Family Court Delays: What They Mean for Your Case in 2025
Delays in the family courts have become an increasing concern in recent years. Cuts to sitting days, backlogs from the pandemic and growing demand for hearings have combined to create significant waiting times for many families. For those going through divorce or disputes about children, this can add stress and uncertainty at an already difficult time.
At Arlingsworth Solicitors, we understand how frustrating these delays can be. Here we explain why they are happening, what impact they may have on your case, and how you can take practical steps to minimise the disruption.
Why Are Delays Happening?
Several factors have contributed to longer waiting times in the family courts:
- Reduced sitting days. The number of days that judges are available to hear cases has been cut, partly due to budget constraints.
- Backlogs from the pandemic. Hearings were postponed or slowed during lockdowns, and the system has struggled to catch up.
- Rising demand. Increases in divorce applications, care proceedings and disputes over children have placed additional pressure on courts.
- Staffing and resource issues. Shortages of court staff and judicial resources have also contributed to delays.
Why Are Delays Happening?
From April 2027:
- Most unused pension funds will be included in your taxable estate.
- The responsibility for reporting and paying IHT on pension death benefits will shift from pension scheme administrators to the Personal Representatives (PRs) of the deceased’s estate.
- Death-in-service benefits from registered pension schemes will remain exempt from IHT.
- New information-sharing processes between pension providers, PRs and HMRC will be introduced, alongside a planned digital IHT service.
Government estimates suggest:
- 10,500 estates will pay IHT for the first time.
- 38,500 estates will pay more IHT than they would under the current rules.
How Long Are Cases Taking?
What Does This Mean for Families?
- Uncertainty for children. Delays can prolong instability, leaving children without clear arrangements for months.
- Emotional strain. Waiting for hearings can heighten stress and conflict between parents.
- Financial impact. Longer proceedings often mean higher costs, particularly if more interim hearings are needed.
- Staffing and resource issues. Shortages of court staff and judicial resources have also contributed to delays.
Are There Alternatives to Court?
While court is sometimes unavoidable, there are options that may help families reach agreements sooner.
- Mediation. A neutral mediator can help parents work out arrangements without going through a full court process.
- Arbitration. A private arbitrator can make binding decisions more quickly than the court system.
- Negotiation through solicitors. Many disputes can be resolved by working constructively with legal representatives before formal proceedings are issued.
These alternatives are not right for every case, but they can offer a faster and less stressful route where both parties are willing to engage.
How Arlingsworth Can Help
Although delays in the family courts are outside any individual’s control, there are ways to manage the process more effectively. At Arlingsworth, our family law team can:
- Advise you on whether alternatives to court could be suitable in your circumstances
- Prepare your case thoroughly so that when hearings do take place, the process is as efficient as possible
- Support you in negotiations and mediation to avoid unnecessary delay
- Represent you robustly in court if proceedings are necessary
Final Thoughts
Family court delays are a real challenge for many families in 2025. While the system is under pressure, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact and secure arrangements that work for you and your children.
At Arlingsworth Solicitors, we are committed to helping clients navigate these difficulties with clear advice and strong representation. If you are facing delays in your family case, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
