Petition · Ministry of Justice

Change family law proceedings burden of proof to “beyond a reasonable doubt”

Open for signatures 392 signatures

What the petition asks

In family law proceedings judges make decisions based on a standard of proof based on a balance of probabilities that something is more likely than not to have happened, and we think this should be changed in line with criminal law so that it must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt”.
We think the current process is causing false allegations being upheld and can prevent parent and child contact, and that a parent can lie in family court in order to alienate the opposing parent. We believe this is happening purely because the balance of probabilities does not require the burden of proof to suggest that it is true beyond a reasonable doubt.

Timeline

14 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 392
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 14 May 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.