Family court
Family law is the area of law that deals with:
- Public law - local authority intervention to protect children;
- Private law - parental disputes concerning the upbringing of children;
- Matrimonial cases - divorces, annulments and separations;
- Financial remedy (formerly known as 'ancillary relief') - financial provisions after divorce or relationship breakdown;
- Domestic violence remedy orders;
- Forced marriage protection orders;
- Female genital mutilation protection orders;
- Adoption;
- The Mental Capacity Act; and
- Probate
See family court statistics at MOJ for further information.
These measures show the annual total number of cases starting in family courts in England and Wales.
Family court - total cases started
Total cases started at family court.
Data for 2022, 2023 and 2024 are not available. Please refer to the data quality issues section of the accompanying bulletin for further details.
| Period | Family court - total cases started |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 263,252 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 265,524 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 265,303 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 241,375 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 244,803 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 255,861 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 255,382 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 263,126 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 266,609 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 265,167 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 266,079 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | |
| Jan - Dec 2023 |
Jan - Dec 2023
-
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Family court - total cases disposed
Total cases disposed at family court.
Data for 2023 to 2024 are not available. Please refer to the data quality issues section of the accompanying bulletin for further details.
| Period | Family court - total cases disposed |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 233,527 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 234,759 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 240,711 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 248,774 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 221,512 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 228,650 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 226,610 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 213,988 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 233,918 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 225,536 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 249,256 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 203,661 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 |
Jan - Dec 2023
-
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Children Act - public law
Public law - local authority intervention to protect children (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Children Act - public law |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 15,257 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 15,646 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 15,360 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 15,118 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 16,229 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 19,209 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 19,389 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 19,306 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 18,633 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 18,261 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 16,677 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 16,543 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 15,552 |
Jan - Dec 2023
15,552
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 3,825 estimated cases started.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Children Act - private law
Private law - parental disputes concerning the upbringing of children (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Children Act - private law |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 49,046 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 52,037 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 54,675 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 42,291 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 43,348 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 48,320 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 50,965 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 52,229 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 55,394 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 55,711 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 54,652 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 52,217 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 50,807 |
Jan - Dec 2023
50,807
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 12,492 estimated cases started.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Matrimonial matters
Matrimonial cases - divorces, annulments and separations (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Matrimonial matters |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2006 | 147,754 |
| Jan - Dec 2007 | 136,685 |
| Jan - Dec 2008 | 129,321 |
| Jan - Dec 2009 | 132,543 |
| Jan - Dec 2010 | 133,868 |
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 129,832 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 125,068 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 118,279 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 113,281 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 115,205 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 114,739 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 109,932 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 119,071 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 117,290 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 113,459 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 108,891 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 122,880 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 112,738 |
Jan - Dec 2023
112,738
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Financial remedies
Financial remedy (formerly known as 'ancillary relief') - financial provisions after divorce or relationship breakdown (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Financial remedies |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2006 | 60,626 |
| Jan - Dec 2007 | 57,191 |
| Jan - Dec 2008 | 50,911 |
| Jan - Dec 2009 | 45,441 |
| Jan - Dec 2010 | 45,744 |
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 41,341 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 42,634 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 42,665 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 37,420 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 37,738 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 41,355 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 42,149 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 39,995 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 39,348 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 37,804 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 46,823 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 38,159 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 43,190 |
Jan - Dec 2023
43,190
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 10,964 estimated cases started.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Domestic violence remedy orders
Domestic violence remedy orders (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Domestic violence remedy orders |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 17,035 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 17,295 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 19,710 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 20,259 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 19,476 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 20,030 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 21,182 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 21,324 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 25,344 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 30,646 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 30,242 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 31,062 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 30,355 |
Jan - Dec 2023
30,355
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 7,434 estimated cases started.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Forced marriage protection
Forced marriage protection orders (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Forced marriage protection |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2009 | 94 |
| Jan - Dec 2010 | 111 |
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 118 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 109 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 144 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 137 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 189 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 231 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 202 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 283 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 340 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 235 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 200 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 248 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 273 |
Jan - Dec 2023
273
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 81 estimated cases started.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Female genital mutilation protection
Female genital mutilation protection orders (annual total number of cases starting).
Jan 2023 to Dec 2023
40
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 4 estimated cases started.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
All Adoption Act
All Adoption Act (annual total number of cases starting), as defined under the Adoption and Children Act 2002, including placement, adoption, along with other non-adoption orders including revocation of placement, change of surname and removal from the UK.
Data for 2022, 2023 and 2024 are not available. Please refer to the data quality issues section of the accompanying bulletin for further details.
| Period | All Adoption Act |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 11,091 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 13,167 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 14,802 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 13,084 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 12,824 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 12,189 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 11,744 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 11,103 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 10,398 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 9,232 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 8,791 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | |
| Jan - Dec 2023 |
Jan - Dec 2023
-
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Applications made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Applications made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
| Period | Applications made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2008 | 22,583 |
| Jan - Dec 2009 | 19,093 |
| Jan - Dec 2010 | 20,459 |
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 23,538 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 24,877 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 24,923 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 26,272 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 26,722 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 29,711 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 31,332 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 32,029 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 34,445 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 30,635 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 35,379 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 33,571 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 35,231 |
Jan - Dec 2023
35,231
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 8,833 estimated applications made.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Probate service - applications for grants of representation
Number of applications made for grants of representation in non-contentious probate proceedings.
| Period | Probate service - applications for grants of representation |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 254,599 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 272,111 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 254,602 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 285,135 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 261,251 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 286,371 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 269,074 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 269,343 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 273,506 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 283,053 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 292,337 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 302,939 |
Jan - Dec 2023
302,939
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 75,644 estimated applications made.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.
Office of the Public Guardian - total power of attorney applications registered
Total registered applications for powers of attorney in England and Wales.
| Period | Office of the Public Guardian - total power of attorney applications registered |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2008 | 57,997 |
| Jan - Dec 2009 | 96,803 |
| Jan - Dec 2010 | 147,605 |
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 193,424 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 241,769 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 273,446 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 366,760 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 458,161 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 611,488 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 695,906 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 737,497 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 842,782 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 677,766 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 715,112 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 851,736 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 1,167,589 |
Jan - Dec 2023
1,167,589
Update
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2024 there were 381,065 estimated applications registered.
Data source
The data source for this measure and more detailed information can be found in the Family court statistics quarterly publication.
Publication date
Published: 26 September 2024. Next publication: 19 December 2024 9:30am. Update expected here by 15 January 2025.