Preparation Checklist for a Family Court Hearing
How to prepare for a family court hearing, including child arrangements, financial orders, and CAFCASS interviews.
Overview
Family court proceedings are primarily governed by the Children Act 1989 and the Family Procedure Rules 2010. In children matters, the welfare of the child is the court's paramount consideration (s.1(1) Children Act 1989). Hearings range from brief case management appointments (FHDRA) to lengthy final hearings. Preparation โ particularly a clear parenting proposal and engagement with CAFCASS โ directly influences the outcome.
CAFCASS Engagement
Engage fully and promptly with any CAFCASS officer(Essential)
CAFCASS produces the Safeguarding Letter and, if ordered, a s.7 welfare report. Their recommendation carries significant weight
Prepare a clear account of your proposed child arrangements and why they serve the child's welfare(Essential)
Note any safeguarding concerns you have about the other parent โ with specific examples and evidence
Be prepared to discuss the child's wishes and feelings (s.1(3)(a) Children Act 1989)(Essential)
Parenting Plan
Written parenting plan setting out your proposals for: where the child lives, contact arrangements, schooling, medical decisions, and holidays(Essential)
Courts welcome a realistic, detailed parenting plan โ it shows forward planning and child focus
Evidence of your current involvement in the child's life (school records, medical appointments, etc.)
Evidence of any domestic abuse, coercive control, or harm (PD12J applies)
Practice Direction 12J sets out how domestic abuse allegations must be handled โ raise at the earliest opportunity
Documents and Practicalities
All court orders, applications, and responses filed in the proceedings(Essential)
Any previous orders or agreements about the children(Essential)
Dress appropriately and arrive early(Essential)
Arrange childcare โ you should not bring children to a family court hearing unless specifically directed(Essential)
Consider a McKenzie Friend if unrepresented โ or free advice from a MIAM provider
Related Guides
Related Rights
Official Resources
Frequently asked questions
- What should be included in a parenting plan for a family court hearing?
- A written parenting plan should detail where the child lives, contact arrangements, schooling, medical decisions, and holidays. Courts welcome realistic, detailed plans as they demonstrate forward planning and a focus on the child's welfare. You should also gather evidence of your current involvement in the child's life, such as school records or medical appointments.
- What documents do I need to bring to a family court hearing?
- You must bring all court orders, applications, and responses filed in the proceedings, along with any previous orders or agreements about the children. If you have concerns about domestic abuse or coercive control, you must raise these at the earliest opportunity, as Practice Direction 12J sets out how such allegations must be handled.
- What practical steps should I take before attending the hearing?
- You should dress appropriately and arrive early. You must arrange childcare, as you should not bring children to a family court hearing unless specifically directed by the court. If you are unrepresented, you may consider using a McKenzie Friend or seek free advice from a MIAM provider.