# Stockport County Court and Family Court — self-representation guide > **A calm, practical guide to representing yourself at Stockport County Court and Family Court** (officially "Stockport County Court and Family Court"). It is written in plain English, takes you through the building, the types of case it hears, and the realities you are likely to face on 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:** Stockport County Court and Family Court - **Address (visits):** The Courthouse, Edward Street, Stockport SK1 3DQ · **Write to:** The Courthouse, Edward Street, Stockport SK1 3NF - **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) - **Social security and child support:** 0300 123 1142 - **Location code (County Court): 336** — HMCTS publishes a single code for this venue; no separate Family Court code is listed on the register · **DX: 702620 Stockport 4** - **Court opening times:** Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. **Counter: 10am to 2pm, strictly by appointment only** — call 0300 123 5577 to book (payment calls taken 10am–2pm) (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 Stockport's courthouse sits on Edward Street just off the A6, a short walk from Stockport's interchange — one of the best-connected court venues in Greater Manchester. Plan to arrive **well before your listed time**; a first visit always takes longer than you think. **Getting there** - **Stockport railway station** is a major rail hub served by trains from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, Buxton, and across the North West — roughly a 10-minute level walk from the court. - The **bus interchange and Metrolink stop** sit alongside the station, so most of Greater Manchester is within easy reach without a car. - **There is no parking at the building** — use the town-centre pay-and-display car parks nearby and allow time to walk. **The security reality** - Entry is through a **security arch**; all users and their possessions are searched. Alert the security officer if you have a **pacemaker**. - Allow extra time — the queue can move slowly during busy morning listings. - Bring only what you need: your papers, ID, and something to read while you wait. - Family courts regularly hear **domestic-abuse cases**. Staff are used to people who are anxious or upset — say so if you need a moment or help finding your courtroom. **Facilities once inside** (verified from the official listing) - **Disabled access, accessible toilet and low counters**; a **lift** serves the first floor. - **Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards** on request; **assistance dogs welcome**. - **Hearing enhancement (hearing loop) facilities** are available. - **Interview and conference rooms** — useful for meeting a supporter, McKenzie friend or solicitor before a hearing. - **Baby-changing facilities**; public toilets on the ground floor; free **Wi-Fi** throughout (text "GO" to 07537 417417 to connect) and a water dispenser. - Need an **interpreter**? Ask the court in advance (see gov.uk guidance below). **Contacting the court (published by HMCTS)** - **enquiries.stockport.countycourt@justice.gov.uk** — general enquiries - **stockportfamily@justice.gov.uk** — family court - **hearings.stockport.countycourt@justice.gov.uk** — listing - **bailiffs.stockport.countycourt@justice.gov.uk** — enforcement **Beware of scammers:** HMCTS warns that scammers mimic genuine court phone numbers and emails and may demand payment claiming to be from HMRC or enforcement. Never pay anyone who phones or emails demanding money — report approaches 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 (applications typically on form **C100**) - **Domestic abuse**, including **Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)** and protective applications on form **FL401** - **Divorce hearings** and **adoption** - **Money claims, bankruptcy, housing and enforcement** (civil work) This list is general. If you are unsure whether Stockport is the right venue, check with the court or a family-law adviser before filing — venue affects where your case is heard. --- ## The C100 / FHDRA reality for a litigant in person If you are applying about a child without a lawyer, you will most likely begin with a **C100 application** and 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. Expect process decisions — what information is needed next, whether a further hearing is required, and interim arrangements. - Bring your completed form and documents even if you think they may not be needed; hearings can be **short and crowded**. - Because the counter is **appointment-only**, sort any filing or paperwork business over the phone or by email in advance rather than turning up and hoping. --- ## FL401 / domestic abuse safety This court handles **domestic abuse** applications — including the newer Domestic Abuse Protection Orders — usually on form **FL401** for non-molestation or occupation orders. **If you are in danger right now:** call **999**. The **Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247** is free, confidential and open 24/7. **Safety note about devices:** an abusive person may monitor calls, messages and browsing history. Research and prepare your application on a **safe device** they cannot reach, and check passwords and location-sharing settings first if it is safe to do so. Keep a written record of incidents, dates and communications; tell the court about any police involvement or earlier orders. --- ## A practical first-visit checklist - [ ] Case number and **location code 336** written down - [ ] ID, copies of your application or order, and your papers - [ ] Any **counter appointment booked in advance** (10am–2pm only) and access/safety needs told to the court - [ ] Arrive early — security screening takes time; ask front-of-house for your courtroom - [ ] Meet your supporter in an interview room if you have one - [ ] Your three points ready: what you ask, why, and what would help now --- *This guide gives general information about self-representation at Stockport County Court and Family Court. It is not legal advice and does not replace a consultation with a qualified family-law solicitor or a regulated adviser. For advice specific to your situation, contact a family-law professional — and if you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.* --- **YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory** — we are **not** affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS, Stockport 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) - [Stockport County Court and Family Court — official contact page (HMCTS)](https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/stockport-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.*