Family Daily Cause List explained
Short answer: The Family Daily Cause List is the Family Court's schedule of hearings for the day. Most family hearings are private to protect children and families, so lists show very little detail. If you are involved in a case, rely on your court letter, and contact the court if you are unsure where to go.
Family court hearings deal with some of the most personal moments in people’s lives, such as arrangements for children, protection from harm and money after a separation. Because of this, the information published about them is deliberately limited. This page explains the Family Daily Cause List, why it is so brief and how to find your way on the day.
What the Family Daily Cause List is
A cause list is a list of cases to be heard. The Family Daily Cause List shows the hearings the Family Court expects to deal with on a particular day. It is published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service, and each court also displays information inside the building.
Why family lists show so little
Most family hearings are held in private. The aim is to protect children, and to allow families to speak openly. As a result, a family list may show only a case number, the time, the courtroom and a type of hearing. Names of children and family members are not shown in public.
| Column | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Court or courtroom | The building and the room |
| Time | When the court expects to sit |
| Case number | The number that identifies your case |
| Hearing type | A short description of the hearing |
| Judge | Who is expected to hear it, where shown |
What kinds of cases the Family Court hears
- Arrangements for children after a separation, such as where they live and who they spend time with.
- Orders to protect people from harm, such as non-molestation orders.
- Financial matters after a divorce or separation.
- Care and supervision cases, where a local authority asks the court to help protect a child.
- Adoption applications.
Who can attend
Because most hearings are private, attendance is usually limited to those involved: the parties, their lawyers, and sometimes a children’s guardian or social worker. A supporter may be allowed in, or may need to wait outside. The judge decides. In some cases, accredited journalists may attend, subject to restrictions on what can be reported.
If you want to bring someone, ask the court or your solicitor beforehand. Our guide to family members at court has more.
If you are going to a family hearing
- Check your letter for the court, time and what the hearing is for.
- Arrange care for children if you can, as children are not usually brought to hearings.
- Get advice from a solicitor or an advice service.
- Arrive early, and go through security. See security checks at court.
- Tell the usher you have arrived.
- Be prepared to wait. Many family hearings run late.
Tips for the day
- Bring all the papers you have been given, and any documents you were asked for.
- Keep calm and polite, even if the other person is there.
- Ask the court if there is a separate waiting room, particularly if there has been abuse.
- Let the court know about any special needs, such as an interpreter or step-free access.
If your case does not appear on a list
Family lists are brief, and some hearings are not listed publicly at all. Do not assume that a hearing has been cancelled. Follow your letter, and contact the court or your solicitor. Read why isn’t my case listed?.
What this site shows
We do not collect or show family lists. We focus on Crown Court and magistrates’ court lists, and never show defendants’ first names. Family court venues are in our Family Courts directory, which gives addresses and visitor guidance. See how we get our lists.
Related lists
Civil disputes appear on the Civil Daily Cause List. Criminal cases appear on the Crown Daily List and the Magistrates Public List.
Frequently asked questions
Why is so little information shown?
Family cases often involve children and sensitive personal matters, so most hearings are held in private and lists are kept brief to protect privacy.
Can I go with someone to a family hearing?
It depends on the hearing. Many are private, and the judge decides who may be present. Ask the court or the solicitor in advance, and a supporter may be allowed to wait nearby.
Can journalists attend family hearings?
Accredited journalists can attend many family hearings, subject to the court's rules and any restrictions. The judge can limit what may be reported.
Why does this site not show family lists?
Family matters are private and involve children. We do not collect or show family lists. Use your court letter and the official service.