The Courts and Tribunals Service — who they are and how to use them

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

What HMCTS is

HMCTS (His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service) is the government agency that runs the courts and tribunals of England and Wales. When you deal with the family court, you are dealing with HMCTS staff — the people who list hearings, take applications, and process fees.

What HMCTS does (and doesn't)

| HMCTS does | HMCTS does NOT | |-----------|----------------| | Lists hearings and manages the court diary | Decide the outcome (that's the judge) | | Takes your applications and fees | Give you legal advice | | Issues court documents and orders | Act for either party | | Runs the court buildings and listings | Change the law | | Manages the court counter and e-filing | Tell you what to ask for |

Keep this distinction clear: HMCTS staff run the process; the judge decides the result.

Key HMCTS services for a LiP

| Service | What it's for | |---------|--------------| | National Contact Centre | 0300 123 5577, Mon–Fri 8:30–5 — main route for family enquiries and paper applications | | Divorce contact centre | 0300 303 0642, Mon–Fri 10–6 | | Find a court or tribunal | find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk — addresses, hours, contacts | | Online divorce | The government divorce portal | | MyHMCTS (e-filing) | Some tribunals and civil courts; growing in family | | Court counter | Most are now appointment-only — book before attending | | Help with fees | EX160 process, via gov.uk |

Scammers impersonating HMCTS

HMCTS repeatedly warns that scammers mimic genuine court phone numbers and emails, demanding payment (often for "overdue fees"). Remember:

HMCTS will never demand payment by phone or urgent email
Court fees are paid through the official gov.uk channels or the court counter
If someone calls threatening arrest or demanding money, hang up
Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and to HMCTS

Contacting HMCTS well

Have your reference/case number ready — it speeds everything up
Put requests in writing where records matter (email the court / use the correct form)
Book counter appointments — most walk-ins are turned away
If you email a court, use the @justice.gov.uk address listed on the court's official page, with your case number in the subject

Official links

HMCTS: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service
Find a court: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk
Fees: https://www.gov.uk/court-fees-what-they-are

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.