The Media Can Now Report on Family Court Cases
For years, family court hearings have been private, with rules preventing journalists from reporting on what happens inside. But since 27th January 2025, that has changed. Accredited journalists and legal bloggers can now report on certain family court cases involving children, provided they follow strict rules under a Transparency Order.
So, what does that mean for families going through the courts? Karen Layland, Solicitor at Woodstock Legal Services, explains how this change works, what’s allowed, and what to watch out for.
What is a Transparency Order?
A Transparency Order allows journalists and legal bloggers to:
- Attend family court hearings
- Speak to families involved in a case
- Request and quote from court documents
- Report on what they see and hear in court
But there’s a key condition: families must remain anonymous. That means no names, school details, employer details, photos, or anything else that could identify them.
Before this change, journalists could sit in on hearings but had no right to report on what was said. The aim now is to help people understand how the family courts work while still protecting the people at the heart of these cases.
Can You Speak to a Journalist About Your Case?
The short answer? Yes, but only under strict conditions.
- You are not obliged to speak to a journalist.
- If you do, it must be with someone who has already attended a hearing in your case.
- You cannot share any documents unless a Judge has given permission.
While journalists now have more freedom to report, parties involved in a case cannot. That means you must not post details of your case on social media, even if a journalist has already written about it. Breaching this rule could have serious legal consequences.
How Does This Work in Practice?
Will Journalists Be Allowed to Report on Every Case?
Journalists and legal bloggers must first apply for a Transparency Order, which will outline:
- What they can and cannot share
- Any restrictions imposed by the court
- Steps required to protect anonymity
In most cases, these orders will be granted unless there is a strong reason not to allow reporting. If a party objects, the Judge can:
- Prevent reporting altogether
- Impose stricter restrictions
- Allow reporting to continue under the original order
The courts have made it clear that denying a Transparency Order will be rare.
How Will Privacy Be Protected?
While this is a major step towards transparency, it does not mean families lose their right to privacy. The following protections remain in place:
- No names of the people involved can be published.
- No identifying details, such as schools, employers, or locations, can be reported.
- In cases involving sexual abuse, details of the abuse cannot be shared.
These rules are designed to reassure families that their most personal and difficult moments won’t be exposed while still giving the public a clearer picture of how the family courts operate.
What About Financial Cases in Family Court?
Financial cases, such as divorce settlements and financial disputes, are now covered by a similar pilot, rolled out nationally from January 2025 and extended until January 2027, with the same anonymity protections in place.
What If You Are Worried About This Change?
Understandably, families going through the courts may feel uneasy about journalists being allowed to report on their cases. Family law is already emotional and stressful, and the thought of details being made public could add to that pressure.
However, there are still strong safeguards in place to protect privacy, and the court can prevent reporting in exceptional circumstances. If you’re unsure how this change might affect you, it’s always worth seeking advice from a specialist family solicitor.
Specialist Advice from Woodstock Legal Services
If you are involved in a family court case and have concerns about Transparency Orders, we can help.
Contact Karen Layland by emailing k.layland@woodstocklegalservices.co.uk or completing the form below to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team of family lawyers is here to provide clarity and support during what can be a complex and emotionally challenging process.
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