Haverfordwest County Court and Family Court — self-representation guide

Essentials

Address

Penffynnon, Hawthorn Rise SA61 2AX

Telephone

0300 123 5577

Verified

2026-08-31

A calm, practical guide to representing yourself at Haverfordwest 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: Haverfordwest County Court and Family Court
Address: Penffynnon, Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest SA61 2AX
Enquiries: 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court — Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4:30pm)
Divorce enquiries: 0300 303 0642 (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4:30pm)
Welsh language helpline: 0300 303 5174 · Welsh speakers (divorce line): 0300 303 5171
Family public law (children in care): 0330 808 4424 (digital process for case numbers starting "C5")
Location code (County Court): 217 — HMCTS publishes a single code for this venue; no separate Family Court code is listed on the register · DX: 99610 Haverfordwest
Opening times: Counter 10am to 2pm, for urgent applications by prior appointment; the register does not publish general court opening hours — contact the court before travelling (verified 2026-08-31 from the HMCTS "Find a Court or Tribunal" listing).
Verified: 2026-08-31, from the HMCTS "Find a Court or Tribunal" register.

Getting there & security reality

The court sits at Penffynnon on Hawthorn Rise, on the edge of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire's county town. It serves a wide rural county — visitors come from Milford Haven, Pembroke, Fishguard, Tenby and beyond — so plan a generous margin for travel.

Getting there

Haverfordwest railway station (West Wales line via Carmarthen and Swansea) is a short taxi ride or a brisk 20-minute walk from Hawthorn Rise.
Bus services from across Pembrokeshire converge on Haverfordwest town centre.
Public car park available (per the official listing) — one of the few courts with straightforward parking.

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)

Level access to the entrance and courtroom; hearing loop system installed.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards on request; assistance dogs welcome.
Consultation rooms available — useful for meeting a supporter, McKenzie friend or solicitor.
Children's waiting room — a genuine plus for family hearings.
Baby-changing facilities; prayer/quiet room available.
Video link facilities — worth asking about if you face a long journey.
Need an interpreter? Ask the court in advance. Welsh speakers can use the dedicated helplines listed above.

Contacting the court (published by HMCTS)

enquiries.haverfordwest.countycourt@justice.gov.uk — county court, possession cases and C100 applications
family.haverfordwest.countycourt@justice.gov.uk — family court
contactfpl@justice.gov.uk — family public law, children in care (C5 case numbers)
waleset@justice.gov.uk — Wales Employment Tribunal (hearing venue only)

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) and adoption
Bankruptcy, housing, money claims, benefits and claims against employers

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 — this court's own email handles C100 enquiries directly; 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.
Counter access is appointment-only for urgent applications — make arrangements in advance, and confirm hearing logistics since general opening hours are not published.

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. Welsh speakers can call the dedicated Welsh-language lines listed above.

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 217 written down
[ ] ID, copies of your application or order, and your papers
[ ] Urgent-application counter appointment booked in advance; 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 Haverfordwest 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, Haverfordwest 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):

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.

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