Cumbria DFJ Website
Information for people involved with the Family Courts in Cumbria.
Cumbria DFJ Website
Information for people involved with the Family Courts in Cumbria.
About
The Aim of this Website
This website has been set up by the Designated Family Judge (DFJ) for Cumbria to provide people using the Family Courts in Cumbria with a convenient source of local and national information concerning family court, resources and events.
There are details of the contents of this website further down this page. Click on the button below or choose from the menu above.
News
Video Guides
A new section of this website - Video Guides - contains short videos designed to help people involved in the Family Court who do not have a lawyer. Click on the links below or pick one from the 'Video Guides' drop down menu above.
Video Guide - What is a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)?
Video Guide - Writing a Statement for the Family Court
Cumbria Family Law Conference
26th September 2025 - 9 am
The Cumbria Family Law Conference will take place on Friday 26th September 2025 at the Carus Green Lake District Golf and Leisure Club, Kendal. Speakers will include The President of the Family Division and Mrs Justice Knowles.
Site Content
Information for Court Users
Find your nearest Family Court in Cumbria - click here.
Safety at Court - Steps that can be taken to ensure your safety at court and how to ask for particular arrangements to be made if you are coming to court - click here.
The Guide for Separated Parents - The Guide for Separated Parents published by the government is designed to help parents whether you are thinking about coming to court or are already involved in a court case. It contains useful information about the court process and provides advice about what to do at court and what to expect while you are there - click here.
Co-Parenting Apps - If you are struggling to co-parent with an ex-partner, it is also worth considering a Co-Parenting App - click here.
Parenting Plans - Want to work out the arrangements for co-parenting? This page may help - click here.
Reporters in the Family Court - Reporters are allowed to attend and report (anonymously) on some family cases. Find out more about who can attend and what they can report - click here.
Useful Telephone Numbers - A printable leaflet of useful telephone numbers for organisations that may be able to assist with a variety of topics. It can be viewed on this page or downloaded for printing - click here.
Court Forms - a selection of useful Court Forms - click here.
Representing Yourself?
A short guide to help people who do not have a lawyer but are involved in a family court case.
Help with Separation
Help with separating and dealing with issues relating to separation. Resources that help people avoid coming to court or to avoid the need for the court to make decisions on your behalf by reaching an agreement even if you have started a court case.
Help with Domestic Abuse
Information about local and national domestic abuse support services.
Help with Care Cases
If you are involved in a case where the local authority has applied to the court for an order relating to a child you know or are related to, you can find helpful information here. There are also videos you can watch that explain how care proceedings and 'pre-proceedings' work.
Help Writing a Statement
Been asked to write a statement for Court? This page will help you plan and write a statement for court.
Help for Children
It can be very difficult for children when their parents separate or are involved in court proceedings. The resources on this page contain helpful advice and information for children whose parents have or are separating, who are or have been involved in a care case or are in care.
McKenzie Friends
Advice on having someone come with you to Court if you are involved in a Family Court case.
Site Content for Family Court Professionals
Information for Professionals
This website contains information for legal and social work professionals working in the Family Courts in Cumbria, including (hyperlinks):
- Local Practice Directions
- The Public Law Outline
- Template Orders
- Domestic Abuse
- Guidance and Resources
- Useful Legal Links
- The Transparency Pilot
- Planning Together for Children Video
- The Media in the Family Court Video
- Born into Care Video
- Narcissism and Family Law Video
- Coercive Control and Domestic Abuse Video