Supporting and questioning neurodivergent parties in Family Court proceedings

Helen Little, Harcourt Chambers

Reflecting on the recent Family Justice Council guidelines on Neurodiversity in the Family Justice System for Practitioners, this article aims to provide practical guidance as to how neurodivergent clients can be best/better supported through family law proceedings from preparing for the first hearing to debriefing at the conclusion. It sets out a useful checklist of possible accommodations and considerations to be worked through with the client and lays out the legal framework under which any accommodations can be sought. The article also highlights the key considerations when preparing to cross examine neurodivergent parties to ensure the Court has the best possible evidence, giving practical pointers and referencing further tools that may assist.

The full article has published in the April issue of Family Law.  Find out more or request a free 1-week trial of Family Law journal. Please quote: 100482