Essential Resources

Legal documents on a table

Understanding the Process

Step-by-step guide to navigating the family court system as a litigant in person.

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Father and child playing

Building Your Case

How to gather evidence and present your case effectively in court.

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Legal books and gavel

Common Pitfalls

Mistakes to avoid when representing yourself in family court.

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Support group meeting

Support Networks

Organizations and groups that can help fathers through the process.

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Legal forms and documents

Court Forms & Templates

Downloadable templates for common court documents and applications.

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Father and child in court

Courtroom Strategies

How to conduct yourself in court and respond to common challenges.

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Real Stories from Fathers

My 3-Year Battle for Access

"When my ex-partner denied me access to our daughter, I had no idea what I was getting into. The system is stacked against fathers from the start..."

Father profile

James, 42

London | 3-year court case

How I Won Against the Odds

"After spending £25,000 on solicitors with no progress, I decided to represent myself. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I finally got shared custody..."

Father profile

David, 38

Manchester | 2-year battle

The Emotional Toll

"No one prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster of family court. The false allegations, the delays, the bias - it nearly broke me. But I kept fighting for my son..."

Father profile

Michael, 45

Birmingham | 4-year case

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the family court really biased against fathers?

While the law itself is gender-neutral, many fathers report experiencing systemic bias in practice. Common issues include:

  • Presumption of mothers as primary caregivers
  • Higher burden of proof for fathers
  • Delays and procedural obstacles
  • False allegations being taken at face value

However, with proper preparation and evidence, fathers can and do win cases.

How much does it cost to go to family court?

Costs vary widely:

  • Using solicitors: £5,000-£50,000+ depending on case complexity
  • As a litigant in person: £200-£2,000 (court fees, photocopying, etc.)
  • Mediation: £500-£2,000 if both parties agree

Many fathers find they get better results representing themselves than using solicitors, despite the challenges.

How long does the process take?

Family court cases typically take:

  • Initial hearing: 3-6 months from application
  • Final hearing: 6-18 months for contested cases
  • Appeals: Additional 6-12 months

Delays are common due to court backlogs and tactical delays by opposing parties.

What's the most important thing I can do to improve my chances?

Document everything:

  • Keep detailed records of all contact attempts
  • Save all communications (texts, emails, etc.)
  • Maintain a parenting diary
  • Gather evidence of your involvement in the child's life

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Get In Touch

Need Help?

If you're going through the family court system and need advice, share your story, or have questions about the process, please reach out.

Email

support@fathersjusticeuk.org

Helpline

0800 123 4567 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Support Groups

Find local meetups across the UK