Printable checklist
Family court process checklist
Key dates, documents to prepare, and actions at each stage when domestic abuse is raised in the family court.
This is information, not legal advice. Deadlines vary by court and case. Always check dates on your sealed orders and with your solicitor.
Key dates timeline
| Stage | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Before application | Before C100 | Confirm MIAM exemption, gather abuse evidence, decide which orders you need. |
| C100 issued | Day 0 | File C100, C1A, and request special measures. |
| FHDRA | 4–6 weeks | Read CAFCASS safeguarding letter, confirm interim contact and special measures. |
| Fact-finding | 3–6 months after FHDRA | Submit evidence, attend hearing, obtain written judgment. |
| Section 7 report | 12–16 weeks | Read CAFCASS / local authority report, respond to recommendations. |
| Final hearing | 6–12 months | Attend hearing, obtain sealed order, distribute copies. |
| After order | Ongoing | Log breaches, apply to enforce/vary, watch appeal deadlines. |
Stage-by-stage actions
Stage 01
Before you apply
- Evidence of abuse to claim MIAM exemption (police log, GP letter, refuge/MARAC note, protective order).
- Notes from any mediator conversation and whether they screened for abuse.
- A clear list of the orders you want: Child Arrangements, Prohibited Steps, Specific Issue, or emergency without-notice.
- A rough timeline of incidents with dates, locations, and witnesses.
Stage 02
C100 / C1A application
- Draft C100 and C1A forms.
- Solicitor emails and advice notes.
- Special measures request (screens, separate waiting room, video link, no direct cross-examination).
- Emergency order paperwork, if applicable.
Stage 03
Safeguarding & FHDRA
- CAFCASS safeguarding letter.
- FHDRA order and any interim contact arrangements.
- Confirmation of special measures written into the order.
- Your notes from the hearing.
Stage 04
Fact-finding hearing
- Scott Schedule or list of allegations.
- Your witness statement and any exhibits.
- Notes from your evidence day and special measures used.
- The written fact-finding judgment.
Stage 05
Welfare stage
- Section 7 report.
- Any expert or psychological reports.
- Your child's wishes and feelings, and any concerns about how they were recorded.
- Your response to recommendations you disagree with.
Stage 06
Final hearing
- Sealed final order.
- Transcript or notes of the final hearing.
- Key promises or undertakings made in court.
- List of who received copies (school, GP, contact centre, police).
Stage 07
After the order
- Every breach: date, time, what happened, witnesses, and evidence.
- C79 enforcement applications.
- Variation applications (C100) and any s.91(14) permission issues.
- Appeal notices and deadlines — usually 21 days.
Documents to gather
You may not need every item, but having them ready makes the process easier and safer.
- Police reports and log numbers
- GP / hospital records and photographs of injuries
- Refuge or IDVA support letter
- MARAC minutes or referral confirmation
- Existing protective orders (non-molestation, occupation order)
- School records and attendance notes
- Children's services / social services correspondence
- Emails, texts, voicemails, social media screenshots
- Financial records if economic abuse is raised
- Witness statements from friends, family, neighbours
Safety & support at court
- Special measures requested and confirmed in writing.
- Separate entrance, waiting room, and exit arranged.
- IDVA or McKenzie Friend booked for the hearing.
- Someone knows your court date and expected finish time.
- A safe way to get home and a place to go if you feel shaken.
- Your journal is stored privately, not on a shared device or cloud account the abuser can access.
Before you print or save
- Only print this if it is safe to have a paper copy. If you share a printer, consider saving as PDF to a private device instead.
- Clear your browser history after viewing if you are using a shared or monitored device.
- Keep your sealed court orders and original evidence somewhere secure, with copies in a second safe location if you can.