Family court & support in Exeter
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29
Which court serves you
Family cases for Exeter are heard at Exeter Law Courts, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1UH — a combined court centre with family jurisdiction alongside county and magistrates' work (family location code 198). Note: HMCTS lists the older "Exeter Combined Court Centre" at The Castle as no longer in service. See our full Exeter court guide for contact details, opening times and what to expect. National enquiry line: 0300 123 5577.
Citizens Advice
- National Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (free)
- Citizens Advice Exeter — check citizensadviceexeter.org.uk for current hours
- Support Through Court also has a base on the second floor of the court building (0300 081 0006) — see our Exeter court guide
Mediation & your MIAM
Search the FMC register for mediators covering Exeter: https://www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/find-local-mediator/ — see our mediation guide for costs (£500 voucher, ~£120 MIAM, legal aid). Regional services are listed on our South West mediation page.
Domestic abuse support
- Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7) · emergency 999
- Devon-area services via the Women's Aid directory: womensaid.org.uk
- See our South West DA support page
Children's services
Devon County Council children's services — contact routes via https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse. CAFCASS involvement in family proceedings is covered on our CAFCASS South West page.
Getting to your hearing
The court at Southernhay Gardens is around a 5-minute walk from Exeter Bus Station (Paris Street) and about 10 minutes on foot from Exeter Central station. There is no parking at the building — paid parking is available nearby at Magdalen Road and Magdalen Street. Allow time to clear security before your listed time.
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.