Bath Law Courts (Civil, Family and Magistrates)

What family cases does Bath Law Courts (Civil, Family and Magistrates) 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.
• Divorce, dissolution and judicial separation. New divorce applications go to the central HMCTS divorce service, not to this court, but a local court can hear a divorce case that needs a judge, for example if it is disputed.
• 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, housing possession, money claims and single justice procedure cases, so you may share the waiting areas and security queue with people attending other kinds of case.

Do I need to go to Bath Law Courts (Civil, Family and Magistrates) 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 the South West region took a median of 25.1 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, down from 27.1 weeks a year earlier. That is slower than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 51% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 4,826 children cases were still open in the South West region, and 14% 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 Bath Law Courts (Civil, Family and Magistrates) reports under, so these figures are for the South West region 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 Bath Law Courts (Civil, Family and Magistrates)?

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 for Civil & Family Court, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm
• 0300 303 0642
  Enquiries: Divorce Contact Centre, Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm

Opening hours

• Court open: Monday to Friday 09.00am to 4.30pm
• Counter service by appointment only: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Telephone enquiries answered: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm

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.

• No parking: There are no parking facilities at this building. Paid off-site parking is available at Bath Cricket Club, Manvers Street and Southgate car parks. There are park and ride services into Bath. If blue badge holders notify the court the day before a parking space is required a space can be made available on site.
• Disabled access: This building has a ramp to the building entrance and level access in to court rooms and hearing rooms and a lift to the first floor (courtrooms 1, 2, 3 & 4).
• Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
• Hearing Loop: The building has a portable hearing enhancement system available by prior arrangement. Please contact the court by telephone or email to let us know of your requirements.
• Security arch: For safety and security, all users and their possessions will be searched by security when they enter this building. We have a security arch. Please alert the security officer if you have a pacemaker.
• Lift: A lift to the first floor (courtrooms 1, 2, 3 & 4).
• Public toilets: Public toilets are available on the first floor.
• Disabled toilet: Accessible toilets are available and are located on the ground floor of the main building.
• Refreshments: Hot and cold vending machines are available on the first floor of the main building. (Vending machines are currently out of order 06/09/24)
• Interview room: Eight interview / consultation rooms are available on the first floor. Two interview rooms are available outside Court 5 on the ground floor.
• Waiting Room: This building has a public waiting area outside each court hearing room and a separate witness area.
• Baby changing facility: Baby changing facilities are located on the first floor.
• Prayer / Quiet room: A quite room for prayer or contemplation is available.
• Video facilities: Electronic Presentation of Evidence (EPE) facility.
• Wireless network connection: Public Wi Fi is available.
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.

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 England, Cafcass 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.

Family solicitors and mediators near Bath

These professionals list an office in or near Bath. Labels show whether a listing is paid; most are listed from public information. How we make money.