How to represent yourself in court

When you might need to represent yourself in court 

You might choose to represent yourself in court when applying for a special guardianship order (SGO) or child arrangements order (CAO). Usually, this happens when: 

• you can’t afford the legal fees 
• you’re not entitled to legal aid, or it has run out
• you can’t find a solicitor to represent you
• you want to make your case yourself 

Before you start the court process 

Before applying to court, make sure you have: 

• taken legal advice 
• understood the different types of legal orders 
• checked whether you need the court’s permission to apply 
• given 3 months’ notice to the local authority (if applying for an SGO) 
• attended a mediation, information and assessment meeting (MIAM), or you meet an exemption 
• completed the correct application forms 
• applied for help with fees, if needed 

The court process

When you represent yourself in court, you’re known as a “litigant in person”. You will follow this process: 

• apply to the court 
• go to a first hearing 
• prepare for your court date 
• go to court 
• hear the judge’s decision 
• appeal the decision if needed 

How long it might take 

The court will give you a timescale of the case.  

Special guardianship orders and child arrangements orders can take as long as 18 months. 

How much it might cost 

You can find out how much it costs to apply to the court on the family court fees page of the government website. Look under ‘Applications of the Children Act 1989’ section. 

Preparation stage 

Apply to the court

To apply to the court, you need to fill out an application form. There are different forms for different arrangements.  

For a special guardianship order, you’ll fill out forms C1, C13A and FM1.

Read more about the application process for a special guardianship order.

For child arrangements orders, you’ll fill out forms C100 and FM1. You’ll also need to fill out form C1A if you are alleging harm or domestic abuse. 

Make copies of the forms. You’ll need to send a copy to anyone affected by the application, for example the birth parents. This is also known as serving court forms. 

At this point you’ll pay the fee of applying to the court. Find out if you can get help paying for this fee. 

After you’ve submitted your forms, you’ll get a case number. 

First hearing

The court will invite you to a first hearing. That meeting will decide: 

• dates for you to submit evidence 
• whether your kinship child should come to any hearings 
• whether you’ll go through more mediation or another dispute resolution  
• the date and place for the final hearing 

Gather evidence

To help build your case, you’ll need evidence. You could use: 

• text messages 
• emails 
• letters 
• reports 
• photos 
• medical notes 
• school reports 

Create 3 copies of these to take to the hearing. The court might ask you to submit it in advance. 

Prepare what you’re going to say 

Write a position statement 

A position statement will give the judge information about you, your situation and why you are going for your SGO or CAO. The judge will read it and might ask you questions about it. Make sure you: 

• write information clearly so the judge can read it easily 
• do not include evidence – you’ll submit this separately 
• read through it before the hearing date – so you can answer any questions on the day 

It should include: 

• background information to your situation 
• why you have chosen an SGO or CAO 
• references to the welfare section of the Children Act 1989  

Think about the questions the court may ask and what your answers will be. Practise answering questions using your position statement. 

You can submit this before or take it with you on the day.

In court

You might have to go to court several times as there are different types of hearing, for example the first hearing and the final hearing. 

When you arrive at court, look for a list of court cases that day and find your case number. It will tell you which court room you’ll be in and who the judge or magistrates will be. 

Go to the usher’s desk to sign in. Tell them that you are representing yourself, or you are a litigant in person. 

Our going to court page gives you guidance on the court process, the different types of court hearing and how to act in the courtroom. 

McKenzie friend 

You can have a “McKenzie friend” with you on the day. Anyone can act as a McKenzie friend. They will: 

• give moral support 
• take notes for you 
• help you organise your paperwork 
• give you advice or prompts if you need  

They cannot speak on your behalf. Confirm your McKenzie friend with the judge as soon as possible. 

Free legal support available  

Our legal help for kinship carers page links to many organisations that offer legal support and advice. 

Support through Court is a free, volunteer-led service that supports people facing court without legal representation. 

Many kinship carers find support in their local peer support groups. Some groups use a ‘buddy’ system – where you will get a specific person from the group to support you through your court case. They will have usually been in a similar situation and can give their experience and opinions. Find your nearest peer support group on our Compass tool. 

Support from Kinship

Here at Kinship, we offer a range of free support for all kinship carers, including  workshops, online advice and information, and support groups.

To find services, information and support in your local area, including information about your local children’s services, use our Kinship Compass tool.

You can also contact the Kinship advice team for free, non-judgmental advice and information if you live in England or Wales.