Defence has updated and shared information with Family Courts to help demonstrate that Service and family life is compatible. The Army Families Federation informed Defence of anecdotal feedback from some families of potential misunderstandings about the nature of Service life when going through the Family Court system.
As a result of this feedback, Defence worked with stakeholders across the Family Court systems to produce an information sheet for Family Court workers.
The information sheet aims to increase understanding about the working and living arrangements of Service personnel, and how their families are impacted. The document also shows the support available for Armed Forces families to build and maintain a stable life at home.
Information sheet for Family Court workers
The information sheet has three key aims:
1. To provide general information about the support available for Service personnel and their families, including accommodation and welfare support, to help them facilitate a compatible family and Service life.
2. To explain that the individual circumstances of Service personnel and families are unique, which means that there should never be any assumptions around the frequency and duration of mobility, deployments, and assignments.
3. To encourage Family Court workers to seek clarity on the individual circumstances of a Service person and direct them on who to contact for this information.
Two versions of the information sheet are being shared with Family Courts and various stakeholders – one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland.
Quote from the Ministry of Defence: “This work demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for Service personnel and families and the importance of listening to Service families.
“Through our combined efforts and working with the Families Federations, we hope these information sheets will lead to demystify preconceived ideas of Service life and mitigate against potential disadvantage in custody hearings.”
Information notes for Service personnel and families
Advice regarding Service children, families and separation proceedings
Defence has also produced separate information notes containing advice about children, families and separation proceedings. The information note provides essential information about proceedings, such as how it works and who is involved, as well as useful resources.
Two versions of the information note have been created – one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland.
Service personnel and family members can give these documents to their lawyers to aid their Family Court cases.
More information and advice
For families living in England and Wales
View this information sheet for Family Court workers, which provides information about the working and living arrangements of those in the Services.
For families living in Scotland
View this information sheet for Family Court workers, which provides information about the working and living arrangements of those in the Services.
View this information note regarding children, families and separation proceedings.