Skip to main content
Book a call — £89
Menu

Form FC600 UK: Report Contempt of Court (2026)

We're not a law firm — we help you find the right legal support. For advice on your situation, speak to a legal adviser or find a solicitor.

Part ofFamily Law UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
If someone has disobeyed a court order, interfered with proceedings, or behaved in a way that undermines the justice system, Form FC600 is the route for asking a court to look at the behaviour and decide whether it amounts to contempt. It is a serious step, and one that sits outside the normal run of civil applications because the potential consequences for the person complained of can include a fine or even a prison sentence. On this page I walk through what the form is for, the kinds of conduct that may justify using it, what the court will expect you to set out, and what happens once your application lands with the court office. If you are weighing up whether to make this kind of application, a short call with an experienced legal adviser can help you think it through before you commit anything to paper.

What this document is

Form FC600 is the application form used in England and Wales to ask a court to consider whether a named individual has committed contempt of court. Contempt, in broad terms, covers conduct that obstructs the administration of justice or defies the authority of the court.

That can include breaching an injunction or other court order, interfering with witnesses, publishing material that puts a fair trial at risk, or behaving disruptively during hearings. The rules are drawn from a combination of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, the common law, and procedural rules set out in Part 81 of the Civil Procedure Rules.

Because a finding of contempt can lead to committal to prison, the court applies strict procedural safeguards. The form itself asks you to identify the person said to be in contempt, describe the conduct complained of, and set out the evidence you intend to rely on. It is not a form to be completed lightly, and getting the detail right at this stage matters.

How to use this document

  1. Check that contempt is the right route. Not every frustrating or unfair situation amounts to contempt. Before filling anything in, be clear about which order or rule has been breached, who breached it, and what evidence you have. If the conduct is better dealt with by enforcement proceedings, a complaint to the police, or a separate civil claim, contempt may not be appropriate.
  2. Gather your evidence. You will need to support the allegation with documents, witness statements, and in some cases exhibits such as correspondence, screenshots, or recordings. The court will expect each allegation to be set out precisely, with a clear link between the conduct and the order or rule said to have been broken. Vague or broad-brush accusations tend to be struck out.
  3. Complete Form FC600 accurately. The form asks for the court details, the parties, the specific acts alleged, and the order or rule those acts are said to contravene. Each allegation should be numbered and described separately. If you are not sure how to phrase something, generalise rather than guess, and consider getting a steer from an experienced legal adviser before filing.
  4. File the application and supporting papers. The application is lodged with the court that made the original order or is otherwise seised of the matter. A fee usually applies, so check gov.uk for the current amount. You will normally need to serve the application and evidence on the person said to be in contempt so they have a fair chance to respond.
  5. Attend the hearing. The court will list a hearing at which the allegations are considered. The person accused has a right to be heard, to be legally represented, and in many cases to receive public funding. The standard of proof is the criminal standard, so the allegations must be proved beyond reasonable doubt before the court will make a finding of contempt.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Common questions

Q What kinds of behaviour can count as contempt of court?
Conduct that typically falls within contempt includes breaching an injunction, disobeying a court order, interfering with witnesses or jurors, publishing information that risks prejudicing a trial, and disruptive behaviour in court. It can also cover making a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth. The exact scope depends on the circumstances, and not every breach will justify a contempt application.
Q Do I have to be a party to the original proceedings to use Form FC600?
In many cases the person bringing the application is a party to the proceedings in which the order was made, but that is not always required. Some kinds of contempt, such as interference with the administration of justice, can be raised by others, and in certain categories the Attorney General's consent is needed first. If you are unsure where you stand, it is worth talking it through before filing.
Q What is the standard of proof in a contempt application?
Because a finding of contempt can lead to imprisonment, the criminal standard of proof applies. That means the court must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged conduct occurred and that it amounts to contempt. This is a higher threshold than the balance of probabilities used in ordinary civil claims, and it shapes how evidence needs to be presented.
Q Can the person accused of contempt get legal representation?
Yes. Someone facing a contempt application has a right to legal representation, and in many cases legal aid is available because of the risk of imprisonment. The court will usually want to be satisfied that the respondent has had a proper opportunity to take advice and prepare a defence before the allegations are determined at a hearing.
Q What penalties can the court impose if contempt is found?
The court has a range of options, including a fine, a suspended committal order, or committal to prison for a period set by statute. The sentence depends on the seriousness of the conduct, whether it was deliberate, any previous breaches, and any apology or remedial steps taken. For current maximum penalties, check gov.uk or the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
Q What happens if I withdraw or abandon the application?
Applications can be withdrawn, but because contempt involves the public interest in upholding court orders, the court's permission may be needed in some circumstances. Costs can also follow a withdrawal, particularly if the respondent has already been put to the expense of preparing a defence. Think carefully before issuing, and only proceed if you are confident in the evidence.
Q Is Form FC600 used in the family courts?
Contempt in family proceedings is governed by its own procedural rules, and there are separate forms and routes depending on the nature of the case. Form FC600 is generally used in civil proceedings. If your concern arises out of a family matter, check which court and which procedural regime applies before filing anything.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

Full profile →SRA register ↗
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.