What this tool does

It helps you put together a position statement for a family court hearing when you are representing yourself. You give it the basics of your case and what you want the judge to decide, and it produces a structured draft you can edit, print and take with you.

A position statement is the short document you hand to the judge and the other side at the start of the hearing. It sets out who you are, what the hearing is about, and what orders you are asking for. Getting it right makes it easier for the judge to follow your side of things from the first minute.

Who it is for

This is aimed at dads going to family court without a solicitor, usually in private children proceedings such as Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps, Specific Issue, or enforcement applications. It works for a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), a Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA), or a final hearing.

It is useful if you have never written a court document before and are not sure what to include, what to leave out, and how formal the tone should be. It is not legal advice, and it will not replace a solicitor or barrister if your case is complex, but it will give you a solid starting point to work from.

How it works

You answer a few short questions about your situation, the type of hearing, the background with the other parent and children, any safeguarding points, and what you are asking the court to order. The tool then drafts a position statement in plain English, with clear headings the judge will expect to see. You can copy the text, tweak anything that does not sound like you, and check the facts carefully before filing. Nothing you type is saved to your account or shared, so you can be honest about the details while you draft.