Family Law Forms UK: Court Forms Explained (2026)

What this document is

Family law forms are the official documents produced by HM Courts and Tribunals Service that allow parties to bring applications, respond to proceedings, or take procedural steps in the family court. They cover a broad sweep of situations, from child protection applications brought by local authorities, through private disputes between parents, to enforcement of financial orders after separation.

Each form has a code, for example C110A or D151, which identifies the rule or procedure it sits under. Most are governed by the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and their associated practice directions. The forms are free to download from gov.uk, though many applications attract a court fee, which you can check on the current HMCTS fee schedule.

Completing a form correctly usually means understanding the underlying legal test, gathering the right supporting information, and serving it on the other parties in the correct way. Where a form is technical or the stakes are high, many people find it useful to get plain-English guidance before filing.

How to use this document

1. Identify the right form for your situation. Family proceedings use dozens of distinct forms, and picking the correct one matters. A care order application, for example, uses Form C110A, while registering a maintenance order in the family court uses Form D151. Check the form title carefully and confirm it matches the exact step you are taking.
2. Read the accompanying guidance on gov.uk. Most family court forms on gov.uk come with notes or a practice direction reference explaining who can apply, what evidence is needed, and any time limits that apply. Reading this before you start saves redrafting later and helps you gather the documents and information the court expects to see alongside your application.
3. Complete the form accurately and in full. Use plain factual language, include all required names, dates, and case numbers, and avoid leaving sections blank unless the form tells you to. Where a statement of truth is required, read it carefully before signing. Inaccurate or incomplete forms are a common reason for applications being rejected or delayed at the court office.
4. Check the fee and whether you can apply for help. Many family court applications attract a fee, and the amount varies by application type. The current schedule is published on gov.uk, and fee remission may be available if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. Check before filing so you do not have your application returned for non-payment.
5. File and serve correctly. Once your form is ready, submit it to the correct court, which may be local to you or a designated family court depending on the application. You will usually need to serve copies on the other parties in line with the Family Procedure Rules, and keep proof of service. The form guidance will tell you who needs to receive it and when.

Common questions