PRO LIBERIS

For dads who can’t afford a lawyer, but can’t afford to get it wrong.

A fictional department. A very real problem.

The Department Briefing

First time here? Read this.

Family Court has its own language, rules and expectations. This briefing explains the environment you are entering before you start preparing your case.

Being the respondent does not make you guilty. An allegation is not a finding. The Department does not decide whether anyone is safe, abusive, dishonest or wrongly accused.

Our role is to help dads prepare. The court decides.

Read the Department Briefing

Where are you in the process?

Choose the option that best describes your situation now. We’ll guide you to the right information and the next useful action.

Guidance and tools

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Understanding the process

What each hearing is for, what to expect and what the court is trying to achieve.

Getting organised

Templates, checklists and guidance to help you present clear, relevant information.

Being a dad

Practical ideas for staying connected and child-focused through separation.

Department Directory

Find the right door.

If another organisation is better placed to help, we’ll send you there immediately.

Courts and official procedure

Find courts, forms, rules and help with fees.

Legal advice and representation

Legal aid, direct access, pro bono and Law Centres.

Help when representing yourself

Practical support before and during proceedings.

Children and family services

Cafcass, child arrangements and safeguarding routes.

Health and medical records

GP records, health services and talking therapies.

Money, housing and maintenance

Benefits, child maintenance, housing and debt help.

Arrest, custody and police bail

What happens in custody, how to read bail conditions and what to do next.

Important

This is not legal advice.

Department of Desperate Dads is an independent information and support project. It is not a law firm, government department, court service or part of the judiciary.

The Department was created from one dad’s lived experience of separation and the family justice system. It provides general information, practical organisation tools and signposting. It does not provide legal representation, personalised legal advice or guarantee any outcome.

Every family and every case is different. Laws, court rules, forms, fees and procedures can change. Check current official guidance, obey all court orders and obtain advice from a suitably qualified legal professional before taking—or deciding not to take—any legal step.

You remain responsible for your own decisions, documents, deadlines and conduct.

Full independence and reliance notice

Using this website, a checklist, a template or any future tool does not create a solicitor–client, adviser–client or other professional relationship. Messages sent to the Department are not legally privileged.

The Department is not affiliated with or endorsed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service, Cafcass, the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, any government department, local authority, police force, law firm or legal regulator.

Information is provided in good faith, but no guarantee is made that it is complete, current, error-free or suitable for your circumstances. External links are provided for signposting and do not amount to endorsement.