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.
| Period | Family court - total cases started |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 263,671 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 265,918 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 265,547 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 241,468 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 244,820 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 255,854 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 255,391 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 263,580 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 267,149 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 265,809 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 266,180 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 269,136 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 262,627 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 261,862 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 270,853 |
Jan - Dec 2025
270,853
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 67,843 estimated cases started at family court.
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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
Family court - total cases disposed
Total cases disposed at family court.
| Period | Family court - total cases disposed |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 233,923 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 235,151 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 240,210 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 247,024 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 220,428 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 228,090 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 225,924 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 213,119 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 233,112 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 225,102 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 249,045 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 203,931 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 235,386 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 246,419 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 242,976 |
Jan - Dec 2025
242,976
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 62,183 estimated cases disposed at family court.
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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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 | 15,258 |
| 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 | 19,307 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 18,634 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 18,261 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 16,677 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 16,543 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 15,553 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 15,978 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 16,350 |
Jan - Dec 2025
16,350
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 4,281 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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 | 49,109 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 52,108 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 54,730 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 42,307 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 43,353 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 48,363 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 51,033 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 52,321 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 55,504 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 55,813 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 54,728 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 52,159 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 50,844 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 51,496 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 55,314 |
Jan - Dec 2025
55,314
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 14,833 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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 | 118,280 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 113,281 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 115,206 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 114,739 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 109,931 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 119,069 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 117,360 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 113,723 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 109,116 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 123,163 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 113,998 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 111,409 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 111,278 |
Jan - Dec 2025
111,278
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 26,956 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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 | 60,630 |
| Jan - Dec 2007 | 57,198 |
| Jan - Dec 2008 | 50,915 |
| Jan - Dec 2009 | 45,445 |
| Jan - Dec 2010 | 45,748 |
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 41,345 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 42,636 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 42,666 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 37,422 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 37,739 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 41,356 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 42,151 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 39,997 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 39,350 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 37,754 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 46,341 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 37,665 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 42,385 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 43,869 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 47,524 |
Jan - Dec 2025
47,524
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 12,292 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
Domestic violence remedy orders
Domestic violence remedy orders (annual total number of cases starting).
| Period | Domestic violence remedy orders |
|---|---|
| Jan - Dec 2011 | 17,036 |
| Jan - Dec 2012 | 17,293 |
| Jan - Dec 2013 | 19,709 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 20,256 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 19,469 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 19,998 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 21,143 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 21,321 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 25,342 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 30,647 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 30,241 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 31,054 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 30,353 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 29,491 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 30,677 |
Jan - Dec 2025
30,677
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 7,108 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
Forced marriage protection
Forced marriage protection orders (annual total number of cases starting).
Jan - Dec 2025
349
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 90 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
Female genital mutilation protection
Female genital mutilation protection orders (annual total number of cases starting).
Jan - Dec 2025
107
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 20 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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.
| 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 | 8,170 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 8,476 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 7,972 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 7,814 |
Jan - Dec 2025
7,814
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 1,843 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
Applications made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Applications made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
A new data system came into effect in July 2024 (Cris). As such, data for 2024 does not cover a full year, and data published prior to this point has been archived.
Apr - Jun 2026
10,647
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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
High Court Deprivation of Liberty
Deprivation of Liberty cases starting in the High Court.
Apr - Jun 2026
420
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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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 | 273,246 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 282,857 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 292,252 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 302,883 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 299,429 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 304,975 |
Jan - Dec 2025
304,975
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 77,274 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.
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 | 273,448 |
| Jan - Dec 2014 | 366,761 |
| Jan - Dec 2015 | 458,162 |
| Jan - Dec 2016 | 611,490 |
| Jan - Dec 2017 | 695,904 |
| Jan - Dec 2018 | 737,497 |
| Jan - Dec 2019 | 842,777 |
| Jan - Dec 2020 | 677,760 |
| Jan - Dec 2021 | 715,104 |
| Jan - Dec 2022 | 851,709 |
| Jan - Dec 2023 | 1,167,529 |
| Jan - Dec 2024 | 1,495,681 |
| Jan - Dec 2025 | 1,336,587 |
Jan - Dec 2025
1,336,587
Update 30 Jun 2026
In the 3 months to 30 Jun 2026 there were 342,395 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: 24 September 2026. Next publication: 17 December 2026 9:30am.