Family Court Forms Guide
A simple guide to help you access the forms you need for family court. Each section explains what the form is for and when to use it.
Your Safety Matters
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can also use Form C8 to keep your contact details confidential in court proceedings.
Form FL401 – Non-Molestation / Occupation Order Application
Apply for a non-molestation order (to stop someone harassing or threatening you) or an occupation order (about who can live in the family home). No court fees required.
When to use: When you need immediate legal protection from abuse or need to resolve who lives in your home
Form FL401T – Supporting Witness Statement Template
A 19-page template to help you write the supporting witness statement required with your FL401 application. This helps you explain your situation to the court.
When to use: Must be completed and submitted with every FL401 application
Form C8 – Keep Contact Details Confidential
This form allows you to keep your address and contact details private from the other party in your case. Especially important if you are in a refuge.
When to use: When sharing your address or contact details could put you or your children at risk
Form C2 – Application in Existing Proceedings
Use this form if you need to make an application within court proceedings that are already happening.
When to use: When you already have an ongoing case and need to request something from the court
CB5 – Enforcing a Child Arrangements Order
Use this if someone is not following a court order about child arrangements.
When to use: When the other parent is not following the agreed court order about your children
Form D89 – Request Court Bailiff Service
Request a court bailiff to personally deliver court papers to the other party.
When to use: When you need official proof that court documents have been served
CB1 – Making an Application
General guidance on how to make an application to the family court involving children.
When to use: When you need help understanding how to apply to court about children matters
Non-Molestation Order
A court order to stop someone from using or threatening violence against you, intimidating, harassing or pestering you.
When to use: If someone is abusing, threatening, or harassing you
Occupation Order
A court order that decides who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area.
When to use: If you need to exclude an abusive partner from your home
Restraining Order
A criminal court order that protects you from someone who has been convicted or acquitted of a crime against you.
When to use: Usually requested by the police or prosecution during criminal proceedings
Form C100 – Child Arrangements Order
Apply for decisions about your children, including where they live and who they spend time with.
When to use: When you cannot agree with the other parent about arrangements for your children
Form C1A – Allegations of Harm
A supplementary form to report allegations of domestic abuse or harm to children.
When to use: When there has been abuse or you have safety concerns about your children
Parental Responsibility Agreement
An agreement that gives parental responsibility to a father not married to the mother.
When to use: When an unmarried father wants legal parental responsibility
Form A – Financial Order Application
Apply for a financial order during or after divorce, including property, pensions, and maintenance.
When to use: When you need the court to decide how money and property should be divided
Child Maintenance Service
Apply for child maintenance (financial support for your children from the other parent).
When to use: When you need financial support for your children
Form D8 – Divorce Petition
Apply to legally end your marriage.
When to use: When you want to divorce your spouse
Form NCC1 – Support for a Child Conceived Without Your Consent
This form helps you claim an exception to the two-child limit for Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit if you have a child who was conceived as a result of rape or in a controlling or coercive relationship.
When to use: When you have more than two children and need to claim benefits for a child conceived without your consent due to domestic abuse
Women’s Aid Flexible Fund – Financial Help to Flee Abuse
Two funds available: Flee Fund (up to £500 for essentials like groceries, nappies, clothing) and Future Fund (up to £2,500 for rental deposits or setting up a new home). Available through referral from specialist domestic abuse services.
When to use: When you need financial help to leave an abusive relationship or to establish a safe, independent life after fleeing
DWP Help for Domestic Abuse Victims
Information about benefits support including work requirement easements (up to 13 weeks break from job seeking), housing benefit for dual accommodation, and support for migrants fleeing domestic abuse.
When to use: When you need to understand what benefits support is available if you are fleeing domestic abuse
Special Measures in Family Court
Domestic abuse victims are automatically eligible for special measures to help you participate in court proceedings safely. This can include screens, video links, and other support.
When to use: When you need extra support to feel safe giving evidence in family court
Special Measures in Criminal Court
If your case involves criminal proceedings, you are automatically eligible for special measures like giving evidence via video link or from behind a screen.
When to use: When you need to give evidence in a criminal case
Witness Service Support
Free, confidential support before, during and after your court case. They can arrange court visits and help you practice using special measures equipment.
When to use: When you need emotional support and practical help before going to court
Understanding Special Measures
Detailed guide on what special measures are available, including screens, video links, evidence given in private, and assistance from intermediaries.
When to use: When you want to understand all the support options available to you in court
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
If you are in immediate danger
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free, confidential support 24/7
Refuge
Emergency accommodation and support
Men’s Advice Line
Support for male victims
Respect Phoneline
For those concerned about their own behavior
