Family Court Documents — Complete Guide
The key family court documents are: a position statement (your case summary for each hearing), a witness statement (sworn evidence), a skeleton argument (legal arguments), and a court bundle (all documents indexed and paginated). Each serves a different purpose.
Everything in This Cluster
The Four Key Family Court Documents
Position Statement
Summarises your position, what you agree/disagree with, and what you are asking the court to do at this hearing. Not sworn evidence.
💡Write it the day before the hearing when you know the latest position. Keep it factual and focused on the welfare of the children.
Witness Statement
Sworn evidence setting out facts within your personal knowledge. Signed with a statement of truth. Used as evidence at hearings.
💡Write in the first person. Stick to facts you personally know. Avoid opinion and hearsay. Number every paragraph.
Skeleton Argument
Sets out the legal arguments you rely on, with references to relevant legislation and case law. More detailed than a position statement.
💡Reference specific sections of the Children Act 1989 and relevant case authorities. Judges appreciate clear, structured legal arguments.
Court Bundle
A paginated, indexed collection of all documents relevant to the case. Must comply with Practice Direction 27A.
💡Use dividers and a clear index. Paginate every page. Bring 3 copies: one for the judge, one for the other party, one for yourself.
How to Write a Position Statement — Step by Step
Heading
Include the case name, case number, court, hearing date, and your name and role (Applicant/Respondent) at the top.
Background (2–3 sentences)
Briefly state the nature of the proceedings and the history of the case. Do not repeat everything — the judge will have read the papers.
Your position
State clearly what order you are seeking and why. Be specific — "I am seeking a child arrangements order that [child] lives with me and has contact with the respondent every other weekend."
Areas of agreement
List any matters you agree with the other party on. This shows the judge you are reasonable and helps narrow the issues.
Areas of dispute
Set out the key issues in dispute, briefly and factually. Avoid emotional language. Focus on the welfare of the children.
What you ask the court to do
End with a clear "I ask the court to..." paragraph setting out the specific orders or directions you are seeking at this hearing.
Sign with statement of truth
Sign the document and include: "I believe the facts stated in this document are true." Add your name, date, and address for service.
GOV.UK reference: Family court hearings and what to expect — gov.uk/guidance/family-court-hearings-what-to-expect
Court Bundle — Practice Direction 27A
Practice Direction 27A governs the preparation of court bundles in family proceedings. The bundle must be prepared by the applicant (or their solicitor) and filed at court at least 2 days before the hearing.
Bundle contents (in order):
- 1.Index (paginated)
- 2.Case summary / chronology
- 3.Applications and orders
- 4.Statements and reports (most recent first)
- 5.Correspondence (relevant only)
- 6.Other evidence
Practice Direction 27A: justice.gov.uk — Practice Direction 27A
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a position statement in family court?
A position statement is a short document (usually 1–2 pages) that sets out your position on the issues in the case. It tells the judge what you want, why you want it, and what you agree or disagree with. It is not evidence — it is a summary of your case.
What is the difference between a position statement and a witness statement?
A position statement summarises your position for a hearing. A witness statement is sworn evidence — a formal document setting out facts within your personal knowledge, signed with a statement of truth. Witness statements are used as evidence at hearings.
What is a skeleton argument?
A skeleton argument is a document used at more complex hearings (such as final hearings or appeals) that sets out the legal arguments you are relying on, with references to relevant law and case authorities. It is more detailed than a position statement.
What goes in a court bundle?
A court bundle contains all the documents relevant to the case: applications, orders, statements, CAFCASS reports, correspondence, and any other evidence. It must be paginated and indexed. The Practice Direction 27A sets out the requirements for family court bundles.
How long should a position statement be?
A position statement should be no longer than 2 pages (A4, 12-point font, 1.5 line spacing) unless the court directs otherwise. Judges read many documents — concise, focused statements are more effective than lengthy ones.