Family Report: Definition, Purpose, and Process

Disagreeing with a family report can be complex and confusing for those who are unfamiliar with it. Justice Family Lawyers have experience in disagreeing with a family report, however, we suggest the following key points to anyone considering contesting a family report:

• Understanding the purpose of a family report
• Ways to dispute the family report
• Supplying supporting evidence and pursuing legal action

What is a Family Report

A Family Report is ordered by a registrar or judge under section 62G of  The Family Law Act 1975.

The report is prepared by a family consultant, a family report writer, – often a psychologist and/or a social worker who specializes in child and family issues following separation and divorce. Their role is to help resolve disputes, assist and advise the Courts and give evidence about individual cases. All reports undertaken by consultants are organized by the Court Children’s Service.

During the preparation of a report, the family consultant will take the experiences and development of the child and/or children into consideration, alongside familial circumstances or any other issues relevant to the case. They will then make recommendations for the best arrangements for the future care, welfare and developmental needs of the child.

Purpose and Process of Family Report

The report itself is an independent family assessment that assists families and the Court in making decisions about the children .The reports are often ordered when nearing the final stages of a hearing.

Once a report is ordered a letter will be issued advising a time and location for the parents and children to meet with the family consultant. If these appointments are not attended the report will be delayed, and thus there may be an additional cost and delay for the rest of the duration of the case.

Most consultants will conduct various interviews in one day or over a few days and will have individual interviews with both parties.

On occasion, they might also interview significant people in the child’s life such as adult siblings, step or half-siblings, partners, and grandparents.

Children are spoken to separately from any adults (except for pressing circumstances) and will be given an opportunity to express their views and wishes privately.

Also read: Uncovering The Truth Behind A Child Impact Report

Family Report Questions

After these meetings, the report will be prepared and the family consultant will consider the following:

• What issues are in dispute
• The present parenting arrangements
• The past parenting arrangements
• The capacity of each parent
• The child’s relationship with significant people, i.e. grandparents
• The wishes and views of the child
• Any possible risk to the child

Once the report is completed, the consultant provides it to the ordering judge who will then formally release the report prior to the final hearing. It’s not uncommon for matters to then be settled based on the contents of the report, and if you are able to reach an agreement and submit signed consent orders you may not have to return to Court.

A family report should provide the court with the following:

• Family structure and dynamics
• Unbiased opinion of all parties involved
• Recommendations regarding parental responsibility

Understandably, parties may disagree with the content or even the outcome of the report. In this case, they must know how to dispute and oppose the report.

Also read: Case Law on Parental Alienation in Child Custody Disagreements

Disagreeing with a Bad Family Report: How to Do It

During the aforementioned family report conferences, parties may disagree with a bad family report.

In this case, they must know how to dispute and oppose the report. It’s important to know that The Family Report is only one source of evidence used by the Court to make a decision, and the Court is not bound by any recommendations made in the report.

Though the family consultant, also known as the family report writer, is very experienced, their reports might not be accurate or reflect your family’s situation.

Any inaccuracies must be identified and disputed.

You can do this by writing to the family consultant and requesting an addendum to the report with particular follow-up questions.

Another strategy would be to call the family consultant as a witness to the final hearing.

The family consultant can then be cross-examined by your barrister and asked questions about the contents of the report and their assessment of the family.

Our legal experts in child custody cases have helped many clients over the years with disputing family reports. Our experienced solicitors have helped resolve family disputes and we know our clients’ interests should take priority.

Who Writes the Report and What to Expect

The family report is prepared by a family consultant appointed by the court.

These consultants are typically psychologists or social workers with specialist expertise in child development, parenting dynamics, and the emotional impact of separation.

They must remain impartial throughout the process and assess each family based on what is in the best interests of the child.

During your scheduled appointments, the consultant will conduct separate interviews with each parent and, where appropriate, with the child or children.

Joint interviews may also be conducted if deemed beneficial.

The environment is intended to be child-focused and non-confrontational, allowing the consultant to observe how each party communicates and engages with the child.

You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or provide additional background information about your parenting experience, household dynamics, and any relevant events that may affect your child’s wellbeing.

These observations and records become part of the consultant’s assessment and are reflected in the report provided to the court.

A Step Towards Resolution

A family report often becomes a turning point in parenting proceedings.

Whether or not you agree with its findings, it helps the court develop a clearer understanding of the child’s environment and each parent’s capacity to support them.

When approached with preparation and openness, the process can encourage more informed discussions, reduce prolonged conflict, and support the child’s best interests above all.

Need Support With a Family Report?

Are you preparing for a family report interview or concerned about its impact on your case?

The team at Justice Family Lawyers has supported countless families through the family report process and can help you present your case clearly and fairly.

Whether you need guidance during interviews or assistance disputing an unfavourable report, our experienced solicitors are ready to assist.

Contact us today to understand your next steps and protect your child’s future.