What You Need to Know
If you’re involved in a family court case—maybe about your children, divorce, or another family issue—you might be wondering what you can talk about outside of court. The rules are strict, and sharing the wrong information can get you into trouble. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Is Family Court Private?
Family court deals with personal and sensitive matters, especially when children are involved. To protect everyone’s privacy, most family court hearings are held in private. Although more recently some journalists and legal bloggers have been allowed to attend these hearings, they are subject to reporting restrictions. Information that could identify the children or families involved in the case is still kept confidential and cannot be published.
What Am I Not Allowed to Share?
You are generally not allowed to share:
- Court documents (like statements, reports, or court orders)
- What was said in court
- Evidence or information discussed during the case
This means you shouldn’t post about your case on social media, talk about it with people who aren’t directly involved, or give documents to friends, family, or journalists. Breaking these rules can be a serious offence.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, there are some exceptions. You can usually share information with:
- Your solicitor or legal team
- Certain professionals helping with your case (like a mediator or therapist)
- A close family member or trusted friend for emotional support (but be careful—don’t give them documents or go into too much detail)
- People the court has specifically said you can talk to
There are also special rules for sharing information with support workers, like Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) or Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs).
What Happens If I Share Information When I Shouldn’t?
If you share information from family court proceedings when you shouldn’t, the consequences can be serious and wide-ranging. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what can happen, both legally and practically:
This could mean:
- Sharing information from private family proceedings without permission is usually a contempt of court. This is a legal offence, and you could be fined, sent to prison or ordered to pay the legal costs caused by your breach.
- The judge may take a negative view of your actions, which could influence decisions about your case. For example, in children’s cases, the court may see a breach as evidence that you are not acting in the child’s best interests.
- Sharing information can put children or vulnerable adults at risk, especially if sensitive details become public. It can also cause emotional distress to those involved and may undermine the trust and safety the court process is designed to protect.
The court takes privacy very seriously, so it’s always best to be careful.
What If Someone Asks Me for Information?
If someone like a school, local authority, or journalist asks you for information about your case, don’t share anything without the court’s permission. There’s a formal process for these requests, and the court will decide what’s best, especially for any children involved.
Can Other People See My Court Documents?
People who aren’t part of your case can sometimes ask to see certain documents, but in family cases, the court is very careful about this. Usually, they’ll only allow it if there’s a really good reason and children’s privacy is protected.
Top Tips
- Don’t talk about your case on social media or in public.
- Only share information with people you’re allowed to.
- If you’re not sure, ask your solicitor or the court before sharing anything.
- Remember, these rules are there to protect you and your family.
In summary:
Family court is private for a reason. If you’re ever unsure about what you can share, it’s safest to check first. Keeping things, confidential helps protect everyone involved—especially children.
How to Get in Touch
If you are facing any family law issue—whether it relates to children, divorce, financial matters, or concerns about what information you can share about your case—our experienced team is here to help. You can contact Staffordshire Family Law by:
- Phone: 01785 336617
- Email: family@sflsolicitors.co.uk
- Website Contact Form: Contact Us – SFL
We offer confidential, compassionate, and expert advice tailored to your circumstances. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support and guidance on any family law matter.