Our articles are written by experts in their field and include barristers, solicitors, judges, mediators, academics and professionals from a range of related disciplines. Family Law provides a platform for debate for all the important topics, from divorce and care proceedings to transparency and access to justice. If you would like to contribute please email emma.reitano@lexisnexis.co.uk.
Spotlight
A day in the life Of...
Read on

The pitfalls of hair testing

Date:4 DEC 2014
Third slide
Amy Barrow Trainee Irwin Mitchell Sheffield
Zoe Round Partner Irwin Mitchell Sheffield



Whilst societal attitudes to drug use have evolved over time our courts continue to preside over an inquisitorial jurisdiction. If there is any suggestion in children law proceedings of parental drug use the court may direct that a hair test is required before determining the amount of time that a child can spend with that parent.

When your client is faced with the prospect of a hair test and informs you that their drug use is purely historical indeed they stopped using within the last 6 months you may assume that a negative result will be a foregone conclusion.

In an increasing number of cases clients who report purely historical drug use are generating positive test results and being reported by testing companies as moderate medium or high users. When such a result is received you may think that...

Read the full article here.