Chester Civil and Family Justice Centre

What family cases does Chester Civil and Family 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, High Court district registry work, housing possession, money claims 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 Chester Civil and Family 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 the North West region took a median of 31.6 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, up from 30.1 weeks a year earlier. That is slower than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 39% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 5,147 children cases were still open in the North West region, and 12% 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 Chester Civil and Family Justice Centre reports under, so these figures are for the North 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 Chester Civil and Family 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 for Civil & Family Court Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
• 0300 303 0642
  Enquiries: Divorce Contact Centre, Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm

Email

• [email protected]
  Family court
• [email protected]
  Adoption

Opening hours

• Court open: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
• Telephone enquiries answered: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
• Bailiff office open: 9:30am to 10:30am
• Counter open: By prior appointment only (High court 10am 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, however paid off site parking is available within 100m of the venue on Pepper Street.
• Disabled access: This building has level access to the building entrance, and court room. If you have a disability and need help coming to a hearing, please contact 01244 404262
• 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: Lifts are available in this building to access all floors.
• Public toilets: Public toilets are available on all floors.
• Disabled toilet: Accessible toilets are available and are located on the ground, first and third floors. Lifts are available to these floors.
• Refreshments: Refreshments are available via a vending machine and water coooler.
• Interview room: There are private interview rooms on the ground, first and second floors.
• Children's waiting room: The court has a childrens area on the second floor.
• Baby changing facility: Baby changing facilities are available on the ground, first and third floors.
• Video facilities: Video conference facilities excluding prison to court video links [for courts only]. For queries please contact 01244 404 274 or 257.
• Wireless network connection: Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the building. Please read notices on display.
• Witness service: Support Through Court (previously known as the PSU) is available on site to provide assistance. www.supportthroughcourt.org
• 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 Chester

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

See divorce solicitors in Cheshire, with local costs.