Vulnerable parties, special measures & interpreters — making the hearing fair

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-28

The principle (Part 3B, Family Procedure Rules)

Courts must identify vulnerable parties and witnesses and take participation directions so they can give their best evidence. Being a litigant in person is itself relevant — ask early.

Special measures you can request

Separate entrance/waiting room — not having to sit near the other party (common in domestic-abuse cases; supported by PD12J)
Screen or video link — giving evidence from behind a screen or from another room
Evidence by video link — for parties abroad, unwell, or caring for children
Extra breaks — hearings can pause as often as needed
A support person — your McKenzie friend or supporter can sit beside you
Ground rules hearings — in fact-finding cases involving alleged abuse, the court plans in advance how questioning will be handled
Judges lead questioning of vulnerable witnesses — the other side may be restrained from personally cross-examining you (s.31Y Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act alternatives)

Interpreters

Courts provide free interpreters for hearings where a party needs one — request when the hearing is listed (state the language/dialect)
Documents: you may need your own certified translation for evidence; the interpreter covers the spoken hearing
If the interpreter isn't adequate, say so before the hearing starts

How to ask

File a short application or position statement headed "Participation directions requested" listing what you need and why; or ask the listing office by phone/email. Bring it up at least days before the hearing — judges want to plan for it.

How this fits your case

Special measures protect the fairness of your hearing — they are not favours and they are not admissions of weakness. Use them.

Official links

Practice Direction 3AA (vulnerable persons): https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or 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.