New Practice Note – Experts

Mr Justice Keehan – Midlands Family Division Liaison Judge – issued on Friday 15th May 2015 the attached Practice Note to the local judiciary.

The note serves as a timely reminder as to the importance of instructing experts in family proceedings only when necessary to resolve the proceedings justly, and gives guidance as to specific instances when experts are or are not likely to be required.

Practitioners should read the note and expect additional scrutiny from Judges and Magistrates in respect of any applications to rely on expert evidence pursuant to s.13 CFA 2014, particularly when the application relates to a psychological report or an independent social work assessment.