Family court & support in Shrewsbury
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29
This page is a local guide for people dealing with family court and family-law problems in Shrewsbury. It points to the courts, official services, and free independent sources of help in and around the town.
Which court serves you
Family proceedings for the Shrewsbury area are dealt with by Shrewsbury Family Court / Shirehall, part of the county court and family venue in Shrewsbury. This is the venue that handles private and public-law family matters such as child arrangements, financial remedy, and adoption for families in the Shropshire area.
You can find full contact details, opening times, and how to check in at the venue via the official court and tribunal listing on gov.uk.
- Shrewsbury Family Court / Shirehall — Find this court on gov.uk
Before attending any hearing, check your diary notice (and any later listing) for the exact court room and building, because cases can be listed at different times and venues.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice gives free, independent and confidential advice on family law and relationship breakdown, including child arrangements, money and debt, and how to find a solicitor.
- Shropshire Citizens Advice — free, independent and confidential local advice; search for the Shrewsbury and Shropshire advisers at citizensadvice.org.uk or call the national Adviceline on 0800 144 8848.
- You are automatically entitled to seek help from Citizens Advice regardless of your income or circumstances.
Mediation & MIAM (before you go to court)
For most private family disputes you normally have to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) before you can make a court application. A family mediator explains the options and whether mediation could work for you instead of court.
- Family Mediation Council (FMC) — find a local accredited family mediator at familymediationcouncil.org.uk. Accredited FMC mediators in and around Shrewsbury appear in the national directory.
- Mediation is often quicker, cheaper and less stressful than court, and can help you keep arrangements practical for your children.
Domestic abuse support
If you are afraid of a partner or ex-partner, there is confidential help available day and night.
- Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247, free, 24 hours a day, every day. Call from a safe phone.
- Women's Aid — online help, safety planning and the Survivors' Handbook at womensaid.org.uk.
- Men's Advice Line — 0808 801 0327, support for men experiencing domestic abuse, at mensadviceline.org.uk.
- If it is safe to do so and you are at immediate risk, call 999.
Please note: reading and searching for help can be risky if someone monitors your devices. Use a device the abuser cannot access, use a private browser window, or call the helplines direct. Phone the helplines rather than relying on your usual internet connection where possible.
Children's services (local authority)
Children's social care in Shrewsbury is provided by Shropshire Council. If you are worried about a child's safety or welfare you can contact children's services. Find the right council for your postcode and get contact details on gov.uk.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, contact the police or the council's out-of-hours team.
Getting there
Shrewsbury Family Court / Shirehall is in the town centre of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. It is served by Shrewsbury railway station, about a short walk from the town centre court buildings, and is well served by town and regional bus routes. Check the official gov.uk court listing for the exact address and directions before travelling.
Allow extra time to find parking or the correct entrance if you have not been before.
This page is general information only, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified legal professional, a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a family mediator about your own circumstances.
Every source and service listed here is independent of, and separately accountable to, its own regulators and standards.
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.