Understanding Child Arrangements and the Reality of Family Court
By Gergely Fried
A Book About Structure, Not Blame
Family court is designed to resolve disputes.
But what happens when the structure itself intensifies conflict?
Conflict by Design examines how child arrangements cases in England & Wales can reshape perception, escalate tension, and influence parental behaviour — even when both parents believe they are acting in a child’s best interests.
This is not a legal manual.
It is an examination of process, psychology, and unintended consequences.
What the Book Explores
- How early narratives shape the direction of a case
- The psychological impact of Cafcass safeguarding
- How Section 7 reports influence long-term outcomes
- The experience of litigants in person
- How delay changes negotiation dynamics
- Whether adversarial structure increases defensiveness
If you are unfamiliar with how proceedings work, you may first wish to read a structured overview of the Child Arrangements Order process.
Who This Book Is For
- Parents navigating Child Arrangements proceedings
- Litigants in person
- McKenzie Friends and paralegals
- Family law professionals
- Readers interested in access to justice and system design
Why This Perspective Matters
Family court is not designed to create conflict.
However, design influences behaviour.
When safeguarding frameworks, delay, uncertainty, and legal thresholds combine, even ordinary disputes can escalate.
This book asks structured questions about process — not personalities.
It builds on themes previously explored in professional and media publications discussing litigants in person, access to justice, and the lived realities of family court proceedings.
Coming Soon
Publication expected Spring 2026.
The book will be available in paperback and Kindle edition.
If you are currently navigating Child Arrangements proceedings, you may find the following resources helpful:
• Child Arrangements Order support
• Cafcass preparation guidance
• High conflict child arrangements cases
About the Author
Gergely Fried is the founder of Everyman Justice, providing structured McKenzie Friend support in family court proceedings across England & Wales.
His work focuses on access to justice, procedural clarity, and supporting litigants in person through complex Child Arrangements cases.