Building a chronology — the single most powerful document for a LiP
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29
Why a chronology wins cases
A chronology is a dated list of every significant event in your case, in order. Judges read it before your statements. It tells them the story instantly — and a well-built one earns credibility that no amount of argument can buy.
What goes in it
Every date that matters:
| Date | Event | |---|---| | [date] | Child born | | [date] | Parties separated | | [date] | First child arrangements application (C100) filed | | [date] | CAFCASS safeguarding letter received | | [date] | FHDRA hearing — order made | | [date] | Contact session missed by respondent | | [date] | Police incident [ref no.] | | [date] | Section 7 report received | | [date] | Next hearing listed |
How to build it
1. Start with a blank spreadsheet (columns: Date, Event, Source/Reference) 2. Go oldest first — birth of child, relationship start, key milestones 3. Include every order, every hearing, every significant incident 4. Mark each entry as "agreed" or "disputed" where relevant 5. Reference the bundle page number for each entry (see our bundle guide)
What makes it powerful
- Neutral tone — facts only, no commentary, no emotion
- Consistent with your statement — if the chronology says one thing and your statement says another, you lose credibility
- Referenced to evidence — every entry has a source the court can check
What NOT to do
- Don't include every minor disagreement (only significant events)
- Don't editorialise ("he was being his usual selfish self")
- Don't leave gaps — an unexplained 6-month gap looks like you're hiding something
- Don't lie or shade the truth — the other side will spot it
Sharing it
- Serve it on the other side and the court by the directions deadline
- Ask the court to direct the other side to confirm or correct it — that's how you lock in agreed facts before the hearing
Official links
- FPR PD27A (bundles/chronology): https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or 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.
Building your bundle or statement? EvidenceCanvas is an online tool for people who represent themselves in the family court. It helps you turn your evidence into a dated chronology, an indexed exhibit bundle and a draft statement. You review and finish each 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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