Telford County Court and Family Court — self-representation guide

Essentials

Address

Telford Justice Centre, Telford Square, Malinsgate, Telford TF3 4HX

Telephone

0300 123 5577

Verified

2026-08-31

A calm, practical guide to representing yourself at Telford County Court and Family Court (officially "Telford County Court and Family Court", sitting at Telford Justice Centre). Written in plain English, covering the building, the case types it hears, and the realities of the day. Nothing here replaces tailored legal advice for your own situation.

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

The essentials first

Official name: Telford County Court and Family Court
Address (visits): Telford Justice Centre, Telford Square, Malinsgate, Telford TF3 4HX
Write to: Civil cases — Stoke-on-Trent Combined Court, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3BP · Family cases — Wolverhampton Combined Court, Pipers Row, Wolverhampton WV1 3LQ
Enquiries: 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court — Mon to Fri, 8:30am–5pm)
Divorce enquiries: 0300 303 0642 (Divorce Contact Centre — Mon to Fri, 10am–6pm)
Civil enquiries (Stoke): 01782 854 000 · Family enquiries (Wolverhampton): 01902 481 000
Location code (County Court): 364 — HMCTS publishes a single code for this venue; no separate Family Court code is listed on the register
Court opening times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Counter: by prior appointment only, for urgent civil and family applications (per HMCTS — the court's official "Find a Court or Tribunal" listing). Confirm before travelling.
Verified: 2026-08-31, from the HMCTS "Find a Court or Tribunal" register.

Getting there & security reality

Telford Justice Centre sits in Telford Square at the heart of the town centre, next to the main shopping area and close to the bus and rail interchange. Arrive well before your listed time.

Getting there

Telford Central railway station (Shrewsbury–Birmingham/Wolverhampton line) is a short walk from Telford Square.
The town's bus interchange is close by, with services across Telford & Wrekin and into Shropshire.
Public car parks are nearby — HMCTS suggests searching "Telford Town Centre car parking" online; there is no dedicated court parking.

The security reality

Entry is through a security arch; all users and their possessions are searched. Alert the security officer if you have a pacemaker.
Allow extra time at busy morning listings.
Family courts regularly hear domestic-abuse cases. Staff are used to anxious or upset visitors — say so if you need a moment or help finding your courtroom.

Facilities once inside (verified from the official listing)

Level access to the entrance and ground-floor hearing rooms; lift to first-floor courtrooms.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards on request; assistance dogs welcome.
Hearing enhancement available by prior arrangement — contact the court first.
Eleven interview rooms and a children's waiting room — a real plus for family hearings.
Baby-changing facilities in the ground-floor disabled toilets.
Video conferencing and prison-to-court video link available by prior arrangement.
No refreshment facilities in the building — eat and drink before you arrive.
Need an interpreter? Ask the court in advance.

Contacting the court (published by HMCTS)

family.wolverhampton.countycourt@justice.gov.uk — family enquiries
hearings.stoke.countycourt@justice.gov.uk — civil enquiries
telford.breathingspace@justice.gov.uk — Breathing Space enquiries

Important administrative note: family case papers go to Wolverhampton Combined Court and civil papers to Stoke-on-Trent Combined Court — Telford operates as a hearing venue. Send correspondence to the right place to avoid delays.

Beware of scammers: HMCTS warns of scammers mimicking genuine court numbers and emails demanding payment. Never pay anyone who demands money by phone or email — report to Action Fraud.

What this court handles

HMCTS lists the following areas of law for this location:

Childcare arrangements if you separate from your partner (typically form C100)
Domestic abuse (form FL401), adoption and divorce hearings
Bankruptcy, claims against employers, and civil enforcement work

This list is general — check with the court or a family-law adviser if unsure about venue.

The C100 / FHDRA reality for a litigant in person

If you apply about a child without a lawyer you will most likely begin with a C100 application; your first hearing will probably be a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).

The FHDRA is largely administrative: identify the dispute, check safeguarding, and explore agreement with a judge and, where available, a CAFCASS officer. It is not a final trial.
Bring your completed form and documents; hearings can be short, and waiting is normal.
The counter is appointment-only — arrange filings in advance, and remember papers are administered through Wolverhampton (family) or Stoke (civil).

FL401 / domestic abuse safety

If you are in danger right now: call 999. The Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247 is free, confidential, 24/7.

An abusive person may monitor calls, messages and browsing history — research and prepare on a safe device. Keep a written record of incidents, dates and communications; tell the court about any police involvement or earlier orders. You are a survivor, not to blame.

A practical first-visit checklist

[ ] Case number and location code 364 written down
[ ] ID, copies of your application or order, and your papers
[ ] Counter appointment arranged in advance; access/safety needs told to the court
[ ] Arrive early; ask front-of-house for your courtroom
[ ] Eaten and drunk something — there are no refreshments inside
[ ] Your three points ready: what you ask, why, and what would help now

This guide gives general information about self-representation at Telford County Court and Family Court. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a family-law professional — and if you are in immediate danger, call 999.

YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory — we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS, Telford County Court and Family Court, or gov.uk. Court details are sourced from the public HMCTS register and reviewed for accuracy; always confirm the latest position directly with the court.

Official forms & guidance (gov.uk):

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.

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