Pilot scheme trials free DNA tests at family courts

Pilot scheme trials free DNA tests at family courts

Pilot Scheme Trials Free Dna Tests At Family Courts

A new pilot scheme has been providing free DNA tests to parents at family courts.
The free DNA tests are being offered as part of a government initiative, the Troubled Families Unit, which aims to ensure that children in particularly troubled families have the chance of a better life while reducing the cost to the taxpayer. One way that the government aims to achieve this is to help families to resolve their disputes before they reach court.

Government data collected in October and November 2011 estimated that £9 billion is spent annually on troubled families – an average of £75,000 per family each year. Of this, an estimated £8 billion is spent reacting to the problems these families have and cause with just £1 billion being spent on helping families to solve and prevent problems in the longer term.

Since the extensive cuts to legal aid the family courts have been inundated with litigants in person which is causing an increase in cost to the taxpayer, as well as delays and inefficiencies in the system. Many “troubled” families return many times to the courts with a variety of problems, which can be costly and time consuming. It is hoped that the pilot scheme being tested in Taunton and Bristol will help to develop new ways to reduce inefficiency and waste in the family courts.

The new measures were recently discussed at a Westminster Legal Policy Forum debate in London.  The justice minister, Simon Hughes, revealed that he intends to expand the government’s pilot scheme, increasing the workload from the current 120,000 families to assist over 400,000 families.

In addition to the free DNA tests designed to speed up paternity conflicts, the justice minister also discussed providing free hair substance tests which are already used by the family courts to determine if a parent or guardian has been misusing drugs or alcohol.

The purpose of these measures is to provide clear answers to common allegations and avoid hours of costly legal argument and delay. The project is currently being run by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) and funded by the Ministry of Justice.

Resolving family matters “without court proceedings”

Addressing the Westminster conference, the justice minister Simon Hughes, explained: “It’s better in my view that people don’t have to go to court at all. We should move to a situation where family matters are resolved without court proceedings. That might mean there’s less work for lawyers. I don’t think that the state should be there to justify work for lawyers.”

“It’s scandalous and a tragedy that we are in the position where … there are people who are coming back to the family courts up to 14 times to be the subject of care proceedings.”

Such families needed more neonatal training and support, he said. Those who repeatedly appeared in the family courts would be among those referred to the government’s Troubled Families Unit in future.

“A lot of the services we need are not court services but advice for people about what rights they have. My vision of the courts is that they [also become] family advice centres so that people can be pointed in the right direction.”

In cases involving children over the age 10, Hughes said, “the children need to be heard; they should be able to talk to the court to say what they want – so that their issues and requirements are seen to come first.”

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

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Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

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At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

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Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

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