Family court & support in Eastbourne
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29
Which court serves you
There is no family court in Eastbourne any more. HMCTS lists both the former Eastbourne County Court and Family Court and Eastbourne Magistrates' Court as no longer in service, with business transferred to neighbouring courts (verified on the official "Find a court or tribunal" service, 2026-08-29). Family cases for Eastbourne are now heard at Brighton County Court (the court historically known as the Brighton County Court and Family Court), William Street, Brighton BN2 0RF — about 22 miles away. See our full Brighton court guide.
- National enquiry line: 0300 123 5577 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm) · Divorce Centre 0300 303 0642
- Family enquiries: sussexfamily@justice.gov.uk — always attend the court named on your notice of hearing.
Citizens Advice
- National Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (free; phone Mon–Fri, see local hours)
- Citizens Advice Eastbourne — Unit 6, Highlight House, 8 St Leonards Road, Eastbourne BN21 3UH (eastbournecab.co.uk) — drop-in capacity is limited, contact first to book.
Mediation & your MIAM
Search the FMC register for mediators covering Eastbourne: 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
- East Sussex–area services via the Women's Aid directory: womensaid.org.uk — see our FL401 guide for emergency protective orders.
Children's services
East Sussex County Council children's services — contact routes via https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse. Cafcass involvement is coordinated through the Family Court at Brighton — see our Cafcass guide.
Getting to your hearing
Direct trains run Eastbourne → Brighton (~40–50 min); Brighton station is a short walk/bus ride from William Street. Allow time to clear security (a full arch search applies) before your listed time, and check remote-hearing options if travelling is difficult — see our remote hearings guide.
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.