Family court & support in Sunderland

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

If you're dealing with a family matter in Sunderland — a child arrangements (C100) application, a divorce, or a domestic abuse order (FL401) — this page maps out which court serves the city and where to find local support. It is general information, not legal advice.

Which court serves you

Family cases for Sunderland are heard at Sunderland County, Family, Magistrates' and Tribunal Hearings (also known as Sunderland County Court and Family Court), Gillbridge Avenue, Sunderland SR1 3AP — county court location code 343. Family queries: family.sunderland.countycourt@justice.gov.uk · main enquiries: 0330 808 4407 · HMCTS national family line: 0300 123 5577. Full details in our guide: Sunderland County, Family, Magistrates' and Tribunal Hearings.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice Sunderland — 5A Waterloo Place, Sunderland SR1 3HT. Local support line: 0808 278 7950 · enquiries@citizensadvicesunderland.co.uk
National Adviceline: 0800 144 8848 (free).

Mediation & your MIAM

Before most family applications you must consider a MIAM. FMC-accredited mediators cover Sunderland (including outreach and online appointments). Search the FMC register for mediators covering Sunderland: 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, free) · in immediate danger, call 999.
Sunderland City Council domestic abuse support and local services: see https://www.sunderland.gov.uk and ask for community safety/domestic abuse support.
Check the Women's Aid directory for local services and safe-device options: womensaid.org.uk. Use a safe device the abuser cannot access when researching or applying.

Children's services

Together for Children (Sunderland) delivers children's services for Sunderland City Council: 0191 520 5560 (Mon–Thu 8:30am–5pm, Fri 8:30am–4:30pm); out of hours via the council. If a child is at risk of significant harm: 0191 520 5552. Find routes via https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse (postcode lookup).

Getting there

The court is on Gillbridge Avenue in central Sunderland, a short walk from Sunderland rail and Metro stations. Public pay-and-display parking is nearby but fills early. Disabled access, hearing loops and lifts are available — call 0330 808 4407 in advance 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 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.