For separated parents, one of the biggest concerns when making an application to the Family Court is often how long the process will take.
Recent figures from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) highlight the continuing pressure on the family justice system. At the end of June 2026, Cafcass had 17,611 open private law children’s cases involving 26,664 children. This represents an increase of 9.5% in the number of open private law cases compared with June 2025.
Private law cases are those brought by family members, usually separated parents, concerning arrangements for children. They can include disputes about where a child should live, when they should spend time with the other parent, or other important decisions concerning their upbringing.
Is the Family Court facing increasing demand?
The latest Cafcass figures suggest that demand continues to rise. Between April and June 2026, Cafcass received 10,889 new private law children’s cases involving 16,511 children. Private law demand was 12.6% higher than during the same period in 2025.
This is significant because Cafcass plays an important role in private children proceedings. Its Family Court Advisers may undertake safeguarding checks, speak to parents and children where appropriate, and provide advice to the court about the child’s welfare.
However, an increase in the number of cases does not necessarily mean that every family will experience a lengthy delay. Each case is different and the timescale will depend on the issues involved, the level of disagreement between the parents and whether further evidence or assessments are required.
What is being done to address delays?
The Government has also been introducing changes to the way private children cases are dealt with.
The Child Focused Court model is being rolled out across the Family Court following pilots of a more streamlined approach to private law proceedings. Cafcass has welcomed the planned implementation of private law reform across all family courts in England and Wales over the next three years.
The aim is to make proceedings more focused on the needs of the child and to reduce unnecessary delay and conflict.
What can parents do to help their case?
Although parents cannot control the court timetable, there are steps that can help proceedings progress as efficiently as possible.
Where safe and appropriate, reaching agreement without the need for a contested hearing can significantly reduce the time, cost and emotional impact of proceedings.
Where an application to court is necessary, it is important to identify clearly what is actually in dispute. Providing relevant information and complying with court directions within the required timeframe can also help avoid unnecessary hearings or adjournments.
Parents should also remember that the Family Court’s focus is the welfare of the child. Proceedings should therefore concentrate on practical arrangements that meet the child’s needs, rather than simply on what either parent considers to be fair.
What if you are facing a dispute about your children?
If you are unable to agree arrangements for your children following separation, it is sensible to obtain legal advice at an early stage.
Depending on the circumstances, alternatives such as negotiation or mediation may be appropriate. If an application to the Family Court is necessary, a solicitor can advise you about the appropriate application, the evidence required and what to expect from the process.
At E J Coombs Solicitors, our family law team can advise separated parents about child arrangements and Family Court proceedings.
