the potential for challenging a report's recommendations, applicable case law, and an appendix of precedents in respect of the various applications to Court to appoint the relevant assessor to carry out the required report.

There are as stated in the recent Government publication entitled 'Review of the Role of Expert Reports in the Family Law Process ' "...constitutional requirements in relation to children's voices being heard, upheld and promoted," with the aim of "ensuring that a child-centred family justice system becomes a reality through supporting children on their own individual journey through the system." The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said of the review launch: "Expert reports can be helpful in assisting judges in making difficult decisions which are often required in such cases". This title provides expert commentary and guidance to practitioners navigating this complex area of law.