Change family law proceedings burden of proof to “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Background

In family law proceedings judges make decisions based on a standard of proof based on a balance of probabilities that something is more likely than not to have happened, and we think this should be changed in line with criminal law so that it must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt”.

Additional details

We think the current process is causing false allegations being upheld and can prevent parent and child contact, and that a parent can lie in family court in order to alienate the opposing parent. We believe this is happening purely because the balance of probabilities does not require the burden of proof to suggest that it is true beyond a reasonable doubt.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.