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The wait for a family court decision is not what many people expect. Here are the latest official figures, and what they mean if you are deciding whether to go to court or try mediation.
How long family court cases take now
The Ministry of Justice publishes figures every quarter. For April to June 2026, published on 24 September 2026:
- Arrangements for children (private law): the average case took 33 weeks to reach a final decision, 3 weeks shorter than a year earlier. 52% of cases were finished within 26 weeks.
- Care and supervision cases brought by local authorities: the average was 37 weeks, and 36% were finished within 26 weeks.
These are averages. Some cases finish much sooner, and some take far longer, especially where there are several hearings, assessments or a dispute about facts. The wait for a first hearing, and for the court to list a final one, is part of that time.
Source: Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026, GOV.UK.
Why the time matters to children
For a child, a few months can feel very long when they are not seeing one parent, or when arrangements keep changing. Where there is a long gap between a dispute starting and a decision being made, relationships can become more fixed. This is one reason many families try to agree arrangements themselves where it is safe to do so.
An alternative to waiting for a court
Family mediation is a way of making decisions together, with an impartial mediator, rather than waiting for a judge to make them. It does not suit every situation, and it is not suitable where someone is at risk. Read about domestic abuse and mediation.
The Ministry of Justice looked at the first 7,214 families to use the Government’s mediation voucher scheme. It found that 69% agreed some or all of their issues and either avoided court or went only for a consent order. The figures come from forms completed by mediators, so they have limits. How the voucher works.
Do you need a MIAM before going to court?
In most cases, yes. Before applying to court about children or money, you usually need to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless an exemption applies. Check whether you need one in a minute, or see what a MIAM costs.
How Salam Mediation can help
Salam Mediation helps separating parents and couples reach agreements about children and about money and property, online across England and Wales. A free 15-minute chat is available if you would like to ask questions first.
This page is general information about family mediation. It is not legal advice about your own situation.