Change the burden of proof in the Family Courts
I want the government to change the law so that the burden of proof in the Family Courts changes from a 'balance of probabilities' to 'beyond reasonable doubt'. Especially when cases may involve the loss of contact between a child and their parent.
Signatures
264
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 264/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 264/100,000
- 27 NOV 2025Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Tom Stokes
Background
Family Courts assess allegations on a 'balance of probabilities', or 'more likely than not' basis, and any allegations proven to this standard can then inform decisions about parental contact. Many of those who face family courts do so without legal aid and support, and can quite often face other parties who have legal aid and support. We feel this is grossly unfair on not just parents but children facing these life changing decisions. The law related to burden of proof must change.