Family law solicitors have called for a cross-party consensus on resolving disputes amicably, amid concerns that politicians are hijacking the issue of how best to deal with troubled families.

Speaking out prior to giving oral evidence to the constitutional affairs select committee next month, the Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA) said current defects in the system included delays in the courts, lack of legal aid funding, insufficient provisions for alternative dispute resolution and problems with enforcing court orders.


The committee's remit is to examine whether the family court system is being run effectively; whether family court judges have sufficient powers; the problem of delays; and whether people using family courts are getting the service they deserve.


In written evidence unveiled last week, the SFLA said fathers' groups had highlighted the traumas associated with family break-ups, but in a way that unnecessarily 'genderised' the issues. It also complained that MPs had unhelpfully jumped on the bandwagon, and called for a political 'middle ground' focusing on what is best for parents and children. 'SFLA is concerned that this issue is becoming a party political issue,' it said.


It argued that the main focus should be on making children feel comfortable in two homes, and renewed calls for an onus on the courts to order joint residence wherever possible. Cases that can be settled should be put to bed as soon as possible, while those that cannot be resolved amicably should be referred to the court system as soon as possible and before matters get out of hand.


The SFLA also called for more contact between children and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), as well as earlier detection of domestic violence.


Also invited to give evidence are the Law Society, the Family Bar Association, Dame Elizabeth Butler Sloss - head of the family division - and representatives from CAFCASS.