Transparency in Divorce Financial Proceedings: What You Need to Know

For many years, financial proceedings following divorce took place almost entirely in private. Disputes over assets, pensions and maintenance were resolved in confidential hearings with limited opportunity for media reporting. That position has changed significantly in recent years.

Since 2024, new transparency reforms across England and Wales have allowed accredited journalists and legal bloggers to attend many financial remedy hearings. While anonymity protections remain strong, the reforms represent a notable shift in how the Family Court operates. Understanding these changes is important for anyone navigating or considering financial proceedings.

 

The New Transparency Rules

The reforms arise from the Transparency Reporting Pilot, introduced in January 2024 and now implemented across all financial remedy courts. The pilot allows accredited journalists and approved legal bloggers to observe hearings and report on what they see, with the aim of increasing public understanding of the family justice system.

Reporting, however, is only permitted under strict conditions. Judges usually issue a Transparency Order specifying what information can be published, ensuring sensitive details are safeguarded.

 

Will My Identity Be Made Public?

No. Anonymity remains central to the process.

Journalists cannot publish any information capable of identifying the parties or their children, including names, addresses, schools, places of work or business interests, or any details that could indirectly reveal identity. Cases are typically reported anonymously, often using initials (e.g., J v J).

One change to be aware of: court cause lists increasingly display the parties’ surnames, meaning the existence of proceedings may be more visible than before, even though case details remain protected.

 

Can Journalists Attend My Hearing?

In many cases, yes. Accredited journalists may attend both in‑person and remote hearings. Although attendance remains relatively rare, it is now a possibility at any listed hearing.

Where hearings involve vulnerable individuals, high‑profile parties or commercially sensitive issues, the court can impose further reporting restrictions to protect confidentiality.

 

Which Hearings Remain Private?

The Financial Dispute Resolution hearing (FDR) remains fully confidential. As a settlement-focused hearing conducted on a “without prejudice” basis, journalists cannot attend and nothing said at the FDR may be reported. Preserving privacy at this stage is viewed as essential to encouraging open negotiation.

 

Why the Changes?

The reforms form part of a wider movement towards greater openness in the family justice system. Critics have long argued that family courts are overly secretive. Increasing transparency aims to build public confidence and enable appropriate scrutiny of judicial decisions. The pilot is scheduled to run until January 2027, when the judiciary will determine whether it should become permanent.

 

A Growing Focus on Private Dispute Resolution

With greater openness in the courts, more couples are exploring alternatives such as mediation, collaborative law, or private FDR hearings. These options are entirely confidential and can offer a quicker, more private route to resolution.

 

How Adams Harrison Can Help?

Our family law team advises clients on all aspects of financial remedy proceedings, including the impact of the transparency reforms. If you would like guidance on divorce, financial arrangements, or dispute‑resolution options, please contact:

Saffron Walden: 01799 523 441
Sawston: 01223 832 939
Haverhill: 01440 702 485