Family court & support in Bolton

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

Which court serves you

Family cases for Bolton are heard at Bolton County Court and Family Court, The Law Courts, Blackhorse Street, Bolton BL1 1SU (court enquiries: 01204 392 881; family matters: family@bolton.countycourt.gsi.gov.uk; HMCTS National Contact Centre 0300 123 5577). Full self-representation guide, contacts and access details: our Bolton County and Family Court page

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice Bury and Bolton (Bolton office) — Unit 1, Victoria Plaza, Oxford Street, Bolton BL1 1RD. Local Adviceline: 0808 278 7804 · website: cabb.org.uk (contact first to check drop-in and appointment options).
National Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (free).

Mediation & your MIAM

Before most family court applications you must consider a MIAM. FMC-accredited mediators serve Bolton (some offer outreach or online MIAMs). Search the FMC register for mediators covering Bolton: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/ — see our mediation guide for costs (£500 voucher, ~£120 MIAM, legal aid).

Domestic abuse support

Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7) · emergency 999
Fortalice — Bolton domestic abuse charity offering refuge and community support: 01204 365677 · https://fortalice.org.uk
Endeavour — Bolton service supporting families affected by domestic abuse: 01204 394842 · https://www.endeavourproject.org.uk
Bolton Council lists local DA support agencies: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/adult-social-care/support-agencies
Check the Women's Aid directory for local services and safe-device options: womensaid.org.uk/information-support/womens-aid-directory
If abuse involves your devices, use a safe device (library, friend's phone, helpline) when researching or emailing about domestic abuse.

Children's services

Bolton Council children's services — if you are worried about a child, the Integrated Front Door: 01204 331500 (option 2), Monday–Friday 8:45am–5pm; out of hours/bank holidays, Emergency Duty Team: 01204 337777. Immediate danger: 999. See https://www.bolton.gov.uk/safeguarding-protecting-children/reporting-child-abuse (or via https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse postcode lookup).

Getting there

The Law Courts are on Blackhorse Street in Bolton town centre — Bolton rail station is about a 10-minute walk via Trinity Street, and town-centre bus routes stop close by on Blackhorse Street / Cheadle Square. The building has level access, lifts and hearing enhancement (book adjustments in advance on 01204 392 881). Contact the court if you need help attending.

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS, gov.uk or Bolton Council.

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.