How to write a position statement for family court

A position statement is your short, written summary of what you are asking the court to decide at a hearing and why. Judges read it before you speak — in many family hearings it does more work than anything else you file.

What it is for

Family hearings are short. A position statement lets the judge arrive already knowing: what orders you seek, what you agree and disagree with, and the handful of facts you rely on. It is not the place for the full history — that belongs in your witness statement and bundle.

Structure that works

Heading — case name and number, hearing date, your role, “Position statement of [name] dated [date]”.
Orders I ask the court to make — numbered, in order of importance. Be precise (“contact with [child] each alternate weekend from Friday after school to Sunday at 6pm”).
What I agree — concede what you can. Judges notice flexibility, and it shrinks the dispute.
What I disagree with, and why — one or two sentences per point, each tied to evidence in the bundle (give the bundle page number).
Anything urgent — safeguarding, travel, school deadlines.

Rules of thumb

No more than 3 pages unless the court allows more: that is the limit in Practice Direction 27A from 2 March 2026. Shorter is often better. Write a fresh one for each hearing, and do not attach exhibits to it.
Facts, not feelings — “On 3 March, collection was missed (bundle p.14)” beats three paragraphs about how that felt.
Number every paragraph — so the judge, CAFCASS and the other side can reference your points precisely.
Serve it on time — the court’s order or directions set the deadline; if they don’t, the bundle rules in Practice Direction 27A apply, which require preliminary documents such as position statements by 11am on the working day before the hearing. Check your order and send it on time.
Check it against your other documents — dates and facts must match your witness statement and chronology exactly. Small inconsistencies do real damage.

Common mistakes

Retelling the whole relationship history instead of addressing this hearing’s questions.
Ask after ask with no priorities, so the judge cannot tell what matters most.
Arguments without evidence references.
Attacking the other parent’s character where it changes nothing about the child’s arrangements.

Keeping your documents consistent

The reason position statements fall apart is usually version chaos: three drafts, a bundle that moved, a chronology that was updated but not checked. EvidenceCanvas keeps drafts, the bundle and the chronology in one controlled workspace with a visible history, so the statement you file agrees with the papers behind it. Start with the free starter kit.

Checked against GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk and justice.gov.uk on 5 October 2026. EvidenceCanvas is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.