Writing Court Statements in Family Cases: A Practical Guide

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026. Informational only — not legal advice.

What is a witness statement?

In family proceedings your evidence is given in writing. A witness statement sets out, in your own words, the facts you rely on. The court treats it as if you said it out loud on oath. Judges read hundreds — the ones that help are factual, organised, and child-focused.

Before you start

Read the directions — the court's order says what your statement must cover, its page/word limit, and the deadline. Miss the deadline and the court can refuse to read it.
Check the format rules: statements should be typed (A4, 12pt, 1.5 or double spacing), paginated, with paragraph numbers, and signed with a statement of truth ("I believe that the facts stated in this statement are true."). For Section 7 response statements, follow PD22A if directed.
Prepare a chronology first — dates, events, documents. It organises your thinking and finds gaps.

Structure that works

1. Introduction — who you are, your relationship to the child, and that you confirm the contents are true. 2. Background — brief: relationship history, children's dates of birth, living arrangements. Keep to what is relevant. 3. The issues in dispute — mirror the court's issues list from the last order. 4. Your evidence, issue by issue — deal with each issue in turn, chronologically within it. 5. The child's needs — routine, schooling, health, relationships, wishes (reported factually, not coached). 6. Your proposals — specific arrangements with a workable timetable. 7. Conclusion and statement of truth.

Golden rules for content

Facts, not opinions. "On 3 March he arrived two hours late and had been drinking; I could smell alcohol" beats "he's an irresponsible drunk".
Be specific: dates, times, places, what was said, who was present.
Exhibit documents properly: label them (e.g. "DK1"), refer to them in the text ("...as shown at exhibit DK1, page 4"), and bundle them behind your statement.
Disclose against yourself. If there is something unhelpful (a caution, a missed contact), address it proactively — it is far better coming from you.
Keep it proportionate. Follow the page limits. A tight 10 pages beats a rambling 40.
Draft in the child's frame: every paragraph should help the judge answer "what arrangements meet this child's welfare needs?"

Things that damage credibility

Sweeping generalisations ("always", "never") without examples.
Hotmail-thesis-length rants, ALL CAPS, and insults.
Selective quoting — judges check texts in full context.
Claiming the child "said" things that look coached.
Contradicting your earlier statements or your Cafcass interview without explanation.

Serving and filing

File with the court and serve on the other party (and Cafcass if ordered) by the method and date in the directions.
Keep proof of service (e.g. email with timestamp).
Bring copies to the hearing, plus your bundle tabs aligned.

At the hearing

Your statement stands as your evidence-in-chief. Expect cross-examination on it — so never write anything you cannot defend under oath. Keep answers short, direct, and calm; concede what is true; correct errors politely.

Related guides

Sources: FPR 2010 PD22A; Practice Direction on witness statements. Format requirements vary by court — follow your case directions.