# 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

- [Applying for a C100](applying-for-child-arrangements-order.md)
- [Responding to a C100](responding-to-child-arrangements-application.md)
- [Cafcass reports explained](cafcass-reports-explained.md)
- [Hearings and court dates](family-court-hearing-types.md)

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