The Family Court Explained - Handbook

The Family Court Explained Handbook – England & Wales

Trying to understand the Family Court can feel overwhelming—especially when you are representing yourself.

This 48-page, plain-English handbook explains the people, procedures, forms, hearings, orders and terminology commonly encountered in family proceedings. It is designed to give parents and litigants in person a clearer starting point without unnecessary legal jargon.

Inside the handbook:

• How the Family Court works
• Private and public children proceedings
• Divorce and financial-remedy cases
• Non-molestation and occupation orders
• Common hearings and the purpose of court directions
• The roles of judges and magistrates
• What Cafcass and a Family Court Adviser do
• The differences between solicitors, barristers and paralegals
• McKenzie Friends, mediators and expert witnesses
• Court orders and frequently used legal terminology
• Evidence, statements, chronologies and position statements
• Help with Fees and form EX160
• Preparation tips and links to official sources

Common forms explained include:

• C100 – child arrangements and section 8 orders
• C1A – allegations of harm and domestic abuse
• C7 – responding to a children application
• C2 – applications within existing children proceedings
• C8 – keeping contact details confidential
• C79 – enforcement of a child arrangements order
• FL401 and FL403 – protective-order applications
• Form A, Form E and D81 – financial remedies
• D11 – applications within divorce or financial proceedings
• Forms H, H1 and N260 – costs information
• EX160 – Help with Fees
• FP161 and N161 – possible appeal routes

Each form section explains what the form is generally used for, when it may be relevant and what should be checked before filing.

Who is this handbook for?

• Parents involved in family proceedings
• Litigants representing themselves
• People supporting a family member through court
• Anyone wanting to understand Family Court language
• Those preparing for their first hearing

Product details

• 48-page digital handbook
• England and Wales edition
• Clear, professional PDF format
• Instant download following purchase
• Created by David Edmondson for parents and litigants in person

Important information

This handbook is an independent educational resource and does not provide legal advice, recommend a particular application or guarantee any court outcome. Forms, fees and procedures can change. Always check GOV.UK, HMCTS and the directions made in your individual case before taking action.

Digital product only—no physical item will be posted. For the purchaser’s personal use only. The handbook must not be copied, shared, resold or redistributed.