Death of Sir James Munby
FamilyFamily CourtFamily DivisionPresident of the Family DivisionSir Andrew McFarlaneFamily Justice CouncilNews
It is with great sadness that we record the death of The Rt Hon Sir James Munby on New Year’s Day 2026.
Sir James was appointed to the High Court, Family Division, in 2000.
He became a Lord Justice of Appeal in 2009 and was Chair of the Law Commission from 2009 to 2012, before being appointed to be The President of the Family Division from 2013 to 2018.
Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, has said: “James Munby was a very substantial individual in the Family Law world for over three decades. His presence still resonates on a daily basis as we rely upon his many judgments.
“In retirement, he continued to contribute as Chair of the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and by writing for Family Affairs and other journals.
“As President, James Munby was exactly the right man, in the right job and at the right time. He showed just how the delivery of change can be accomplished through the introduction of the Public Law Outline and the bedding down of the Family Court. These were major and important achievements. James cared greatly for the wellbeing of the Family Justice system and for each of us within it. He will be greatly missed by many.”