Lancaster Courthouse
Lancaster Courthouse is a family court in Lancaster that deals with children, divorce 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 Lancaster Courthouse 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, High Court district registry work, 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 Lancaster Courthouse 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 Blackburn and Lancaster area took a median of 30.6 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, up from 26.8 weeks a year earlier. That is slower than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 44% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 1,153 children cases were still open in the Blackburn and Lancaster area, and 8% of those had been open for more than a year.
| Area | Median | A year earlier | Within 26 weeks | Cases finished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackburn and Lancaster area | 30.6 weeks | 26.8 weeks | 44% | 280 |
| North West region | 31.6 weeks | 30.1 weeks | 39% | 1,764 |
| 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 Lancaster Courthouse to the Blackburn and Lancaster 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 Lancaster Courthouse?
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 protected]
County court: Family queries - [email protected]
Family court - [email protected]
County court: Family Listing
Opening hours
- Counter service by appointment only: 10:00 to 14:00
- Court open: 09:00 to 16:00
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.
- Hearing Loop: Loop hearing assistance is available in various Courtrooms, please contact the listing officer for information. Voice enhancement facilities are also available from the enquiries desk on the first floor.
- Interview room: Consultation rooms are available at this court
- Refreshments: Refreshments are available
- Baby changing facility: Baby changing facilities are available.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Video facilities: Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement) Booking of video hearings/booths please ring 0300 808 4407.
- 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. If you have a disability and need help coming to a hearing, please contact the court or tribunal to make sure the facilities meet your specific needs or to discuss a reasonable adjustment you need.
- Parking: We do not have any public car parking. However, there are plenty of public car parks nearby. We are beside the Town Hall and Police station on the map; https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/attach/195/Lancaster%20Car%20Parks.pdf More information regarding them including prices can be found here; https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/parking/car-parks
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.
- 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 Lancaster
These professionals list an office in or near Lancaster. Labels show whether a listing is paid; most are listed from public information. How we make money.
See divorce solicitors in Lancashire, 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 Lancaster. 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.