Litigant in Person in Family Court: Representing Yourself in a Child Arrangements Case

Why Many Relatives Represent Themselves

Legal aid for private family law was sharply restricted by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. Unless you can show evidence of domestic abuse or child abuse affecting you or the child, you are unlikely to qualify. Solicitor fees for child arrangements proceedings typically run between £250 and £400 per hour, which places full legal representation out of reach for most grandparents and relatives — particularly those on fixed incomes or pensions.

The result is that a large number of relatives go through the Family Court as litigants in person (LiPs). The court expects this and has procedures in place to accommodate it.

What You Can Do as a Litigant in Person

You have the same rights as a represented party. You can file applications, submit evidence, cross-examine witnesses (though the court may appoint a qualified legal representative to conduct cross-examination in domestic abuse cases), and address the judge directly.

The judge has a duty to ensure proceedings are fair to unrepresented parties. This means the judge may explain procedural steps, clarify what is needed at each stage, and ensure you understand the directions being made. You will not be penalised simply for not having a lawyer.

Practical Steps for Self-Representation

Learn the process first. Understand the hearing sequence: FHDRA, possible fact-finding hearing, Dispute Resolution Appointment, and final hearing. Knowing what comes next removes much of the anxiety.

Write a clear position statement. For each hearing, prepare a two-to-three-page document that explains the background, the child's current living arrangements, and the order you are asking for. Keep it factual. File and serve it on the other parties 24 to 48 hours before the hearing.

Prepare a court bundle. If the case becomes contested, you will need to compile a bundle following Practice Direction 27A. This means organising all relevant documents — the application, orders, reports, statements, and correspondence — in chronological order with a paginated index. The court will set a deadline for filing the bundle.

Take notes at every hearing. Write down what the judge orders, any dates set, and any actions you need to take. Ask the judge to clarify anything you do not understand — this is expected and normal.

Use free support services. Support Through Court provides volunteers at many Family Court buildings who offer practical help — finding the right courtroom, understanding what is happening, and emotional support. They cannot give legal advice, but they can sit with you during the hearing. Advicenow publishes detailed self-help guides written specifically for litigants in person in family proceedings. The Kinship charity offers a helpline and guides on child arrangements orders for relatives.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Dealing with the other side's solicitor. If the parent has legal representation and you do not, the imbalance can feel intimidating. Remember that the judge's duty of fairness applies regardless of representation. The solicitor may try to agree directions with you before the hearing — you can ask for time to consider any proposals, and you are never obliged to agree on the spot.

Managing emotions. Child arrangements cases involving family breakdown are inherently stressful. The courtroom is not the place to express anger or frustration toward the other party. Direct all communication through the judge, stay calm, and focus on the child's welfare — this is what the court is assessing.

Understanding legal language. Terms like "FHDRA," "Section 7 report," "DRA," and "without-notice application" can be confusing. Write them down as you encounter them and look them up afterwards. Advicenow's guides include glossaries for family court terminology.

When to Get Professional Help

Even if you cannot afford full representation, a solicitor can provide limited help on specific tasks — reviewing your position statement, advising on the strength of your case, or helping you prepare for cross-examination. Many firms offer fixed-fee consultations for exactly this purpose.

If your case involves serious domestic abuse allegations, complex international elements, or care proceedings initiated by the local authority, professional advice becomes more important. Legal aid may be available for these situations.

Our Child Arrangements Order Process Guide is built for relatives navigating the process without a solicitor — step-by-step instructions, form checklists, and hearing preparation templates.

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