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EvidenceCanvas

First steps without a solicitor Family court · England and Wales

General information, not legal advice
Checked 14 October 2026
On-the-day items re-checked 23 October 2026

For parents going to the family court about child arrangements without a solicitor. Tick each line as you go. It goes with our video on how the family court works.

Your court order comes first. If an order in your case says something different from this checklist, follow the order. This is general information, not legal advice.

01Safety first

  • If I am not safe, I know the numbers: 999 in an emergency; National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours); Samaritans 116 123.

02Before I apply

  • I have used the gov.uk legal aid checker (gov.uk/legal-aid/check-legal-aid).
  • I have checked Help with Fees before paying the £270 application fee (gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees).
  • I have attended a MIAM, or I know which exemption applies and will state it on the form.
  • I have asked the mediator about the mediation voucher (up to £500 towards mediation sessions; not the MIAM).
  • If I or a child has been harmed or is at risk of harm, I have completed Form C1A.

03Know my route

  • I have read my court's letters: standard route (Cafcass checks, safeguarding letter, FHDRA) or Child Focused Model (Child Impact Report).
  • I have the date, time and format (in person, video or phone) of my next hearing.

04My papers

  • One folder for everything, paper and/or digital.
  • File names start with the date, year first (2026-10-14 school email).
  • A chronology started: date, what happened, where the proof is.
  • Copies of everything sent and received, with proof of sending.
  • Texts, WhatsApp messages, emails, recordings and photos kept safe, but not put in the bundle unless the court orders it.
  • I do not post about my case online or share papers with anyone the rules do not allow.

05Deadlines

  • Every date in my court order is in my calendar.
  • Position statement and other short documents: by 11am on the working day before the hearing, to the court and the other side, unless my order says otherwise.

06On the day

  • Arrive about 30 minutes before the time on my hearing letter (not much earlier), and allow for the bag check; remote hearing link tested the day before.
  • Pen, paper, my papers and a copy of the bundle. Ready to wait: my case may not be first.
  • Special measures (screens, separate waiting area, video link) requested in advance if I need them.
  • McKenzie friend arranged, if I want one.

07Free help

  • Support Through Court 0300 081 0006 · Advicenow · RCJ Advice · LawWorks · Law Centres · FFRAP · Citizens Advice.