Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions she has had with the Family Justice Board on handling vexatious repeated requests relating to access to children; and if she will make a statement.

The family court already has powers to deal with vexatious applications in respect of children. It is unacceptable that some people use the court process to continue harassment of their ex-partners.

When disposing of proceedings under the Children Act 1989 about a child’s upbringing, and whether or not the court makes any order about the child, the court may make an order under section 91(14) of that Act. This order will name a person who is considered by the court to be vexatious and will restrict their ability to make further specified applications in respect of the child concerned without first obtaining the court’s permission. The court may decide to make such an order either of its own motion or in response to a request by a party to the proceedings.

The Family Justice Board has not discussed this specific issue.