Tunbridge Wells County Court and Family Court — self-representation guide

A calm, practical guide to representing yourself at Tunbridge Wells County Court and Family Court. 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: Tunbridge Wells County Court and Family Court
Address: Merevale House, 42–46 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DP
Enquiries: 01892 700 150; 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court — Mon to Fri, 8:30am–5pm)
Verified: 2026-08-31, from HMCTS "Find a Court or Tribunal" register data. Confirm on the official HMCTS page before travelling.

What Tunbridge Wells handles

This venue hears County Court civil business and family proceedings for west Kent, including child arrangements, non-molestation and occupation orders, and divorce finance hearings listed locally. Larger or specialist matters from this area can be listed at Maidstone Combined Court Centre — check your listing notice, which always names the hearing venue.

For Kent residents starting a family case, the online application routes through GOV.UK; the venue printed on your acknowledgment is where your file sits.

Getting there

Merevale House is on the A26 London Road close to Tunbridge Wells town centre. Tunbridge Wells station is roughly a 10–15 minute walk. Town-centre car parks are within a few minutes on foot; on-street parking nearby is restricted — check signage.

The security reality

Expect airport-style security; bags are searched.
Family courts regularly hear domestic-abuse cases. Ask staff for a separate waiting area if you need one — they are used to this request.
Arrive at least 45 minutes early.

Facilities

If you have a disability and need help coming to a hearing, contact the court in advance or the National Contact Centre on 0300 123 5577.
Need an interpreter? Ask the court well in advance.

Contacting the court

01892 700 150 — Tunbridge Wells direct
0300 123 5577 — National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court
0300 303 0642 — Divorce Contact Centre (Mon–Fri 10am–6pm)

Always quote your case number (16 digits).

Before your hearing day

1. Read the listing order — it names the venue, courtroom time and purpose. 2. Prepare a short position statement and bring copies. 3. Bring the bundle as ordered, plus your own copy.

Useful official links

HMCTS court finder: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/ (search "Tunbridge Wells")
GOV.UK — represent yourself in court: https://www.gov.uk/represent-yourself-in-court
GOV.UK — non-molestation orders: https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence

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.

Preparing your own papers for a hearing at Tunbridge Wells County Court and Family Court? EvidenceCanvas is an online tool for people who represent themselves in the family court. You add your messages, letters and orders, and it helps you put together a chronology, an exhibit bundle and a draft statement. It checks its own drafts and points out anything to fix. You check and finish every document yourself.

It is a paid tool with monthly plans and one-off options, and a limited free plan to try it. Check the current prices on its website before you choose a plan. It is not a law firm, it does not give legal advice and it cannot tell you how your case will turn out. If you can get legal advice or legal aid, consider that first.

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