Jade Ullrich wants Cornwall MPs to rethink how family courts work

Jade Ullrich has sat alongside parents in more than 25 family court cases. The part that worries her most is what happens once they walk back out of the door.

The Cornwall-based professional McKenzie Friend and campaigner is calling for urgent reform of the family justice system, and she wants the county’s MPs to listen to parents and recognise the realities facing families after separation.

Having successfully assisted parents through those cases, Jade has seen first-hand how mothers and fathers cope with a system she describes as often complicated, expensive and, at times, outdated.

She has recently hosted information and support sessions for a fathers’ rights group, helping parents better understand their rights and how the family court process works. But her work covers both mothers and fathers, with a focus on fairness, children’s welfare and better access to practical support.

Post-separation abuse and life after the courtroom

A particular focus for Jade is supporting parents experiencing post-separation abuse.

She believes ongoing coercive and controlling behaviour can cloud family proceedings, and that patterns of abuse are sometimes overlooked or mistaken for ordinary conflict between parents.

She is also raising concerns about the knock-on effects of family court orders. Universal Credit, benefits, housing and childcare can all be affected, along with the cost of running two separate households.

In Jade’s view, legal decisions can’t be looked at in isolation from the financial and practical situation families face afterwards.

“Family court decisions don’t end when parents walk out of the courtroom. Families have to live with those decisions every single day,” she said.

“We need a system that recognises post-separation abuse, understands the financial realities of separation and treats mothers and fathers fairly.

“This isn’t about mothers versus fathers. It’s about children, fairness and accountability.”

Campaigning beyond the family courts

Jade’s activism reaches further than family proceedings. She has led campaigns challenging decisions within the justice system, speaking up for public protection and raising concerns about institutional failures.

She has also campaigned on SEND provision and access to justice, believing ordinary people should be able to challenge the systems and decisions that affect their lives.

A call to Cornwall’s MPs

Jade is now asking Cornwall’s MPs, community organisations and support services to engage with parents and help drive meaningful reform.

Longer term, she wants to set up a full-time charity in Cornwall dedicated to supporting parents through family breakdown and private family court proceedings. The idea is that it would offer accessible information, practical guidance and support, whatever a parent’s financial circumstances or background.

“I’ve successfully assisted in more than 25 court cases, and I want to use that experience to make support more accessible to families who otherwise feel completely alone,” Jade said.

“I’m calling on Cornwall’s MPs to listen to parents, engage with the issues and help push for meaningful change.

“My ambition is to establish a full-time charity in Cornwall so that parents have somewhere to turn, whether they’re experiencing post-separation abuse, struggling to understand court proceedings or facing the financial consequences of family separation.

“I support both mothers and fathers. I don’t believe either should automatically be favoured or disadvantaged because of their gender.

“Children deserve safe and meaningful relationships with their parents wherever that is in their best interests.”

Where parents can get in touch

Parents in Cornwall who are struggling with family court proceedings, separation or post-separation abuse, or who simply need guidance on where to turn, are invited to contact Jade by email at [email protected].

“Family justice needs to catch up with real life,” she said. “It’s time for reform.”