Children and families act 2014: S11 The presumption of parental involvement - a 'bold' reform or a damp squib

Students of Family Law will no doubt have their own views on the concept of shared parenting and may believe that shared parenting either is or should be, part of English law. However, this is not enshrined in law and Section 11 of the Children and Families Act 2014 (which inserts new sections 1(2)A, 1(2)B, 1(6) and 1(7) into the Children Act 1989) which came into force on 22 October 20141, introduces the presumption of parental involvement, not shared parenting, into family law. Heralded by the Justice Minister Simon Hughes as one of a number of ‘bold’ reforms to the Family Justice system it is seen by many commentators as a missed opportunity which changes little, if anything. This article briefly outlines the Act’s key provisions in terms of family law and considers the implications of the Section 11 presumption.