The Family Court Playbook — Volume 1: What Nobody Tells You Until It's Too Late

Nobody tells you this stuff. Not your solicitor — because 

they charge you £300 an hour to find out. Not the court — 

because it assumes you already know. Not the internet — 

because most of what's online is either wrong or useless.

This guide is different. It is the insider knowledge that 

experienced family lawyers carry in their heads — the 

observations, tactics and hard-won insights that separate 

litigants who handle proceedings effectively from those 

who don't.

30 insider tips across 5 areas:

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT CAFCASS

The CAFCASS officer has already spoken to the other parent 

before they call you. You are not starting with a blank 

canvas. This section tells you exactly what they are 

listening for — and what to say in the first three minutes.

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT DOCUMENTS

Your first document sets the tone for the entire case. 

Less is more — every time. The other side's position 

statement tells you what they are afraid of. How to read 

it, and what to do with what you find.

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT EVIDENCE

Start your contact log on day one — not from when things 

go wrong. Every text, email and WhatsApp message is 

evidence. Never put anything in a message you would not 

want read aloud in a courtroom. Because it will be.

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT HEARINGS

What you wear tells the judge something before you open 

your mouth. The penal notice — why most people don't know 

to ask for one, and why that mistake is costly.

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT THE OTHER SIDE

A solicitor's letter is designed to intimidate you. How 

to read past the tone to what it actually says. And why 

agreeing small things costs you nothing — but wins you 

something the court values enormously.

WHAT YOU GET:

✓ 30 insider tips — immediately actionable

✓ Written by a qualified solicitor (non-practising) who 

 has been a litigant in person himself

✓ PDF — instant download, lifetime access

✓ Volume 1 of The Family Court Playbook series

No deposit required. No hourly rate. No invoice.

The knowledge your solicitor has — without the bill.

Also available: Volume 2 (Strategy & Psychology) and 

Volume 3 (How to Last the Distance). Buy all three 

together and save £8 — The Complete Family Court Playbook.

For educational purposes only. Not legal advice.

Eugene Pienaar is a non-practising Solicitor of the 

Supreme Court of England and Wales.