Judicial Protocol Regulating Direct Judicial Communications Between Scotland, England & Wales, and Northern Ireland in Children’s Cases
Updated May 2025
Judges and practitioners alike will be aware of the existing cross-jurisdiction protocol on judicial communication between Scotland, England and Wales, and Northern Ireland. The protocol, which was first published in July 2018, was updated in February 2023 to include Northern Ireland.
A handbook accompanying this protocol, on family law relating to Scotland and England & Wales, has now been updated. A handbook on family law relating to Northern Ireland was also previously published.
Judicial communications between the jurisdictions in relation to children’s cases are now also to be conducted through a request form sent to the relevant office.
The protocol, request form and updated handbook can be found below: