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Friday 16 January 2026
A weekly round-up of the latest news and information about courts and tribunals
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Changes to how we send you updates
A reminder that in January 2026, we will be moving to a new email provider for our communications, including the weekly HMCTS Update newsletter. Some subscribers may need to take action to continue receiving updates.
We will contact you in the coming weeks to let you know if any steps are required, or to confirm your subscription will continue as normal so keep an eye on your emails for next steps.
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This month, the Government announced the expansion of the Pathfinder family court model to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Trial data from South East Wales and Birmingham, published in November 2025, shows cases are being resolved up to seven and a half months faster.
The model introduces earlier risk identification to improve children's safety, streamlines court processes and strengthens coordination between the family court and justice partners.
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Major developments are transforming justice facilities, from Blackpool's new courthouse to London's City of London Law Courts on Fleet Street and you can hear about it all in our recent podcast.
New buildings include accessibility features such as changing places and wheelchair-accessible cells and we're addressing maintenance issues including leaking roofs and ageing heating systems at courts
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Scammers are impersonating HMCTS enforcement teams and courts through phone calls, emails and text messages to demand payments or personal details.
Learn how to recognise the signs of a scam and protect yourself.
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The Sentencing Council is consulting on its annual updates to sentencing guidelines used in courts across England and Wales.
Proposed changes include updates to motoring offence guidelines for magistrates' courts, as well as amendments to guidance on fraud, guilty plea reductions, and strangulation or suffocation offences for both magistrates' courts and the Crown Court.
The consultation closes on 29 January 2026.
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If you've completed divorce proceedings, you'll receive a decree absolute or a final order.
You'll need to keep this document safe as you may need it when applying for a state pension, passport, probate, or marriage licence.
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