Yeovil County, Family and Magistrates' Court
Yeovil County, Family and Magistrates' Court is a family court in Yeovil 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 Yeovil County, Family and Magistrates' 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.
- 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 Yeovil County, Family and Magistrates' 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 Taunton area took a median of 32.0 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, up from 30.2 weeks a year earlier. That is slower than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 42% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 376 children cases were still open in the Taunton area, and 19% of those had been open for more than a year.
| Area | Median | A year earlier | Within 26 weeks | Cases finished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton area | 32.0 weeks | 30.2 weeks | 42% | 90 |
| 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. This area finishes a small number of cases each quarter, so its median can move a lot from one quarter to the next.
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 Yeovil County, Family and Magistrates' Court to the Taunton 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 Yeovil County, Family and Magistrates' 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
- [email protected]
Enquiries: Children Act matters - [email protected]
Mediation
Opening hours
- Court open: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
- Telephone enquiries answered: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
- Counter open: Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm
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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.
- No parking: There are no parking facilities at this building, however paid off-site parking is available opposite the building.
- Disabled access: Access is restricted for users with mobility difficulties. Public access to the court is via a steep incline and steps. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
- Assistance dogs: Guide dogs are welcome at this court.
- Hearing Loop: The building has hearing enhancement facilities available.
- 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: Please note the lift is currently out of service. Lift available in this building to access the first and second floors. The lift can accommodate wheelchairs up to 117cm wide with a weight limit of 450kg.
- Public toilets: Public toilets are available on all floors.
- Disabled toilet: Accessible toilets are available in the family suite and court 4 waiting area.
- Interview room: Three interview rooms on upper floor and four in the family suite.
- Waiting Room: 1. This building has a public waiting area on the ground floor and a separate witness waiting area. Please ask for details. 2. This building has a public waiting area outside each court or hearing room.
- Baby changing facility: Baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor.
- Prayer / Quiet room: A room can be made available.
- Video facilities: Electronic Presentation of Evidence (EPE) facilities Internal video conferencing facilities plus external video link to prisons is available. 1 video pod for witnesses is available.
- Wireless network connection: Public WiFi is available.
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 Yeovil
These professionals list an office in or near Yeovil. Labels show whether a listing is paid; most are listed from public information. How we make money.
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 Yeovil. 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.