Family court & support in Folkestone
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-30
Which court serves you
Folkestone's court is Folkestone Magistrates' Court, The Law Courts, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone CT20 2DH (court open Mon–Fri 9am–4pm; enquiries 0330 808 4407). Per the HMCTS register it handles crime and single justice procedure only — it does not take family work. Family cases for the Folkestone area are heard at:
- Canterbury Combined Court and Family Court Hearing Centre, The Law Courts, Chaucer Road, Canterbury CT1 1ZA — the regional family venue (see our Canterbury court guide)
- Some listings may route to Maidstone Combined Court Centre (see our Maidstone guide)
Always follow the venue on your notice of hearing. National enquiry line: 0300 123 5577.
Citizens Advice
- Shepway Citizens Advice (Folkestone) — Units 4–6 Princes Gate, George Lane, Folkestone CT20 1RH, 01303 241435; or call the national Adviceline 0800 144 8848
Mediation & your MIAM
Before most applications you must consider a MIAM. Search the FMC register for mediators covering the Folkestone/Kent area — see our mediation guide for costs (£500 voucher, ~£120 MIAM, legal aid). The Home Counties mediation page may also help.
Domestic abuse support
- Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7) · emergency 999
- Kent-area services via the Women's Aid directory: womensaid.org.uk
- See our Home Counties DA support page
Children's services
Kent County Council children's services — contact routes via https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse (postcode lookup).
Getting there
Folkestone Central station has direct rail to Canterbury (and London); if your hearing is at Canterbury, allow ~25–30 min by train. See the Canterbury court guide for access and facilities.
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.