York Magistrates' Court and Family Court
York Magistrates' Court and Family Court is a family court in York that deals with children 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 York Magistrates' Court and Family 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.
The building also deals with crime 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 York Magistrates' Court and Family 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 North Yorkshire area took a median of 24.9 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, up from 24.1 weeks a year earlier. That is slower than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 56% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 440 children cases were still open in the North Yorkshire area, and 8% of those had been open for more than a year.
| Area | Median | A year earlier | Within 26 weeks | Cases finished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Yorkshire area | 24.9 weeks | 24.1 weeks | 56% | 133 |
| North East region | 19.6 weeks | 21.9 weeks | 63% | 1,790 |
| 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 York Magistrates' Court and Family Court to the North Yorkshire 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 York Magistrates' Court and Family Court?
These are the family contacts HM Courts and Tribunals Service publishes for this court. Have your case number ready if you have one.
- [email protected]
Family court
Opening hours
- Court open: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5pm
- Counter open: 9:30am 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.
- Public toilets: Public toilets.
- Prayer / Quiet room: Prayer/Quiet Room available.
- Waiting Room: Public Waiting Room.
- 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.
- Baby changing facility: Baby changing facility available.
- Witness service: www.witnessservice.org.uk
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.
- Lift: The Maximum load for the new lift is for wheelchair loads up to 320 KG
- Interview room: There are 5 private interview rooms available.
- Disabled access: Disabled Access to Ground floor Courtrooms via lift to the rear of the building. Please notify the Court of your attendance in advance as the lift requires staff assisstance.
- Video facilities: Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement)
- First Aid: Trained first aider on site.
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 York
These professionals list an office in or near York. 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 York. 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.