The digital transformation of the UK’s family court system—accelerated by necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic—continues to evolve in 2025. With court backlogs, limited resources, and changing expectations about accessibility, the judiciary is increasingly embracing technology as a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.
Remote hearings, digital case management tools, and online filing systems are now standard parts of many family law proceedings. While in-person hearings remain crucial in complex or sensitive cases, the hybrid model of justice is becoming the new normal. These changes promise greater convenience and efficiency but raise important questions about fairness, accessibility, and user experience—particularly for unrepresented individuals.
How Remote Hearings Are Shaping the Family Courts
Remote and hybrid hearings are now routine for certain types of family court matters. Case management hearings, directions hearings, and some interim applications are often conducted via video conferencing platforms such as CVP (Cloud Video Platform) or Microsoft Teams.
This shift has made court processes more flexible, especially for parties who face practical barriers to attending in person—such as caring responsibilities, disabilities, or geographic distance. The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, has endorsed a “digital by default” approach for procedural hearings, provided that fairness is not compromised.
However, where cases involve vulnerable individuals, allegations of abuse, or contested evidence, the courts tend to revert to in-person formats to ensure effective participation and safeguarding. Judges retain discretion to determine the most appropriate format on a case-by-case basis.
The Challenge of Digital Exclusion
While remote access has many advantages, it also introduces a new set of risks—especially for litigants in person (LiPs) who may lack the technology, internet access, or digital literacy required to fully participate in online hearings.
Studies by the Family Justice Council and JUSTICE have highlighted that digital exclusion can affect the quality of justice delivered, particularly when parties struggle to:
- Understand legal documents without support
- Present evidence or cross-examine effectively
- Read social cues or assess credibility in virtual settings
- Access private spaces for confidential discussions
The courts are aware of these challenges, and several initiatives are underway to address them. Proposed solutions include:
- Digital support units within court buildings
- Pre-hearing guidance sessions for LiPs
- Judicial training on managing remote proceedings sensitively and inclusively
The aim is to avoid a two-tier system where only legally represented or digitally confident parties can participate fully.
What Does This Mean for Me?
If you’re involved in family law proceedings in 2025—whether as a parent, partner, or carer—you’re likely to encounter remote elements at some stage. Here’s how this shift could affect you in practical terms:
- You may be asked to attend a court hearing from home via a laptop or smartphone. Ensure you have access to a stable internet connection and a private space where you can speak freely.
- You don’t need to be tech-savvy, but basic familiarity with video calls will help. The court should send joining instructions in advance. If you’re unsure, contact the court or your solicitor (if you have one) for support.
- If you are unrepresented, consider seeking help from support services like Advocate, Support Through Court, or local legal clinics. Some organisations now offer training for LiPs on how to prepare for and participate in online hearings.
- Be aware that the format of your hearing may change depending on the subject matter. A simple case management hearing may be online, while a final hearing involving cross-examination or safeguarding issues may be held in person.
- You can request adjustments if you struggle with remote hearings—such as switching to a telephone call or attending in person. Courts are obliged to consider your ability to engage fairly in the process.
Ultimately, while the courts are moving toward digital by default, fairness remains the priority. If the remote format risks disadvantaging you, the court has the discretion to adapt the process to suit your circumstances.
Conclusion
The digitisation of the family justice system offers both opportunity and challenge. It’s improving flexibility and reducing administrative burdens, but also highlighting new inequalities. For many, the shift to remote and hybrid hearings makes it easier to engage with the legal system—but only if the right support is in place.
As 2025 progresses, the courts, legal professionals, and support organisations will need to continue working together to ensure that technology enhances access to justice, rather than replacing it at the expense of fairness.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
