Financial Remedy Courts (FRCs) and Family Courts Organogram

The Financial Remedy Courts (FRCs) and Family Courts in England serve distinct but interrelated purposes in the legal system, particularly in the context of family law. Below is an explanation of their purposes and an illustrative organogram showing their structure. 

What Is The Purpose of An Organogram?

Key Features of an Organogram:

Hierarchy: It displays the levels of authority and responsibility, often starting from the top (e.g., senior management or governing bodies) and moving downward.

Roles and Responsibilities: It identifies different positions, departments, or functions and how they relate to one another.

Communication Flow: Shows how information or commands flow between levels, vertically (e.g., from a manager to employees) or horizontally (e.g., between departments).

Purpose of an Organogram:

To clarify organisational structure.

To help employees and stakeholders understand roles, relationships, and reporting

 lines.

To identify workflow and decision-making channels within an organisation.

Example:

In a corporate organogram, the CEO might appear at the top, with department heads like Finance, Marketing, and Operations below them, followed by employees within each department. For a court organogram, it might show the Chief Justice, followed by judges, court clerks, and other administrative roles.

It’s a helpful tool for visualising complex systems such as Family Courts. 

 

What Is The Purpose of the Financial Remedy Courts?

The Financial Remedy Courts are specialised private courts (Business Centres) within the family justice system that deal specifically with financial disputes arising from:

1. Divorce or dissolution of civil partnerships.
2. Separation of cohabiting couples (in limited cases).
3. Financial provision for children.

Key Objectives: Family Procedure Rules 2010 PART 1 - Overriding Objective 

Efficiency and Specialisation:

Provide a streamlined, consistent, and expert-focused process for resolving financial disputes.

Ensure that judges with specific expertise in financial remedies handle financial cases.

Clarity and Consistency:

Promote consistent application of the law across cases, reducing disparities in judgments.

Centralise complex financial matters in courts with the necessary resources and expertise.

Accessible Justice:

Simplify and demystify financial remedy proceedings for litigants, especially those representing themselves (litigants in person).

Offer transparent processes and guidelines to ensure fairness.

Settlement Encouragement:

Emphasise mediation (MIAM) and out-of-court settlements (Pre and Post Mutal Consent Agreements) where possible.

Reduce the financial and emotional strain on parties through early resolution of disputes.

Examples of Cases Handled:

Division of matrimonial assets, such as property and savings.

Spousal or partner maintenance payments.

Pension sharing orders.

Financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

What Is The Purpose of the Family Courts?

The Family Courts handle a broad range of family-related legal issues, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals, resolve family disputes, and ensure the welfare of children.

Key Objectives:

Child Welfare as Paramount: (Paramountcy Principle - Children Act 1989 PART 1, (1) (b)) and the Courts Welfare Objective (2) 'the court shall have regard to the general principle that any delay in determining the question is likely to prejudice the welfare of the child'). 

In cases involving children, the court ensures that the child’s best interests are the primary concern.

Protect children from harm, neglect, or abuse.

Fair Resolution of Family Disputes:

Resolve conflicts related to divorce, parental responsibility, and contact arrangements (child custody).

Balance the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians.

Access to Justice: (Article 6 ECHR & FPR 2010 PART 1, (1.1) (1) (c) - Fair & Equal Footing) 

Provide clear, accessible pathways for individuals to address family law matters, whether represented by solicitors or as litigants in person.

Safety and Protection:

Issue protective orders, such as non-molestation orders or occupation orders, to safeguard individuals from domestic abuse.

Examples of Cases Handled: 

(*not an exhaustive list) 

Divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships.

Child arrangements orders (custody and visitation).

Adoption and surrogacy disputes.

Domestic violence protective orders.

Care proceedings and fostering arrangements.

What Is The Organogram of Financial Remedy Courts and Family Courts?

Here’s an illustrative organogram to represent their structure:

 

The Financial Remedies Court Organogram Regional & National 

(*as of February 2022 February 2022)

 

 

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, understanding the structure of the family and financial remedy courts through the organogram can empower you to navigate the legal process with greater clarity and confidence.

Knowing the roles of judges and key personnel can make a significant difference in how you approach your case.

At The Access to Justice for Families Foundation, I am committed to providing accessible legal knowledge to support families seeking justice, where possible, in the Public Interest to restore trust back within the judiciary.

If you need further assistance or have questions about your case, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.