Skip to main content
Legal news

Controversial views of High Court judge

Wendy Campbell Wendy Campbell
2 min read

A senior High Court judge has caused controversy by claiming that couples should not have children until they are ready to be married.

Sir Paul Coleridge, a judge with long service in family law, says couples should only have children when they are sure their relationship is strong enough to cope with the stresses and strains that go alongside having children, adding that the best relationship to be in with this in mind is a marriage because those have a tendency to last while cohabitation does not. He said people have no right to have children; they only have responsibilities and duties to do the best they can for them.

His comments come in the light of figures from the Office for National Statistics which showed the number of children born to unmarried mothers reaching 47.5% and set to pass 50% in the next few years. Separate research from the Marriage Foundation appeared to back Sir Paul’s arguments as it showed that children whose parents were not married were twice as likely to be involved in a family break-up as those whose parents were married.

Sir Paul said there was widespread ignorance in the political establishment about the benefits of marriage, but singled out Iain Duncan Smith as one figure willing to voice his support for the institution. He said that the reality of family life was simple: “If your relationship is stable enough to cope with the rigours of child rearing then you should consider seriously adding the protection of marriage to your relationship.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/couples-should-not-have-children-until-they-are-ready-to-marry-says-high-court-judge-8991867.html

Client feedback

Excellent response times, feel very supported by them, and give good, fair and impartial advice too when needed. Very professional.
Jessica
My Will was written during Wills Month via St Gemma's Hospice. The service was quick and efficient. I have only given 4 stars as there was an error in the original draft.
Anonymous
Found the process smooth and efficient. I was able to get information I required promptly and if not available immediately on the telephone then any messages left were replied to. Siddra Razaq and Tom McIlroy were responsible for the handling of my sale and I would certainly use them again.
Dianne
Monika in particular was very professional, efficient, friendly and helpful when drafting our wills
Brian
Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
Contact Wendy