Oral QuestionMinistry of Justice

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Tabled: 11 March 2026Answered: 17 March 2026

Asked by

Lisa Smart

Liberal DemocratHazel Grove

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Justice

Answer from Hansard

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Alex Davies-Jones)

I am so sorry to hear of the experience that Simon has endured. Sadly, so many others like him, fathers in particular, have similar experiences while going through the family court. That is why the Deputy Prime Minister has announced today the national roll-out of a child-focused model—formerly known as pathfinder courts—for the next three years. It will provide early risk assessments, specialist domestic abuse support for all involved, and non-adversarial problem-solving processes, and it will reduce stress and anxiety for all families, better supporting their mental health. This will not come as a comfort to Simon, but we hope that it will help many other fathers and families going through this process.