© 2026 JSH Law Ltd. All rights reserved.How to Get a Family Court Transcript: Form EX107, Costs, Delays and Appeals
JSH LAW | FAMILY COURT PROCEDURE | ENGLAND & WALES
Last reviewed: 8 October 2026
You have left a Family Court hearing. An important decision has been made. You remember what the judge said — but the written order does not explain everything, and you need to know exactly what happened.
Perhaps the judge made findings you do not understand.
Perhaps you believe an important safeguarding concern was overlooked.
Perhaps something said during the hearing is now being described differently by another party.
Or perhaps you are considering an appeal and need an accurate record of the judge’s reasons.
For a litigant in person, these situations can be particularly difficult.
You may have been trying to listen, take notes, understand legal terminology, respond to questions and manage the emotional pressure of proceedings — all at the same time.
It is entirely possible to leave a hearing without a complete understanding of everything that was said.
That is one reason official court transcripts matter.
In England and Wales, Form EX107 is the standard route for requesting a written transcript of recorded court proceedings.
But obtaining a transcript is not necessarily immediate, free or straightforward.
And if you are considering an appeal, one procedural mistake can be especially serious.
Requesting a transcript does not automatically extend the deadline for appealing a Family Court decision.
This guide explains how to request a Family Court transcript, what it costs, what happens when the hearing was private, how long the process may take and how to use the resulting document responsibly.
Quick Answer: How Do I Get a Family Court Transcript?
To request a transcript of a recorded Family Court hearing:
- Identify the hearing date, court and case number.
- Decide whether you need the entire hearing, the judgment, a particular ruling or specific evidence.
- Download and complete Form EX107.
- Check with the court about any special requirements for private proceedings.
- Send the completed form to the court where the hearing took place.
- Follow the process for obtaining a quotation and paying the transcription charges.
- Allow time for the recording to be located, transcribed and, where necessary, judicially approved.
If you cannot afford the transcript, you may be able to apply for assistance using Form EX105.
Important: If an appeal deadline is approaching, deal with that deadline separately. Do not wait for the transcript before checking the appeal procedure.
1. Are Family Court Hearings Recorded?
Generally, yes.
Family Procedure Rule 27.9 provides that proceedings at a hearing will be recorded by tape or digital recording unless the court directs otherwise.
Remote Family Court hearings may also be recorded through the applicable official court recording arrangements.
However, the existence and availability of a particular recording should be confirmed with the court, especially where the hearing was remote or there is uncertainty about how it was recorded.
The official recording is different from notes taken by a party, a McKenzie Friend or a legal representative.
It is also different from the written court order.
Can you record the hearing yourself?
Not without the court’s permission.
Rule 27.9 prohibits parties and members of the public from using unofficial recording equipment in court without permission.
Unauthorised recording in court constitutes contempt of court under section 9 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
Do not assume that the position changes simply because you are attending remotely.
Recording a video hearing using your telephone, screen-recording software, automatic meeting transcription or an AI recording assistant may breach the applicable restrictions.
If you need an accurate record, use the authorised procedure.
2. What Is a Family Court Transcript?
A transcript is a written record prepared from the official recording of proceedings.
Depending on what is requested and available, it may reproduce:
- the judge’s oral judgment;
- the judge’s reasons for a decision;
- legal arguments;
- the evidence given by witnesses;
- questions and answers during cross-examination;
- the court’s ruling on a particular issue; or
- the proceedings more generally.
It can be particularly valuable where the precise wording matters.
For example, there is a significant difference between:
“The judge considered the allegation but did not make a finding.”
AND
“The judge found that the allegation was false.”
Those statements do not mean the same thing.
If somebody later describes the hearing inaccurately, an official transcript may help establish what the judge actually said.
But remember that a transcript records proceedings.
It does not automatically prove that the decision was legally wrong.
3. Which Type of Transcript Should You Request?
One of the most useful decisions you can make is to identify exactly what you need before submitting EX107.
HMCTS allows different categories of transcript to be requested.
| Transcript type | What it contains | When it may be useful |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment | The judge’s decision and oral reasons. | Understanding the reasoning behind an order or considering an appeal. |
| Whole hearing | The recorded proceedings across the requested hearing. | Where several parts of the hearing are material. |
| Evidence | Witness evidence, including specified examination stages. | Checking testimony or a disputed account of evidence. |
| Legal arguments and ruling | Arguments on a particular issue and the court’s ruling. | Examining how a procedural or legal issue was determined. |
| Specified passage | An identifiable portion of proceedings, requested with relevant times where possible. | Where a limited section is relevant and can be identified accurately. |
Do you need the whole hearing?
Not necessarily.
Suppose a three-hour hearing took place, but your immediate concern is understanding the judge’s reasons for refusing a particular application.
It may be more proportionate to request the relevant judgment or ruling rather than the entire hearing.
However, if your concern relates to how evidence was handled or whether you had a fair opportunity to respond, the surrounding proceedings may also be relevant.
The appropriate scope depends on the issue you are trying to investigate.
4. How to Complete Form EX107
Form EX107 is published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service.
The official guidance was updated on 30 September 2026.
Step 1: Find the correct form
Download the current EX107 from GOV.UK.
Step 2: Identify the proceedings
You will need sufficient information for the court to identify the hearing.
Prepare:
- the court name;
- the case number;
- the names of the parties, as appropriate;
- the hearing date;
- the judge’s name, if known;
- the approximate start and finish times; and
- the type of transcript requested.
Where a hearing lasted more than one day, identify the relevant dates.
Step 3: Specify the material you need
Be precise.
For example:
“I request a transcript of the oral judgment and reasons delivered at the conclusion of the hearing on [date], in case [number], before [judge].”
If you need witness evidence, identify the witness and the relevant part of their evidence where possible.
Step 4: Check the private-hearing requirements
Most private law children proceedings are heard in private.
HMCTS advises applicants dealing with private proceedings to consult the relevant court before completing EX107.
The court may need to consider approval or restrictions before a transcript is released.
Step 5: Submit the form
For an ordinary Family Court transcript request, send EX107 by email or post to the court where the hearing took place, following the current HMCTS instructions.
Keep a copy of the completed form and your submission email.
Step 6: Deal with transcription arrangements
Follow the instructions concerning the authorised transcription provider, applicable charges and service level.
Do not assume that sending EX107 means the transcript has already been ordered, paid for or approved for release.
Practical tip: keep a transcript request record
Record the date you submitted EX107, the court email address used, the transcript requested, the provider’s details, any quotation and all subsequent correspondence.
If you later need to explain a delay, you will have an accurate record rather than relying on memory.
5. What If the Family Court Hearing Was Private?
This is particularly relevant to proceedings concerning children.
Family Court hearings are generally private because they involve sensitive personal and safeguarding information.
There is an important distinction between a party requesting a transcript of their own proceedings and a person who was not a party requesting access.
Under Family Procedure Rule 27.9, parties generally have a route to obtain transcripts of recorded hearings, subject to the court’s directions and applicable charges.
However, private proceedings may require additional administrative or judicial checks before release.
HMCTS’s September 2026 guidance specifically advises applicants to consult the court about private hearings.
What if you were not a party?
A non-party seeking a transcript of Family Court proceedings generally requires permission.
HMCTS guidance states that, in the lower Family Court, a non-party seeking access to a family hearing transcript must make a formal application using Form C2 and pay the applicable court fee.
For divorce proceedings, the guidance identifies Form D11.
Different procedures may apply depending on the proceedings and court.
Do not assume that a transcript becomes publicly available merely because it has been produced.
6. How Much Does a Family Court Transcript Cost in 2026?
The cost depends on the length of the transcript, the transcription provider, the service level and whether a transcript has already been produced.
For civil, family and tribunal proceedings, HMCTS publishes transcription prices calculated using a folio of 72 words.
The final charge depends on the number of folios and the applicable provider rate.
Why a long hearing can become expensive
A transcript of a short oral judgment may cost substantially less than a transcript of an entire day of evidence.
Requesting an expedited service may also increase the cost.
Before committing to a substantial expense, consider:
- what question the transcript needs to answer;
- whether the judgment alone is sufficient;
- whether an existing transcript is available;
- whether the relevant passage can be identified; and
- whether financial assistance may be available.
The official HMCTS guidance publishes the current maximum rates for authorised transcription providers.
Check current HMCTS transcription charges →
JSH Law practical point
Before paying for a full transcript, identify the precise evidential or procedural issue you need to resolve.
The most expensive document is not necessarily the most useful one.
7. What If You Cannot Afford a Family Court Transcript?
There may be assistance available in special circumstances.
HMCTS provides Form EX105 for applicants seeking help with court transcript costs.
Its guidance explains that a person may be able to obtain a free transcript in a civil or family case where special circumstances justify assistance.
An example given by HMCTS is an urgent need for a transcript where the applicant cannot afford to pay.
However, assistance is not automatic.
The circumstances must be considered.
Where appropriate, submit EX105 together with EX107 and explain why the transcript is needed and why the cost cannot be met.
Official Form EX105: Help with Transcript Costs →
If you are facing an imminent appeal deadline, explain the urgency clearly — but do not assume that the request for financial assistance will suspend that deadline.
8. How Long Does It Take to Obtain a Family Court Transcript?
This is where expectations need to be realistic.
There may be several stages between submitting EX107 and receiving the completed transcript.
HMCTS guidance updated on 30 September 2026 says court staff have two working days to process an EX107 request and submit it to the transcription company.
But that is an administrative processing period, not a promise that you will receive the transcript within two working days.
The guidance also identifies an average lead time of approximately ten working days for court staff to locate the audio recording and send it to the transcription company.
The transcription provider then needs time to produce the transcript.
Where judicial approval is required, that can add further time.
HMCTS specifically explains that the transcription service-level period does not include the time taken for judicial approval.
| Stage | What it means |
|---|---|
| Processing EX107 | HMCTS states a two-working-day processing target. |
| Locating the recording | HMCTS identifies an average lead time of around ten working days for locating and transferring audio. |
| Transcription | Depends on the authorised provider and agreed service level. |
| Judicial approval | Additional time may be required, particularly for judgment transcripts. |
These stages should not be treated as a fixed, cumulative delivery timetable. Actual times vary.
What if you need the transcript urgently?
Explain the reason for urgency when contacting the court and completing the request.
For example:
“The transcript is requested urgently because I am considering an appeal against the decision made on [date]. The applicable appeal deadline may expire before the ordinary transcription process is completed. I would be grateful if the request could be considered urgently and any available expedited arrangements confirmed.”
HMCTS states that courts will try, where possible, to accommodate urgent requests.
That is not a promise of immediate delivery.
9. Family Court Transcripts and Appeals: The Deadline Problem
This may be the most important section of this guide.
Suppose the Family Court makes a decision you believe may be wrong.
You request the judgment transcript because you need to understand the judge’s reasoning.
Three weeks pass.
The transcript has not arrived.
You then discover that the ordinary appeal deadline has already expired.
That is a serious procedural risk.
What are the appeal deadlines?
Under Family Procedure Rule 30.4, where the lower court has not directed a different period, the usual deadline for filing an appellant’s notice is 21 days after the decision.
However, the rule provides a shorter period of seven days for certain appeals, including appeals against case-management decisions and interim care orders under section 38(1) of the Children Act 1989.
Different statutory or appellate provisions may apply to particular decisions.
Always identify the correct appeal route and deadline for the actual order.
Critical deadline warning
Do not calculate the deadline simply from the date the sealed order or transcript arrives. The relevant period may already be running from the date the decision was made.
Does requesting EX107 extend the appeal deadline?
No automatic extension arises merely because you have requested a transcript.
If additional time is required, an application to vary the relevant appeal deadline may need to be considered under Family Procedure Rule 30.7.
Whether an extension is granted is for the court to decide.
What should you do while waiting?
Record your recollection of the hearing promptly.
Preserve:
- the order;
- the hearing notice;
- your position statement;
- the evidence before the court;
- any written judgment or reasons already provided;
- your contemporaneous hearing notes; and
- the correspondence relating to the transcript request.
If an appeal is being considered, obtain appropriate legal advice urgently about the deadline, grounds and necessary procedural steps.
The transcript may be important, but waiting for it should not become the reason an appeal is filed late.
Facing an Appeal Deadline While Waiting for a Transcript?
You may need to organise your court orders, hearing notes and evidence before the official transcript arrives.
JSH Law can help with defined-scope document preparation and case organisation, including reviewing hearing records, structuring relevant evidence and preparing urgent paperwork for you to review and file.
We cannot guarantee an extension of time or an appeal outcome. Where legal advice on appeal grounds or regulated representation is needed, an appropriately authorised professional should be consulted.
10. What If the Transcript Contains an Error?
Transcripts are prepared from audio recordings.
Audio quality, overlapping speech, unclear names and technical issues can create transcription difficulties.
If you identify a possible error, distinguish between:
- a transcription error;
- a disagreement about what was actually said;
- a disagreement with the judge’s reasoning; and
- a disagreement with the decision itself.
These are different problems.
If the transcript appears to contain a transcription error, identify the relevant page, line or passage and contact the authorised transcription provider about its correction procedure.
HMCTS advises applicants who are dissatisfied with transcription quality or service to contact the transcription company first.
A dispute about the judge’s findings or legal reasoning is not resolved merely by asking a transcription company to amend the document.
That may require a different procedural response.
11. How Can a Family Court Transcript Be Used as Evidence?
An official transcript can be particularly useful where there is disagreement about what happened during earlier proceedings.
Examples include:
Example A: A disputed judicial finding
A later report states that a judge found an allegation to be untrue.
You believe the judge actually said there was insufficient evidence to determine the allegation.
A transcript of the relevant judgment may establish the precise wording.
Example B: An important safeguarding concern
You believe the court was informed about a particular safeguarding issue, but the subsequent procedural history suggests otherwise.
The transcript may help establish whether the issue was raised, how it was addressed and what directions followed.
Example C: A disputed account of witness evidence
A witness’s evidence is later described in a way you believe does not reflect their answers.
A transcript may assist in checking the account against the recorded testimony.
Example D: Preparing for a further hearing
Previous judicial observations may help identify which issues remain unresolved and which matters have already been determined.
However, care is required.
A judge’s provisional observation during a hearing is not necessarily a formal finding.
A question asked by the judge is not necessarily an expression of agreement.
And a transcript must be read in context.
Evidence-led principle
Do not use a transcript to turn an ambiguous remark into a definitive finding.
Identify what was actually said, the context in which it was said and its legal significance.
Can you publish a Family Court transcript online?
Do not assume that you can.
Private children proceedings are subject to restrictions on communicating and publishing information.
Family Procedure Rules 12.73 and 12.75, together with Practice Direction 12G, govern important aspects of disclosure and communication.
A transcript obtained for use in proceedings is not automatically available for publication on social media, a website or a public campaign.
Before sharing material outside the permitted purposes, check the applicable rules, court orders and whether permission is required.
12. Can Artificial Intelligence Help Analyse a Family Court Transcript?
Potentially, yes.
But there is an important distinction between using AI to organise information and allowing it to interpret the legal significance of a judgment without proper verification.
A transcript may contain thousands of words.
AI can sometimes help with:
- creating a chronological summary of the hearing;
- identifying references to particular documents;
- locating discussions of safeguarding concerns;
- extracting dates and directions;
- organising questions for further review;
- comparing the transcript with a draft chronology;
- identifying apparent inconsistencies for manual checking; and
- creating a working index of important passages.
However, AI can also make serious mistakes.
It may:
- misattribute a statement to the wrong speaker;
- confuse a judicial question with a finding;
- misinterpret legal terminology;
- omit qualifying words;
- misunderstand the context of an exchange; or
- describe a provisional observation as a final decision.
There is also a significant confidentiality issue.
Private Family Court transcripts may contain highly sensitive information about children, domestic abuse, medical conditions, allegations and third parties.
Do not upload an identifiable transcript to an external AI platform without first considering whether the disclosure is permitted, what information the provider retains and how the data will be protected.
Where appropriate, use secure, suitably controlled tools and minimise or redact personal information.
AI should not replace verification against the original transcript or professional assessment of the legal issues.
Use AI to locate the important passage. Use the official transcript to verify the words. Use proper legal analysis to determine what those words mean.
13. The JSH Law Six-Question Transcript Check
Before spending money on a transcript or relying on one in further proceedings, ask six questions.
1. What exactly am I trying to establish?
Identify the disputed statement, ruling, finding or procedural issue.
2. Which part of the hearing contains the relevant information?
Do you need the judgment, witness evidence, legal arguments or the whole hearing?
3. What is the evidential status of the statement?
Is it a question, observation, submission, allegation, ruling or formal finding?
4. What other documents must be considered?
Compare the transcript with the sealed order, previous findings and relevant evidence.
5. Why does the issue matter?
Explain its relevance to the child’s welfare, procedural fairness or the legal question requiring determination.
6. What proportionate next step is required?
Is clarification needed? A correction? Further directions? Legal advice about an appeal?
These questions help prevent an important document becoming another source of confusion.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy of what the judge said in Family Court?
Where the hearing was recorded, you can generally request a transcript of the judge’s oral judgment or relevant ruling using Form EX107, subject to the applicable rules, directions and charges.
Can I obtain the actual audio recording?
EX107 is the standard process for obtaining a written transcript. It is not a general entitlement to receive the raw court audio. If you require access to the recording itself, ask the court about the applicable procedure and whether permission is required.
Is a transcript the same as a court order?
No. The order records the court’s operative directions and decisions. A transcript records what was said during the hearing or the selected part of it.
Can I request a transcript after proceedings have finished?
A request may still be possible, subject to the availability of the recording, applicable access rules and the court’s directions. Contact the court with the case details.
Can I get a free transcript?
Possibly, in special circumstances. Form EX105 is available for requests for assistance with transcription costs. Approval is not automatic.
How long does an EX107 request take?
It depends on locating the recording, the transcription service selected and any necessary judicial approval. The official guidance identifies administrative lead times in addition to the transcription period.
Does the court have to follow what was said in an earlier hearing?
The legal effect depends on whether the statement was a binding determination, an operative direction, a formal finding or something less definitive. Read the transcript alongside the relevant orders and judgments.
Can I use a transcript to challenge a Cafcass report?
It may be relevant if the report inaccurately describes earlier proceedings or findings. The challenge should identify the precise passage, explain the discrepancy and connect it to a material welfare or procedural issue.
Can I use AI to transcribe the hearing myself?
Do not make an unauthorised recording or use an AI transcription assistant during a hearing without the court’s permission. The official recording and authorised transcription process should be used where an official transcript is required.
Need Help Understanding What Happened at Your Family Court Hearing?
A difficult hearing can leave you with more questions than answers.
Perhaps you need to understand the judge’s reasons.
Perhaps you are concerned that the order does not reflect what you understood.
Perhaps you are preparing for another hearing, responding to a Cafcass report or considering whether an appeal should be investigated.
JSH Law provides practical, defined-scope support to litigants in person in England and Wales.
Depending on the circumstances, support can include:
- organising court orders, judgments and hearing records;
- preparing transcript request information;
- reviewing transcripts and identifying relevant passages;
- comparing hearing records with chronologies and existing evidence;
- preparing structured factual summaries;
- support with witness statements and position statements;
- organising safeguarding and Cafcass evidence;
- assistance preparing appeal paperwork for the litigant’s review and filing;
- urgent document preparation;
- court-bundle preparation support; and
- hearing preparation and McKenzie Friend assistance.
You do not necessarily need to analyse every word of a hearing. You need to identify what matters, what the record actually establishes and what procedural step comes next.
Where formal legal advice, regulated representation or reserved advocacy is required, an appropriately authorised legal professional should be consulted.
Official Sources and Further Reading
The following primary sources should be consulted alongside any directions made in your own proceedings.
- HMCTS — Form EX107
- HMCTS — Guidance for Requesting a Transcript (updated 30 September 2026)
- HMCTS — Form EX105
- Family Procedure Rules — Part 27, including rule 27.9 on recording and transcription
- Family Procedure Rules — Part 30: Appeals, including rules 30.4 and 30.7
- Practice Direction 12G — Communication of Information
