The Court Process
Information about family court procedures, legal representation and the various orders available to separated parents. Articles explain what to expect at hearings and how to prepare your case.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Scheme: Template
Get a template letter to start the Alternative Dispute Resolution process without going to court.
Applying for a Residence Order (Custody): Court Procedure
How to apply for a child arrangements order in court and what the process involves for UK parents.
Breach of Contact or Residence Order: What to Do
When the other parent breaks a court order about contact or where your child lives, here's what you can actually do about it.
Cafcass Staff: A Broad Cross Section of Society?
Cafcass staff are mostly female and middle-class, raising questions about whether they truly represent all families in the court system.
Creating a Skeleton Argument for Court
A skeleton argument is a court document outlining your case's main points before trial so the judge understands the key issues at stake.
Duty of Care: When Your Solicitor Won't Contact You
Your solicitor has a legal duty to respond to you—here's what to do if they won't.
Equality in Family Courts: Letter to the PM
Separated fathers call on UK government to address inequality in family courts where dads get limited access to their children.
Legal Aid Withdrawal: How to Represent Yourself
If you've lost legal aid or can't afford a solicitor, here's what you need to know about representing yourself in family law cases.
Parental Responsibility: Have it? Need it? Get it.
Know what parental responsibility actually covers and whether you have the legal right to make major decisions for your child.
Preparation for Contested Hearings: A Checklist
A contested hearing can feel overwhelming. You're already coping with separation, and now there's a formal court process ahead. Here's what actually...
Recommended Reading for Separated Dads
Books and resources recommended by separated dads and family experts to help children through divorce and co-parenting challenges.
Representing Yourself in Court
You can represent yourself in family court, and judges expect it—here's what you need to know.
Specific Issue Orders
A Specific Issue Order lets you ask the family court to decide parental matters you can't agree on with your ex, from education to relocation.
The Different Types of Court Orders
Court orders that settle child custody disputes include Section 8 Orders, residence orders, and other arrangements made by family courts.
Understanding the Remission System
Get fee reductions and exemptions through the Remission system so court costs don't prevent you from accessing justice.
Using a Barrister in Family Cases
When you need a barrister for family law, understand how their duties to the court differ from solicitors and what their court expertise means for your case.
Using a McKenzie Friend in Court
A McKenzie Friend can offer moral support and practical help in court if you're representing yourself, but they can't speak on your behalf.
What Happens at Family Court?
Family Court handles adoption, child custody, and care cases in a less formal setting than traditional courts, so here's what to expect.
When Children Are Taken Into Care: A Guide
When your child is taken into care, you might keep parental responsibility depending on whether a court care order is in place or if you've agreed to it.
Which Court Form Do I Need?
Find the right court form for your family law case with help matching common scenarios to the correct application.
Who Qualifies for Legal Aid?
You might qualify for legal aid if you're on certain benefits, but income and savings limits apply even if you're not.