Represent yourself in court
Divorce and separation involving children
You鈥檒l be referred to as the 鈥榓pplicant鈥� if you brought the case, for example you filed the divorce papers.
You鈥檒l be known as the 鈥榬espondent鈥� if you鈥檝e received divorce papers or a request for a separation, or a contact order or residence order for a child.
Before you go to court
You must normally go to mediation before you go to court.
The court will not hear your case until you send them a C100 form.
Read guidance about whether you should take your case to court.
Read the 鈥楪uide for Separated Parents: Children and the Family Courts鈥�.
Find out more about:
- how to apply for a court order
- the types of court order you can apply for or respond to
- what the court does after you apply for a court order
- getting free and independent