1. Foreword

We live in times of change in family law as well as all other areas. Procedures change as well as the substantive law. It is not always obvious even to the experienced judge or recorder how best to deal with an unexpected procedural problem.

The JSB's Family Bench Book, just brought up to date, is an indispensable aid to the inexperienced and less than frequent visitor to the difficult and sensitive issues which arise in family cases. It is also a useful check for more experienced family judges. In its fourteen chapters it gives guidance on a wide variety of topics and helpfully brings together practice directions in the appendices. I am pleased that it will be available to all judges with a family jurisdiction.

The JSB and its family contributors are to be congratulated for providing the family judiciary with this guide, which is a must in court and useful reading out of court.

The Rt Hon Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss DBE, President

1. Not to use the information for reproduction in any commercial publication, or to use as a part of any commercial activity.

2. Other than 1. above, that the Family Law Bench Book will be for personal use only and any alterations made to the Family Law Bench Book will not be circulated.

3. That if you wish to use the this material in any other way, you will contact:

Publications Co-Ordinator
The Judicial Studies Board
6th Floor, Steel House
11 Tothill Street, London
SW1H 9LJ

publications@jsb.gsi.gov.uk