Special measures & vulnerable parties — the full adjustment menu

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

The principle (PD3AA)

Courts must identify vulnerable parties and witnesses and give participation directions so they can give their best evidence. Being a litigant in person is itself relevant. You should ask early — ideally in a short application or your position statement.

The menu of measures

Separate entrance and waiting room — avoid contact with the other party (essential in abuse cases, see PD12J)
Screen / remote video link — give evidence from behind a screen or another room
Extra breaks — hearings pause as often as needed (fatigue, medication, anxiety)
A support person — McKenzie friend or family member beside you
Judge-led questioning — where the other side is restrained from personally cross-examining you (see our s.28 guide)
Ground rules hearing — the court plans questioning in advance
Interpreters — free for hearings (see our interpreters guide)
Easy-read / plain language orders — ask the judge to explain in plain terms
Documents in large print / accessible format
Remote observation — for parties who cannot attend at all

Special measures for abuse survivors (PD12J)

Separate waiting rooms and arrival times
No personal cross-examination (s.28 MCA 1984 ban on abusers personally questioning victims)
Questioning via court-appointed questioner or counsel
Support person present

How to ask

File a short application or position statement headed "Application for participation directions" listing what you need and why; or email the listing office with the hearing reference. Quote PD3AA (vulnerable parties) and PD3B (interpreters). Do it at least 7 days before the hearing where possible.

If refused

Ask for reasons. Some refusals are appealable. The starting assumption is that adjustment is normal, not exceptional.

Official links

PD3AA (vulnerable persons): https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
PD3B (interpreters): 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.