# Darlington County Court and Family Court — self-representation guide > **A calm, practical guide to representing yourself at Darlington County Court and Family Court.** Written in plain English, covering the building, the case types it hears, and the realities of the day. Nothing here replaces tailored legal advice for your own situation. > **REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31** **The essentials first** - **Official name:** Darlington County Court and Family Court - **Address:** 4 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington DL3 7RL - **Enquiries:** 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court — Mon to Fri, 8:30am–5pm) - **Divorce enquiries:** 0300 303 0642 (Divorce Contact Centre — Mon to Fri, 10am–6pm) - **Counter appointments:** 01325 463224 - **Social security and child support:** 0300 123 1142 - **Location code (County Court): 183** — HMCTS publishes a single code for this venue; no separate Family Court code is listed on the register · **DX: 65109 Darlington 2** - **Court opening times:** Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. **Counter: 9:30am to 3:30pm, by appointment only** (10am–2pm; cashless office in operation) (per HMCTS — the court's official "Find a Court or Tribunal" listing). Confirm before travelling. - **Verified:** 2026-08-31, from the HMCTS "Find a Court or Tribunal" register. --- ## Getting there & security reality The court sits on Coniscliffe Road near Darlington's town centre and the River Skerne, within walking distance of the railway station. Arrive **well before your listed time**. **Getting there** - **Darlington railway station** (East Coast Main Line — direct trains from London, York, Newcastle and Manchester) is around a 15-minute walk; buses from the town centre stop nearby. - **No onsite parking** — check online for the nearest public car parks and allow time to walk. **The security reality** - Expect **airport-style security** at the entrance; bags are searched. - Bring only what you need and allow extra time. - Family courts regularly hear **domestic-abuse cases**. Staff are used to anxious or upset visitors — say so if you need a moment or help finding your courtroom. **Facilities once inside** (verified from the official listing) - **Four private interview rooms** (two ground floor, two first floor) — useful for meeting a supporter, McKenzie friend or solicitor. - **Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards** on request; **assistance dogs welcome**. - **Portable hearing loop available on request** — contact the office in advance. - **Disabled toilet** on the ground floor; all toilets wheelchair accessible; **baby-changing facilities** in the disabled toilet. - Need an **interpreter**? Ask the court in advance. **Contacting the court (published by HMCTS)** - **darlingtoncountycourt@justice.gov.uk** — enquiries - **darlingtoncounty-appointments@justice.gov.uk** — counter appointments - **darlington.breathingspace@justice.gov.uk** — Breathing Space enquiries **Beware of scammers:** HMCTS warns of scammers mimicking genuine court numbers and emails demanding payment. Never pay anyone who demands money by phone or email — report to **Action Fraud**. --- ## What this court handles HMCTS lists the following areas of law for this location: - **Childcare arrangements** if you separate from your partner (typically form **C100**) - **Domestic abuse** (form **FL401**) - **Divorce hearings** - **Bankruptcy, housing, money claims, benefits** and some **High Court** civil work This list is general — check with the court or a family-law adviser if unsure about venue. --- ## The C100 / FHDRA reality for a litigant in person If you apply about a child without a lawyer you will most likely begin with a **C100 application**; your first hearing will probably be a **First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)**. - The FHDRA is largely **administrative**: identify the dispute, check safeguarding, and explore agreement with a judge and, where available, a CAFCASS officer. It is **not** a final trial. - Bring your completed form and documents; hearings can be short, and waiting is normal. - The counter is **appointment-only and cashless** — arrange filings in advance. --- ## FL401 / domestic abuse safety **If you are in danger right now:** call **999**. The **Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247** is free, confidential, 24/7. An abusive person may monitor calls, messages and browsing history — research and prepare on a **safe device**. Keep a written record of incidents, dates and communications; tell the court about any police involvement or earlier orders. You are a **survivor**, not to blame. --- ## A practical first-visit checklist - [ ] Case number and **location code 183** written down - [ ] ID, copies of your application or order, and your papers - [ ] Counter appointment booked in advance if needed; access/safety needs told to the court - [ ] Arrive early; ask front-of-house for your courtroom - [ ] Your three points ready: what you ask, why, and what would help now --- *This guide gives general information about self-representation at Darlington County Court and Family Court. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a family-law professional — and if you are in immediate danger, call 999.* --- **YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory** — we are **not** affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS, Darlington County Court and Family Court, or gov.uk. Court details are sourced from the public HMCTS register and reviewed for accuracy; always confirm the latest position directly with the court. **Official forms & guidance (gov.uk):** - [Apply for a court order about a child (C100)](https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce/apply-for-court-order) · Apply online [here](https://apply-to-court-about-child-arrangements.service.justice.gov.uk/) - [Form C100 (HMCTS)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-c100-application-under-the-children-act-1989-for-a-child-arrangements-prohibited-steps-specific-issue-section-8-order-or-to-vary-or-discharge) - [Get an injunction for domestic violence](https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence) · [Form FL401 (HMCTS)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-non-molestation-or-occupation-order-fl401) - [Darlington County Court and Family Court — official contact page (HMCTS)](https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/darlington-county-court-and-family-court) - [What to expect coming to a court or tribunal (gov.uk)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-to-expect-coming-to-a-court-or-tribunal) · [Get an interpreter (gov.uk)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-an-interpreter-at-a-court-or-tribunal) - [Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247](https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/how-we-can-help-you/national-domestic-abuse-helpline) --- *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.*