Form FP8 UK: Notice of Change of Solicitor Guide
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Changing solicitor partway through a family law matter is more common than people think. Maybe the working relationship has broken down, maybe the fees have crept beyond what you budgeted for, or maybe you've simply decided to represent yourself from here on.
Whatever the reason, the court and every other party in the proceedings need to know who is speaking for you, and that notification has to be formal. Form FP8 is the document that does this job in family proceedings in England and Wales.
It is sometimes called a 'notice of change of solicitor' or 'notice of acting in person'. This guide walks through who files it, when it should be lodged, and what happens after it lands with the court. If your situation sits in a grey area, a quick conversation with an experienced legal adviser can help you work out your next move.
What this document is
Form FP8 is a short family court form used to record a change in a party's legal representation during ongoing proceedings. It covers three main scenarios: you have instructed a new solicitor to replace an existing one, you have ended your solicitor's retainer and will now act as a litigant in person, or a solicitor has started acting for a party who was previously self-represented.
The form captures the name and contact details of whoever will be receiving court correspondence from that point on, so judges, court staff, and the other side all know where to send paperwork. It is a procedural notification rather than an application, meaning the court does not usually need to approve the change, it simply needs to be told.
Filing FP8 keeps the case record accurate and prevents documents going to a solicitor who no longer acts for you. The form sits alongside the Family Procedure Rules and is typically available to download from gov.uk.
How to use this document
- Decide who is responsible for filing. If a new solicitor is taking over or coming on record for the first time, the incoming firm usually completes and files FP8 on your behalf. If you are ending representation and continuing alone as a litigant in person, the responsibility falls to you to complete and submit the form yourself.
- Complete the form accurately. Fill in the case number, the names of the parties, and the details of the party whose representation is changing. Record the full contact details of the new solicitor or, where you are self-representing, your own address for service. Double check the case reference, as an incorrect number can delay processing.
- Sign and date the notice. The form needs a signature from the party or the incoming solicitor, depending on who is filing. Make sure the date matches the day you intend to serve the notice, since this marks the point from which the change takes effect for the court's records.
- File the form with the court handling your case. Send or lodge the completed FP8 at the family court dealing with the proceedings. A fee may apply in some circumstances, so check gov.uk for current amounts before filing. Keep a stamped or date-marked copy for your own records.
- Serve copies on everyone involved. Send a copy to the other party or their solicitor and, where relevant, to the previous solicitor who was acting for you. Serving all parties is essential so that future correspondence, hearings, and disclosure reach the right person without confusion.
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 Who signs Form FP8 when I change solicitor?
Usually the incoming solicitor signs and files the form when they take over representation. If you are ending your solicitor's involvement and continuing to act in person, you sign and file it yourself. The signature confirms who is now responsible for receiving court correspondence, so it matters that the right person completes it based on which of those scenarios applies.
Q Do I need the court's permission to change solicitor?
In most family cases you do not need permission to switch solicitor or move to acting in person. FP8 is a notification, not an application. That said, if the change is made very late in proceedings or close to a final hearing, the court may raise questions about timing and any impact on the trial date. Earlier changes tend to cause fewer complications.
Q What happens to documents already sent to my old solicitor?
Once FP8 is filed and served, future correspondence should be directed to the new solicitor or to you as a litigant in person. Your previous solicitor is generally expected to hand over your file, subject to any outstanding fees and the firm's lien rights. It is sensible to request your file in writing and keep a clear record of what has been transferred.
Q Is there a fee for filing Form FP8?
Court fees can change, and whether one applies may depend on the type of proceedings and how the form is being used. Check the current fee schedule on gov.uk or ask the court office before you file. If cost is a concern, help with fees may be available for those on lower incomes or certain benefits, subject to eligibility rules.
Q Can I change solicitor just before a final hearing?
You can, but it carries risks. A new solicitor needs time to read into the file, and the court may be reluctant to adjourn a fixed hearing simply because representation has changed. Where possible, make the change early. If you are close to a hearing and uncertain, it is worth thinking carefully about timing before submitting the notice.
Q What if I am unhappy with my solicitor's conduct?
If the issue is service quality or fees, you can usually change firm and raise a formal complaint with the solicitor's practice under their internal process. Unresolved complaints can be escalated to the Legal Ombudsman. Concerns about professional misconduct can be reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Changing representation and complaining are separate steps, and you can do both.
Q Does FP8 apply outside family proceedings?
FP8 is specific to family court proceedings governed by the Family Procedure Rules. Civil cases use different forms, such as N434 for a notice of change of legal representative in County Court or High Court matters. Make sure you are using the right form for the jurisdiction your case sits in, because filing the wrong one can cause avoidable delay.
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.
- Guidance · UK GovForm FP8: Notice of acting in person or change of solicitor (gov.uk)gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSFamily Procedure Rulesjustice.gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovRepresenting yourself in court (gov.uk)gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovHelp with court feesgov.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure whether to change solicitor now?
Switching representation mid-case can affect timing, costs, and how smoothly your hearings run. An experienced legal adviser can help you think through the practical implications based on what you describe, so you can decide with more confidence before filing FP8.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about changing representation
- Practical perspective on timing based on what you describe
- Guidance on what to watch out for when instructing a new solicitor
- Clarity on your next steps for notifying the court and other parties
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.