Family cases need special courts, says association
Family Law Association calls for specialist courts serving all areas
The Family Law Association has called for a major overhaul of the Scottish court systems to ensure that child custody, divorce and other sensitive cases get a fair hearing.
The association wants specialist family courts established in all Scottish cities, along the lines of Glasgow Sheriff Court which has sheriffs dedicated to family cases - and a family law circuit to cover rural areas. Only those sheriffs who have experience of family law should deal with these cases, according to the association.
The FLA chair, Rachael Kelsey, said family law cases required particular skills in a judge. She added that association members were reporting significant problems with the current system every day, such as being unable to get hearings quickly enough and having to wait for urgent court documents.
Children's charities have supported the call for a supportive court environment and special measures to ensure cases are dealt with quickly.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Executive said family courts would be considered under the wider review of civil courts now being discussed with the senior judiciary.
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