In the recent case of Child A and B [2024] EWFC 284 (B) (11 October 2024), in which Zoë Saunders, instructed by Alex Wilson of HCR Legal LLP, represented the Father, HHJ Scannell gave guidance with a view to ensuring that the Pathfinder Pilot operates as it should in South East Wales and providing helpful guidance to be followed in any subsequent applications made that fall within the pilot scheme.
In private law children proceedings, the mother (M) appealed an order requiring the children to attend a secondary school in Wales (as sought by the father (F)), as opposed to a secondary school in England, (as sought by M).
The application was dealt with as a Pathfinder case, in accordance with PD36Z. This allows certain applications to follow a procedure different to that specified in the Procedure Rules 2010, which seeks to test a more investigative approach, featuring earlier gatekeeping and information gathering to enable earlier triaging decisions and to front-load engagement with parties rather than engaging through multiple hearings. This pilot scheme has been operating in South East Wales since 29 April 2024.
View full case summary here.
The case summary has been prepared by Georgina Swinglehurst, Family Law Barrister. Find out more about Georgina here.