Family Law

Children and their families come into contact with the legal system in many different ways. Our aim is to ensure the legal framework operates to meet their needs, particularly in relation to divorce and separation, cohabitation, contact issues and child support.

Where children come into direct contact with the legal system, for example to give evidence, we aim to ensure their rights are adequately protected.

Recent projects include funding analysis on new legislation to give media access to the family courts. Academics from the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of Oxford examined evidence from other jurisdictions and scrutinised the provisions of the new legislation. 

We have also supported the charity Gingerbread in their survey of contact problems in separated families. This included hosting a seminar to facilitate discussion of the findings with policy makers and practitioners.

If you are interested in applying for funding in this area, please read our funding priorities to find out if you are eligible.