Families Need Fathers / Both Parents Matter — support for separated fathers

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27

What this service is

Both Parents Matter (the organisation formerly known as Families Need Fathers) is a UK charity supporting parents — with a long history of helping fathers — to maintain their relationship with their children after separation. It offers a helpline, local branch meetings and practical guidance on the family court process.

What they offer

  • Helpline: 0300 0300 363 — practical guidance on child arrangements, C100 applications, hearings and orders
  • Local branch meetings (many now online) where experienced volunteers talk through your situation
  • Written guides covering applications, evidence, CAFCASS involvement and hearing preparation

Who it helps

Any parent or family member seeking to maintain involvement in a child's life — mothers as well as fathers — plus new partners and grandparents.

How it fits your family court case

Use them for peer experience and procedural confidence — what the FHDRA feels like, how to present your application, what a s7 report means. Pair with our C100 guide, Cafcass guide and court pages for the complete picture. Note: they are a self-help charity, not solicitors.

Official links

  • https://bothparentsmatter.org.uk (helpline 0300 0300 363)

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Both Parents Matter.

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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Partner services

Sorting out a will, or an agreed and uncontested divorce? The services below let you prepare solicitor-checked documents from home. If there are safeguarding concerns, contested children matters or disputed finances, use a family solicitor instead - DIY services are not a substitute for legal advice.

Make a Will Online — Solicitor-checked online wills from £60
Visit site →
Easy Online Divorce — Uncontested England & Wales divorce paperwork
Visit site →
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