Without Notice (Emergency) Application

The family court expects almost every application to be made on notice — with the other parent given the chance to respond. Without-notice applications are the exception, not the rule.

They are reserved for genuine emergencies: a real risk of removal, immediate harm, or where notice itself would defeat the order. Getting this wrong wastes the court's time and damages your credibility.

• An urgent intake to assess whether without-notice is appropriate.
• A robust supporting statement setting out the emergency.
• Preparation of the without-notice application and draft order.
• Compliance with duty of full and frank disclosure.
• Guidance on service and the return hearing that will follow.

1. 1
   Urgent triage

   A same-day call to assess whether without-notice is truly justified.
2. 2
   Rapid drafting

   Application, statement and draft order prepared at pace.
3. 3
   Ready for court

   Court-ready pack delivered urgently.
4. 4
   Return-hearing planning

   Guidance on the on-notice hearing that will follow, typically within days.

• Imminent risk of child abduction abroad.
• Immediate risk to a child's welfare.
• Rapid, unilateral relocation being taken forward.
• Situations where notice would clearly defeat the intended order.

We specialise in private children law across England & Wales. Our partner-led team supports thousands of fathers each year with clear, respectful, child-focused guidance — from a single consultation to full court preparation and representation.