Re ML (a child) (use of Skype Technology) [2013] EWHC 2091 (Fam), [2013] All ER (D) 232 (Jul)
The judgment recorded the use made of Skype technology in two recent cases. The first case concerned the adoption of a girl from Nepal. The judge directed that the parents should be contacted and offered the opportunity to give their consent. It was not possible for the children's guardian to make those enquiries abroad. A local lawyer was engaged and arrangements were made for the court documents to be translated and sent to the lawyer. Using Skype, the guardian and the child's solicitor were able to witness in real time the parents signing the consent forms, and photographs of the events were taken. The process satisfied the judge that the parents had freely and unconditionally consented to the adoption, and also that they had received no financial inducement. The second case concerned an application for relocation to Columbia. Evidence was required from a witness in Columbia. She lived in a remote location with few options available to her in respect of video conference facilities. The judge refused an application by
