Assumption: "Any expert I bring to court will be accepted — a therapist, counsellor, or support worker can give evidence as long as they know about the subject."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
The court will accept any expert witness who has relevant knowledge, regardless of their professional registration or accreditation.
Court Reality
From 20 July 2026, new Family Procedure Rules bar unregulated experts from giving evidence in children proceedings. Only experts regulated by a UK statutory body (like the HCPC for psychologists), on a PSA-accredited register, or regulated under the Legal Services Act 2007 can be appointed. Unregulated experts are only permitted in exceptional cases where no regulated expert is available or where delay would harm the child.
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The Gap?
"Any expert I bring to court will be accepted — a therapist, counsellor, or support worker can give evidence as long as they know about the subject."
Court Reality
From 20 July 2026, new Family Procedure Rules bar unregulated experts from giving evidence in children proceedings. Only experts regulated by a UK statutory body (like the HCPC for psychologists), on a PSA-accredited register, or regulated under the Legal Services Act 2007 can be appointed. Unregulated experts are only permitted in exceptional cases where no regulated expert is available or where delay would harm the child.
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