Analysing the changes and practical considerations of the Private Law Pathfinder process
Listen to Parklane Plowden’s latest PLP Podcast – Analysing the changes and practical considerations of the Private Law Pathfinder process.
Parklane Plowden family barristers Maxine Best, Katherine Goss and Deborah Shield talk through the changes coming with the Private Law Pathfinder process.
Following the pilot’s launch in Dorset and North Wales in February 2022, it expanded to South East Wales in April and goes live in West Yorkshire in June 2025.
Compared to previous locations where the pilot was operating, the launch in West Yorkshire represents a significant step as it will see a larger volume of cases.
The programme’s aim is improving the experiences of children and parents as cases progress through the family court system by facilitating information sharing.
This includes between families alongside different agencies such as the police, local authorities and the courts supported by case progression officers who form a key part in the new process.
The three look at the programme’s background and discuss the new model’s implementation and timelines, including information gathering, decision-making and the review process as well as considerations around Child Impact Reports.
The podcast also examines the key differences of the new Pathfinder Process compared to the current Child Arrangements Programme (CAP) model in family courts and practical considerations practitioners need to keep in mind.
Listen to the podcast below.
Helpful resources and further reading:
Private Law Working Group Final Report
https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Private-Law-Advisory-Group-Report-Dec-2020.pdf
Family Solutions Group Report
https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/FamilySolutionsGroupReport_WhatAboutMe_12November2020-2.pdf-final-2.pdf
The Harm Panel Report
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ef3dcade90e075c4e144bfd/assessing-risk-harm-children-parents-pl-childrens-cases-report_.pdf
Practice Direction 36Z
https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/new-practice-direction-36z-pilot-scheme-private-law-reform-investigative-approach
Commentary from the President in March 2022
https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/a-view-from-the-presidents-chambers-march-2022/
Government Press Release – March 2022
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pioneering-approach-in-family-courts-to-support-domestic-abuse-victims-better
Bar Council Press Release – 3rd February 2025
https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/family-pathfinder-court-expansion-welcome.html
Template Child Impact Report
https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/app/uploads/2025/04/CIR-template-current-NW-version-November-2023.docx
