Representing yourself in family court: the complete guide
More people than ever run their own family court case. Judges are used to it: the procedure assumes a "litigant in person" may appear without a lawyer, and there is a designed support system around you. This guide walks the whole journey - before you file, the hearings, the paperwork, the money, and where to get free help.
Before you apply: three checks
- Have you tried mediation? With limited exceptions you must normally attend a MIAM (mediation information and assessment meeting) before applying. The £500 mediation voucher can cover most of the cost.
- Do you qualify for a MIAM exemption? The most-used exemption is domestic abuse: Practice Direction 3A (para 20) accepts 21 forms of evidence - a police arrest or caution for a domestic abuse offence, ongoing criminal proceedings, a protective injunction, an undertaking under FLA 1996 s.46/63E, a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice, a letter from an appropriate health professional who examined a party, or even a letter from a refuge confirming it refused you admission because of abuse by the other party. You complete form C1A alongside the C100.
- Can you get the fee reduced or refunded? Court fees are high (see our C100 guide: £270 to apply), but the Help with Fees scheme remits them: no more than £4,250 in savings if your fee is £1,420 or less (the limit rises with the fee, up to £16,000; see our EX160 guide), plus a low-income or benefits test. Apply on form EX160.
The hearings you may face
| Hearing | What happens | Be ready with |
|---|---|---|
| FHDRA (first hearing) | The court identifies issues, checks safeguarding, tries to narrow dispute | Your short position summary; questions for Cafcass |
| Dispute resolution appointment | Further attempt at agreement with directions | Updated proposals in writing |
| Fact finding hearing | Judge decides disputed allegations | Witness statements, schedule, bundle |
| Final hearing / IRH | Evidence, cross-examination, decision | Compliant statements, chronology, bundle |
How to behave and what to say
- Stand when the judge enters and leaves; address them as "Sir/Madam" (or correctly titled).
- Say what you want, then why, then point to the evidence - keep it short; the judge reads your bundle and statements beforehand.
- Never interrupt. Note your point and raise it when it is your turn.
- Bring three copies of everything you hand in: judge, other party, yourself.
Where free help actually exists
- Support Through Court (supportthroughcourt.org) - free, independent volunteers in many courts who help you prepare and sit with you.
- Citizens Advice - court guides and local bureaux.
- LawWorks (lawworks.org.uk) - brokers free pro bono legal advice through clinics.
- Cafcass - its parenting tools and section 7 explainer help you understand the reports about your family.
Keeping your paperwork under control
The single biggest LiP failure is document chaos: statements that contradict the bundle, missing page numbers, exhibits unlabelled. Build a chronology early (how to), keep every document dated in one place, and produce compliant, paginated bundles. EvidenceCanvas does exactly this for self-represented parents - start your case free.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a solicitor to apply to family court?
- No. The Family Procedure Rules and court staff expect unrepresented parties. Free help from Support Through Court and LawWorks clinics fills much of the gap.
- What is a litigant in person?
- A person who conducts their own court case without a lawyer. You keep full control of decisions; you are also responsible for procedure, deadlines and bundles.
- Can I get legal fees waived?
- Court fees can be waived under Help with Fees (EX160) if you pass the savings and income tests - up to £4,250 savings for most applications. Solicitor fees are separate; pro bono clinics are the main free route.
- Will the judge treat me differently without a lawyer?
- Judges must ensure fairness; they may explain procedure and take extra care, but cannot give you legal advice or run your case for you.
Sources (checked 5 Oct 2026): GOV.UK - Help with court fees (savings limits), family EX50 fee table, child arrangements; Family Procedure Rules Part 3 r.3.8 and Practice Direction 3A para 20 (domestic abuse evidence); supportthroughcourt.org; lawworks.org.uk. General information, not legal advice.