Here at Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care and expertise in family law. With the recent expansion of the “Pathfinder” family court pilot scheme, we are proud that members of our family department have undergone specialised training to support its implementation. This pioneering initiative, set to launch across all family courts in Wales in March 2025, represents a significant step forward in reducing delays, enhancing child welfare, and supporting victims of domestic abuse within the family justice system.
What is the Pathfinder Pilot?
Pathfinder is a transformative approach to private family law proceedings, particularly aimed at improving the experience of victim-survivors of domestic abuse and their children. It replaces the often lengthy and adversarial court processes with a more investigative, trauma-informed, and safety-focused method. The pilot builds on recommendations from the 2020 Harm Panel Report and seeks to prioritise the well-being of children while ensuring the voices of all parties are heard earlier in the process.
Key features of the Pathfinder model include:
- Frontloaded investigations: Within days of an application, a judge or legal adviser initiates case management decisions, allowing for earlier intervention by Cafcass Cymru or Cafcass in England.
- Child impact reports: These reports provide a detailed assessment of children’s views, concerns, and welfare needs, enabling their voices to shape decisions.
- Trauma-informed approach: Specialist pathways for domestic abuse survivors ensure their stories are heard safely and sensitively, with access to risk assessments and support services.
- Shortened timelines: Average case completion times have been reduced from 29 weeks to 18 weeks in North Wales, providing families with faster resolutions.
A national rollout in Wales
In March 2025, Wales will become the first country to fully adopt the Pathfinder pilot across all family courts for private law children’s proceedings. The scheme, which began in North Wales and Dorset in 2022, has already demonstrated remarkable results, including halving the number of cases waiting to be heard. By prioritising safety, reducing conflict, and engaging with children’s voices, Pathfinder is delivering a more compassionate and efficient system for families.
West Yorkshire will also adopt Pathfinder in June 2025, joining other regions in England, including Birmingham and South East Wales, which introduced the scheme earlier in 2024.
How pathfinder benefits families
For families navigating the family court system, the benefits of Pathfinder are clear:
- Faster resolutions: Early triage and comprehensive investigations mean decisions are made sooner, reducing the stress of prolonged litigation.
- Enhanced child welfare: By placing children’s voices and safety at the centre of proceedings, Pathfinder ensures their needs remain the primary focus.
- Support for domestic abuse survivors: The inclusion of domestic abuse risk assessments and specialist support services ensures survivors are protected and empowered throughout the process.
- Reduced conflict: A less adversarial approach helps minimise conflict between parents, leading to better outcomes for families.
At Hutchinson Thomas Solicitors, our family law specialists are fully prepared to guide clients through the Pathfinder process. By attending dedicated training sessions, we’ve gained valuable insights into the pilot’s innovative approach, ensuring we can provide the expert guidance and compassionate support our clients deserve.
If you would like advice on family law matters or need support navigating the Pathfinder process, our experienced solicitors are here to help. Contact us today for more information via email at reception@hutchinsonthomas.com or give us a call on 01639 640 152.