Public Law children’s hearings and Part 25 applications: topical issues

Matthew Chipperfield-Taylor, St Mary’s Family Law

There is a changing landscape in Public Law Children’s Proceedings, with a drive towards being expedient, which has brought with it a different perspective on some facets of expert instructions. This article seeks to address some of the now familiar arguments practitioners are faced with when making or opposing such applications. More than ever, it seems that there are stringent justifications required for having an expert attend to give oral evidence, that the line between treating clinicians and experts is being blurred, and that we struggle to find the correct experts amongst the pool of CVs provided. It is hoped some guidance can be given by considering the recent developments, and helping to ensure that while striving for haste, we do not lose the just nature of proceedings.