Children as young as eight will be invited to speak to a judge in divorce cases from next year, lowering the current threshold of 12.

The formal change took effect earlier this year, but courts and appeal courts have now agreed to start inviting all younger children from January 2026, broadcaster NOS reported.

Children will receive an invitation by letter and are not required to attend. They may also choose to give their views by letter or email.

The conversation between judge and child takes around 20 minutes and is held in a specially designed child-friendly room. Parents are not present, and the setting is informal – the judge does not wear a gown.

The courts also aim to schedule these meetings on a different day from the hearing to avoid children overhearing disputes between parents.

The move follows several studies in recent years recommending a lower age limit so that children’s views are fully taken into account.