The Children Act

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of illness.

Fiona reflects on the state of marital dysfunction since 2012. She thinks about all the instances of partnerships breaking apart and child welfare she’s witnessed over the years. Because of these social trends, her work with the Family Division has been consistent. She wonders if it’s coincidental that “so much marital conflict” has come her way in the courts, and she’s now facing a similar conflict in her own life (138). Over the following weeks, she tries not to let her issues with Jack and longing for a child impact her work.

Life at Gray’s Inn has been quiet but tense since Adam’s case. Fiona and Jack have barely interacted, which is a relief to Fiona. She was tired of him telling her that he loved her so often. While she gave him a new key to the flat, she hasn’t let him back into their bed. Even when their nieces and nephews visit on the weekend, Jack sleeps on the couch. One weekend, while their nieces are there, Fiona notices how good Jack is with children and softens towards him. When they leave, Fiona feels distant from him again, and her sadness returns.