President of Family Division publishes revised listing guidance

The guidance was first issued by Sir Andrew McFarlane, then President of the Family Division, in February 2024.

The guidance is designed to assist leadership judges in their oversight of the courts and the welfare of judges; to provide a consistent, standard source of guidance for new and less experienced judges; and to promote consistency, where appropriate, across the family justice system.

Sir Stephen Cobb said: “Having received helpful feedback on that guidance from judges and magistrates, the Family Executive Team has prepared a new version of the guidance, which I have considered carefully and endorse. I am pleased to publish that revised version of the guidance today (24 July).”

The guidance states it is not intended to impose an “inflexible national approach” to listing nor to override either the independence of judicial office holders or the roles of leadership judges.

It is subject to local circumstances, including demographics, judicial and court staff resources, courtroom availability and the volume and complexity of cases.

The two substantive changes are updated references to remote hearings guidance and a reduction in the number of first hearing dispute resolution appointments listed per day to four cases.

The guidance will continue to be kept under review in consultation with Family Presiders and Designated Family Judges.

Lottie Winson