UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person
Family Court Reality (the gap) · 336

Assumption: "(Filing & Emailing the Court) When my order says "file" or "send to the court", I email it."

1 min read

This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.

What People Expect

Litigants in person read "file" or "send to the court" as meaning email, because that is how they contact the court.

Court Reality

Some orders define filing for a litigant in person as posting to the Harlow scanning centre. Other orders just say "send to the court" without saying how, and parties who emailed have later been told hard copies should have gone to Harlow. Rules and orders differ here: check your own order. If it does not say how, ask the court.

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Bridge The Gap

The Gap?

"(Filing & Emailing the Court) When my order says "file" or "send to the court", I email it."

Court Reality

Some orders define filing for a litigant in person as posting to the Harlow scanning centre. Other orders just say "send to the court" without saying how, and parties who emailed have later been told hard copies should have gone to Harlow.

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Published23 September 2026Last reviewed8 October 2026

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