Modern Families in Focus: Key Takeaways from the Jersey International Family and Child Law Conference 2026

Key conference themes included the significance of individual and generational identity, the evolving nature of Family Law prompting new debates for courts and professionals, and persistent tensions between legal frameworks and modern family realities.

Identity was explored in the context of adoption and led to discussions of open adoption and post adoption contact. Many now question if secrecy benefits children, or if greater openness helps them understand and accept their biological and legal families. This raised the idea of how adoption shapes adoptive children’s lifelong identity and affects future generations. Similarly, in regard to donor conception, the same shift to transparency over secrecy was discussed and the idea that the power of knowing your origins should be given to the individual, rather than the State making decisions for them.

The tensions between legal frameworks and modern family law were discussed, focusing on the challenges of parentage and the slow pace of legislative adaptation. Changing global politics are increasing surrogacy and sperm donation demands among LGBTQ+ families in the UK. This raises risks like unregulated online donations, insufficient safeguards, and prolific donors. Additional concerns include exploitation in cross-border arrangements and legal gaps affecting trans parents who do not align with the HFEA 2008’s gendered language.

Speakers emphasised prioritising the child’s best interests and urged Courts to keep evolving alongside changing family structures. Overall, the conference highlighted how rapidly family life is changing, while the law and practice continue to catch up. Whether the issue is adoption, donor conception or surrogacy, the direction of travel is clear: greater transparency, clearer safeguards and a consistent focus on the child’s best interests. For practitioners, the challenge is to navigate these developments with care, supporting modern families while pressing for legal frameworks that reflect the realities of family life today.