Archive for category: Before You Apply to Court

Thinking about applying to the family court?

Understand the steps to consider before making a C100 or other children application, including safeguarding concerns, mediation and MIAM requirements where applicable, evidence preparation and possible alternatives to proceedings.

These guides help parents and carers decide what needs to happen first.

JSH Law can help you organise the issues and documents before you make your own application.

JSH Law Resources and Guidance for Litigants in Person – practical family court information explained in plain English.© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Order Is No Longer Working: What to Do Before You Go Back to Family Court

/
A final child arrangements order is not necessarily the end of the story. But before applying again, litigants in person need to identify the correct procedure, the evidence that has genuinely changed and the orders that are realistically sought. This JSH Law guide explains how a structured family court case review can help.

Common Mistakes Litigants in Person Make — And How to Avoid Derailing Your Case at the Start

/
If you are facing family court alone — especially in a domestic abuse situation — early mistakes can shape the next 6–12 months of proceedings. This guide explains the most common errors litigants in person make, why early framing matters, and how strategic preparation can protect both you and your children from unnecessary time in court.
Person writing legal notes before applying to family court, with technology-inspired design elements representing modern safeguarding and legal preparation.jsh law ltd

Before You Apply to Court: When ‘Internal Safeguarding’ Isn’t Enough

/
If you’re thinking about applying to family court because of safeguarding concerns, it’s vital to understand how the court actually assesses risk. Many parents rely on internal processes, believing they’ve done the right thing, only to discover too late that policy and practice are not the same. This article explains what judges and Cafcass look for — and what you need to know before you issue.