Isle of Wight Combined Court
Isle of Wight Combined Court is a family court in Newport that deals with children and domestic abuse cases. You're most likely to come here for a hearing about arrangements for your children, not for the divorce itself, which is handled centrally online.
What family cases does Isle of Wight Combined Court 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.
- 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, 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 Isle of Wight Combined Court 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 Hampshire and Isle of Wight area took a median of 19.9 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, down from 31.0 weeks a year earlier. That is quicker than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 58% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 1,093 children cases were still open in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area, and 10% of those had been open for more than a year.
| Area | Median | A year earlier | Within 26 weeks | Cases finished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampshire and Isle of Wight area | 19.9 weeks | 31.0 weeks | 58% | 464 |
| South West region | 25.1 weeks | 27.1 weeks | 51% | 1,412 |
| England and Wales | 24.7 weeks | 26.4 weeks | 52% | 12,005 |
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.
Family courts are grouped into Designated Family Judge areas, each led by a senior family judge. The Ministry of Justice publishes waiting times for each area, and we've matched Isle of Wight Combined Court to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area by its location. Cases can be moved between courts, so treat these as a guide to your area rather than to this building.
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 Isle of Wight Combined Court?
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 - 01604 795511
Mediation
- [email protected]
Family court: Including C100 applications
Opening hours
- Counter open: 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday
- Counter open: By prior appointment only
- Telephone enquiries answered: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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.
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.
- 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.
- Video facilities: This court has Prison Video Link facilities which are also available for conferences and legal visits in relation to both Crown Court and Magistrates' Court cases. To book a booth email iow.magistrates@justice.gov.uk with the subject heading "Video Link Booking" or telephone 01983 535100.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Interview room: 4 interview rooms are available on the ground floor
- Disabled access: This building has a ramp to the building entrance, a lift between the ground floor and the first floor, and level access in to court rooms and hearing rooms.
- Hearing Loop: The building has hearing enhancement facilities available by prior arrangement. Please contact the Court office by telephone or email if necessary.
- Witness service: www.witnessservice.org.uk
No separate waiting room is listed. If you're worried about seeing your ex at court, tell the court in advance: you can ask for measures such as separate waiting areas, different arrival times or a screen in the courtroom.
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 Newport
These professionals list an office in or near Newport. Labels show whether a listing is paid; most are listed from public information. How we make money.
See divorce solicitors in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with local costs.
Guides that may help
Want someone in your corner at court?
Tell us what's happening and we'll show you two or three family solicitors or mediators who cover Newport. It's free.
Court information from HM Courts and Tribunals Service, Find a court or tribunal, last checked 20 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Waiting times from the Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.