Aberystwyth Justice Centre

What family cases does Aberystwyth Justice Centre deal with?

HM Courts and Tribunals Service lists this court for:

• Children cases, where parents or relatives ask the court to decide arrangements for a child, such as who they live with and when they see each parent. See how to apply for a child arrangements order without a solicitor and form C100.
• Adoption, including applications by step-parents.
• Protection from domestic abuse: non-molestation orders and occupation orders, which have no court fee. Our directory of domestic abuse support lists free helplines.

The building also deals with bankruptcy, crime, employment, High Court district registry work, housing possession, money claims, single justice procedure cases and social security appeals, so you may share the waiting areas and security queue with people attending other kinds of case.

Do I need to go to Aberystwyth Justice Centre for my divorce?

Usually not. Divorce applications in England and Wales go to the HMCTS divorce service, which deals with them online or by post at HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Service, PO Box 13226, Harlow, CM20 9UG. Its helpline is 0300 303 0642, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (GOV.UK). Most undefended divorces finish without anyone going to a court building.

You're more likely to come to a local court if you ask a judge to decide arrangements for your children, or if you apply for protection from domestic abuse. Our step-by-step guide to divorce explains each stage.

How long are children cases taking here?

Children cases between parents or relatives in Wales took a median of 11.0 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, up from 10.0 weeks a year earlier. That is quicker than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 89% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 1,179 children cases were still open in Wales, and 3% of those had been open for more than a year.

Private law children cases finished in April to June 2026. Source: Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026, published 24 September 2026, "Children Act 26 Weeks" and "Open Caseload" data files.

The Ministry of Justice publishes waiting times for each Designated Family Judge area, the groups of courts each led by a senior family judge. We haven't been able to confirm which area Aberystwyth Justice Centre reports under, so these figures are for Wales as a whole.

The Ministry of Justice doesn't publish waiting times by area for divorce or financial cases, because divorce applications are handled centrally. Our family court waiting times tracker has the national figures for every kind of case.

How do I contact Aberystwyth Justice Centre?

These are the family contacts HM Courts and Tribunals Service publishes for this court. Have your case number ready if you have one.

Phone

• 0300 123 5577
  Enquiries: National Contact Centre Civil and Family Court Mon to Fri8:30am to 5pm
• 0300 303 5174
  Welsh language helpline: Welsh Speakers Civil/Family
• 0300 303 0642
  Enquiries: Divorce Contact Centre Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm
• 0300 303 5171
  Welsh language helpline: Welsh Speakers Divorce

Email

• [email protected]
  Enquiries: Family Court

Opening hours

• Counter open: Magistrates Court 10am to 2pm Mon to Friday/Llys Ynadon Dydd Llun i Dydd Gwener
• Court open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday -Dydd Llun i Dydd Gwener
• Counter service by appointment only: County Court/Llys Sirol 10am to 2pm

HM Courts and Tribunals Service warns that scammers are copying court phone numbers and email addresses to ask for payment. If you're not sure a call or email is genuine, don't pay anything, and report it to Action Fraud.

Accessibility and facilities

This is what HM Courts and Tribunals Service lists for the building. If you need an adjustment, such as a hearing loop, step-free access or a quiet room, contact the court before your hearing day.

• Parking: Free parking available but spaces are limited to is on a first come first serve basis. Two parking spaces are available for blue badge holders outside the building.
• Disabled access: Disabled access, toilet and parking facilities. Parking can be arranged by contacting the court in advance.
• Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
• Hearing Loop: The building has hearing enhancement facilities available by prior arrangement.
• Lift: Lifts are available in this building to access the first and second floors.
• Public toilets: Public and accessible toilets are available on the ground floor and first floors.
• Interview room: consultation rooms are available at this court.
• Waiting Room: This building has a public waiting area on the ground floor and first floor. A separate witness waiting area is available. Please ask for details.
• Baby changing facility: Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on the ground floor
• Prayer / Quiet room: A quiet room for prayer or contemplation is available. A key is required to access the room.
• Video facilities: Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement).
• Wireless network connection: Wi-fi is available in all areas of the building. Information on how to connect is displayed on the notice boards, alternatively details can be provided at the counter.
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.
• Witness service: www.witnessservice.org.uk

Where can I get help with a case at this court?

If you're going to court without a lawyer, free guides from Advicenow and Citizens Advice explain what happens at each hearing. For children cases in Wales, Cafcass Cymru advises the court on what is best for your child. You can also ask a family solicitor for a single fixed-fee appointment to prepare, or try mediation before or alongside court.

We don't yet list a family solicitor or mediator based in Aberystwyth. Find a family solicitor or mediator who works across England and Wales, or ask us to match you with two or three who cover your area.