From 17 November 2026, changes to how certain private law children cases are managed in the Family Court will come into effect with the introduction of the Family Court Pathfinder Model.
The new approach aims to streamline child arrangements proceedings, reduce delays and minimise the conflict, stress and costs experienced by separating families.
But what is the Pathfinder Model, and what will these changes mean for parents involved in child arrangements disputes?
What is the Family Court Pathfinder Model?
The Family Court Pathfinder Model introduces a new approach to managing private law children proceedings, including disputes about where children should live and how much time they should spend with each parent.
Under the existing procedure, the first court hearing will often take place with limited information available, usually consisting of initial safeguarding checks carried out by Cafcass (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service).
The court will then typically direct that further information or evidence be obtained before a second hearing.
The Pathfinder Model seeks to change this by gathering important information much earlier, allowing the court to understand the family’s circumstances and identify any safeguarding concerns from the outset.
What will change?
Earlier Information Gathering:
One of the most significant changes is that information about the child and their family circumstances will be gathered before the initial hearing.
This may include:
- The child’s wishes and feelings, where appropriate and ascertainable by Cafcass.
- An assessment of any safeguarding or welfare concerns.
- Information from the child’s school or GP, where relevant.
- Police checks and other relevant safeguarding information.
Cafcass will compile this information into a Child Impact Report (CIR), which is expected to be provided to the court within approximately six to eight weeks of the application.
A Case Progression Officer will also help oversee the case and ensure that it progresses efficiently.
A New Information and Decisions Hearing
Once the Child Impact Report has been prepared, the court will consider the information at an Information and Decisions Hearing.
At this hearing, the judge may:
- Encourage out-of-court dispute resolution, such as mediation, where appropriate.
- Make a final child arrangements order, if sufficient information is available and it is appropriate to do so.
- Give further directions or list additional hearings, particularly where there are significant welfare concerns or allegations of domestic abuse.
The aim is to ensure that decisions can be made at an earlier stage wherever possible, reducing the need for multiple court hearings.
Importantly, urgent cases involving serious safeguarding concerns will continue to be dealt with urgently.
How will the Pathfinder Model benefit separating families?
The introduction of the Pathfinder Model is intended to make the Family Court process more efficient and child-focused.
Its key objectives include:
- Putting children first: Ensuring children’s wishes and feelings are considered at an early stage.
- Identifying concerns sooner: Gathering information at the outset to identify safeguarding issues and the key areas of dispute.
- Reducing delays: Streamlining proceedings and reducing the number of hearings where possible.
- Minimising conflict: Encouraging a more constructive approach to resolving disputes about children.
- Reducing costs: Helping families avoid unnecessary hearings and the associated legal expenses.
Early findings from the Pathfinder Model pilots have been encouraging, with reported reductions of approximately 30–48% in the average time taken to conclude cases.
If these improvements continue as the model expands, it could significantly reduce both the financial and emotional impact of Family Court proceedings on separating families.
Do the changes affect Child Arrangements Orders?
The Pathfinder Model changes how relevant applications are managed by the court, rather than the underlying legal principles governing child arrangements.
The child’s welfare remains the court’s paramount consideration.
Parents will still be encouraged to reach an agreement about arrangements for their children wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
However, where court intervention is necessary, the new process aims to ensure that the court has the information needed to make appropriate decisions as early as possible.
How can we help?
At EJ Coombs, our experienced family law solicitors understand how difficult disputes about children can be for separating parents.
Whether you are seeking to agree child arrangements amicably or require assistance with Family Court proceedings, our team can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your family’s circumstances.
If you would like to discuss child arrangements or understand how the Family Court Pathfinder Model may affect your case, please contact us to arrange an initial appointment.
