New Family Law Reforms 2025: What You Need to Know

8 May 2025 | Family Law | Author: Lisa Cogger

In 2025, the UK rolled out some of the most significant family law reforms in recent history, reshaping everything from divorce proceedings to child custody, financial settlements, and even domestic abuse protections. In our latest blog, Lisa Cogger — Senior Solicitor and Collaborative Family Lawyer — breaks down what these key changes mean for you.

Resolve Disputes Outside of the Courtroom

The 2024 amendment to the Family Procedure Rules placed renewed emphasis on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR), with parties now expected to engage in these processes or risk cost penalties. With Family Court backlogs at an all-time high, the use of NCDR methods such as Collaborative Law, Mediation, and Private FDRs is expected to rise significantly. 

As a trained Collaborative Lawyer, I offer one of the key NCDR options available to separating parties. Collaborative Law enables individuals to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom while retaining the support and attendance of their chosen solicitor at meetings, which is not permitted when parties enter the route of Mediation, for example.

Simpler, Faster, Clearer Financial Settlements

Courts now push for early financial disclosure to prevent drawn-out disputes. It speeds up lower-value cases (under £250,000) for faster, simpler outcomes.

Bringing further clarity to financial settlements, the Law Commission conducted a review of the financial remedies law and proposed new guidance for:

• Dividing assets like property, pensions, and savings
• Settling spousal maintenance terms, including duration and amounts
• Enforcing financial orders

Pre-Nups with Power

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements are to carry more legal weight in court, giving couples more control and confidence in their future.

Putting Children First

Child custody proceedings have been streamlined to prioritise child welfare over parental disputes, aiming to minimise conflict and safeguard the child's emotional well-being.

Legal Recognition for Cohabiting Couples

Cohabiting couples are the fastest-growing family type in the UK, with around 3.6 million couples living together. Proposed legal rights will provide:

• Financial support in long-term relationships
• Clearer legal frameworks for property rights
• Stronger protections for parental rights 

A More Open Court System

Since January, family courts have taken a significant step toward increased transparency by allowing more open courtroom proceedings.

While still under government review, their impact could bring much-needed predictability to settlements and aim to reduce the emotional conflict in divorce and separation.

Navigating divorce, childcare arrangements, or financial disputes? Contact Fishers today by calling 01332 416 993 or email enquiries@fisherslaw.co.uk.