Going to court

You'll need to go to court if you've tried other suitable options and still can't agree arrangements, or you're worried about the welfare of you or your children.

The court process is different in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Choose Going to court if...

You want a court to make a decision or you have concerns about domestic abuse or child abuse.

If the other parent has applied to court, find out what it means for you.

Pros

  • a decision is made in your child's best
  • legally binding outcome

Cons

  • can be expensive
  • court process takes a long time
  • you might not get what you want - a judge makes the decision
  • can be more stressful for you and your children
  • may increase conflict between you and the other parent

Making your application to court

Making your application to court - Video on YouTube

Step 1 Compare other options before applying to court

Before applying to court you should see if you can resolve your dispute another way.

There's usually a better outcome for children and parents if an agreement can be reached without going to court.

If you and the other parent agree on the majority of issues you could trying using a negotiation tool or service. Most of them are free and can help you both reach an amicable agreement.

Professional mediation is usually quicker than court and can be cheaper than using a lawyer. It's also a less stressful experience for your children.

You could get up to £500 towards family mediation

This is a scheme that provides a contribution to the cost of family mediation. It is only available for a limited time.

Find out more about the family mediation voucher scheme.

If your situation is complex, or you're not communicating with the other parent, you can use a lawyer to help you negotiate.

With collaborative law or lawyer negotiation you'll have legal support throughout. These options can also be quicker and less stressful than court.

Step 2 Choose to hire a lawyer or represent yourself

Hire a lawyer

A lawyer can be expensive but they'll handle the legal aspects of the case and represent you in court.

They may try and negotiate a deal out of court with the other parent or recommend you move to step 3 straight away.

Find a legal adviser

Represent yourself

You may choose to represent yourself because you'd prefer to speak to the judge directly or because you can't afford the legal fees.

If you can't afford legal representation, you can still ask a lawyer for advice at any time during the court process.

GOV.UK has more information on how to represent yourself in court.

Support Through Court provides help for every stage of the court process for those without a lawyer.

Find a free legal advice clinic

Lawyer rates (per hour)

£110 - £410

Fees may vary depending on your location and the experience of the lawyer. How long you need will depend on your situation. Some lawyers offer free 30-minute consultations or fixed fees. You can also check if you can get free legal help.

Step 3 Attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM)

Before applying for a court order you must attend a MIAM, unless you're exempt.

The MIAM will assess whether mediation is right for you and if you can agree arrangements out of court.

You will need to find a mediator to book a MIAM.

Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council can carry out a MIAM. Check with the mediator before you book.

Average cost of MIAM per person

£120

Estimated fees may vary depending on your location and the experience of the mediator. Some mediators offer reductions if you're unemployed or on a low income. It may also be cheaper if you attend together. If you or the other parent are eligible for legal aid you both will qualify for a free MIAM.

Step 4 Apply to court

Use the online service to apply to court about child arrangements. It costs £232 to apply.

Alternatively fill in the C100 form to make an application and send it to the family court closest to where your child lives. You can check this on find a court or tribunal. You will need to provide evidence that you have attended a MIAM, or why you are exempt.

You must give brief details of why you are making the application.

You'll need to make a separate application if you wish to discuss any other issues in court (for example your finances).

In the majority of cases, a court will set a hearing date within 2 months. But, the court may decide that an earlier first hearing (an urgent hearing) is necessary

An advisor from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) or Cafcass Cymru will gather information before the first hearing.

The information includes:

  • a social services and criminal record check on you and the other parent

  • any concerns you and the other parent may have about the safety and welfare of your children

Cafcass or Cafcass Cymru will contact you to find out this information and to give you more details about what to do at the first hearing.

Watch video for more details

Cost of C100 court application

£232

Only applicant needs to pay the fee.

Step 5 Go to court

At the first hearing the judge will see if there's still a chance you can reach an agreement with the other parent.

If you can reach an agreement

The judge will end the process and write a consent order setting out the details of your agreement.

If you can't reach an agreement

If the court makes an order it will be based on what is best for your child.

Your case may be put on hold (adjourned) if the judge needs more information or time to decide what's best for your children. The judge may ask Cafcass to write another report.

The judge may ask you to try again to reach an agreement, for example, they may direct you to attend a MIAM or attempt mediation.

A new date is set for the next hearing. If you reach an agreement before this date you'll need to go back to court for a judge to make a consent order.

GOV.UK has more information on what happens if there's no agreement at the first hearing.