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30 May 2012 / Amanda Melton
Issue: 7516 / Categories: Opinion , Divorce , Child law , Family
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One size does not fit all

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Amanda Melton argues against pigeonholing families within the law

There have been numerous discussions about contact after divorce or separation and how to prevent couples fighting through the courts over rights to see their children.

It is astonishing this has taken so much time to debate. That is not to suggest the issue is not one of huge importance, but rather that it should by now be obvious to us all that making all families fit into a pigeonhole is never going to work. Yes, we spend a great deal of money in families being represented in court, but has anyone stopped to ask whether these cases need the court’s intervention.

Norgrove report

The discussions started with the Norgrove report, published in November 2011. After investigation, Norgrove et al decided against a presumption of equality for parents. A subsequent announcement from the government stated an intention to introduce legislation compelling the judiciary to ensure each parent was able to see his or her children regularly/equally post separation. Now

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