Daniela Mizzen
The latest Family Court Statistics for January to March 2025, released by the Ministry of Justice, offer vital insights into the trends, challenges and performance of the family justice system in England and Wales. From divorce delays to domestic abuse remedy orders, the data tells a story that’s crucial for both solicitors and clients.
At Unit Chambers, we break down the key figures below and outline how our experienced family law barristers can support your practice and your clients across every stage of family law proceedings.
Private Law Children Cases: Timeliness improves, volumes steady
Private law cases (e.g. child arrangements between separated parents) saw a 12% increase in case disposals compared to Q1 2024. The average time from application to final order has reduced to 41 weeks (down from 43 weeks YOY).
What this means: The system is moving more efficiently, but delays still remain.
How we can help: Our barristers provide strategic, child-focused advocacy from the first hearing through to final orders. We assist solicitors with emergency hearings, enforcement of orders and multi-day fact-finding hearings involving parental alienation or safeguarding issues.
Need urgent advice on a child arrangements case? Contact us today.
Public Law (Care) Proceedings: Slight gains, ongoing concerns
The average time to first disposal in care proceedings now stands at 40 weeks, down slightly from 42 weeks a year earlier. However, only 35% of cases were concluded within the statutory 26-week limit.
What this means: While there’s been some progress, the majority of care cases are still delayed; impacting children’s stability.
How we can help: We provide early advice and representation for local authorities, guardians, and parents. Our team is adept in handling complex care proceedings involving non-accidental injury, neglect or FGM protection orders. Find out more here.
Divorce and Dissolution: Fewer applications, longer waits
There were 28,890 divorce applications in Q1 2025, a 3% drop year-on-year. However, average time from application to final order rose to 74 weeks, up 7 weeks from 2024.
What this means: Even with the no-fault divorce system, court delays are increasing. Clients face extended periods of limbo.
How we can help: We work with solicitors to expedite divorce timelines through effective communication with the court, and assist in resolving associated financial remedy disputes and parenting arrangements. We can also help where delay causes hardship or necessitates interim applications.
Financial Remedy Cases: Balanced volumes and disposal rates
Financial remedy applications rose 1% in Q1 2025, while disposal rates remained broadly consistent.
What this means: Demand remains steady. Cases are progressing, though often with significant delay in listing and judgment turnaround.
How Unit Chambers can help: From FDA to FDR and final hearings, our barristers offer commercially minded advice, robust cross-examination, and clear settlement support. We also assist with enforcement, variation, and pension disputes.
Domestic Violence Remedies: Applications rise again
Applications for domestic abuse injunctions rose 5% to 8,042, with 9,374 orders made. Non-molestation orders continue to make up the majority.
What this means: More victims are turning to the courts but backlogs and listing pressures remain.
How we can help: We act urgently on applications for non-molestation and occupation orders, and provide advocacy in contested hearings. Our barristers are trauma-informed and experienced in handling sensitive, high-stakes cases. Rapid, empathetic representation is vital in domestic abuse cases.
Adoption applications and orders decline
Adoption applications fell 3% and orders dropped 8%, with 1,012 and 1,008 respectively.
What this means: This decline may reflect ongoing delays in the care system or shifting policies in permanence planning.
How we can help: We provide specialist advice in contested adoption and placement order cases, and offer early-stage input for local authorities, guardians, and adopters.
Looking Ahead: Efficiency still an issue
Across the board, the Q1 2025 statistics paint a picture of a family justice system under pressure, with modest improvements in some areas and setbacks in others. The introduction of digital case management and remote hearings has helpedbut the need for early, strategic legal advice is stronger than ever.
Why work with Unit Chambers?
As the leading family law barristers’ chambers outside of London, Unit Chambers offers:
- Urgent representation for emergency applications
- Specialist advocates for all areas of family law
- Collaborative partnerships with solicitor firms
- Lay client support where direct access is appropriate
- A commitment to clear communication and cost-efficient case progression
Whether you’re a solicitor managing growing caseloads or a client facing family breakdown, we are here to help.