Represent yourself in court
Divorce and separation involving children
You’ll be referred to as the ‘applicant’ if you brought the case, for example you filed the divorce papers.
You’ll be known as the ‘respondent’ if you’ve 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 ‘Guide for Separated Parents: Children and the Family Courts’.
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 help with forms and documents