Family Court Without

Going to family court without a solicitor is something a growing number of people do every year in England and Wales. Whether through choice or necessity, self-representing parties are now a significant presence in the family court system, and judges are well used to dealing with them.

What judges do expect, however, is that you follow the correct procedures, prepare your documents properly and conduct yourself appropriately in the hearing room. That is where preparation and support make the difference.

What kinds of hearings might you face?

• First Appointment: an early case management hearing in financial remedy proceedings
• Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR): a without prejudice hearing aimed at reaching a settlement
• Final Hearing: where a judge makes a final decision if no agreement has been reached
• Child Arrangements hearings: covering where children live and when they spend time with each parent
• Enforcement hearings: where an existing order is not being followed

What do you need to prepare?

Requirements vary by hearing type but typically include a completed Form E for financial hearings, a position statement, a chronology of key events and a court bundle containing all relevant documents. Getting these right, in the right format and filed by the right deadline, is essential.

Can you bring someone with you?

Yes. As a self-representing party (litigant in person) you can bring a McKenzie Friend to any family court hearing. They sit alongside you, take notes, help you find documents and offer quiet support. They cannot speak on your behalf unless the judge specifically grants permission, but their presence can make a significant difference to how you feel and how you present yourself.

How I can help

• Explaining what will happen at each type of hearing in plain English
• Helping you prepare all required documents to the correct standard
• Attending hearings with you as your McKenzie Friend
• Helping you prepare what you want to say and how to say it
• Keeping you calm and organised on the day
• Debriefing after hearings and planning next steps