East London Family Court is a Designated Family Court serving families across the London area with specialist public law proceedings. The court primarily handles adoption applications, care proceedings, and matters involving local authority intervention to protect children. Cases heard here include applications for care orders, supervision orders, and emergency protection orders, as well as adoption hearings where children are placed with permanent families. Solicitors representing parents or children in these proceedings should be experienced in public law children cases. For private family matters such as child arrangements or financial remedy proceedings, families may need to attend a different family court depending on their location and case type.
Services handled at this court
Accessibility
Full access; Modern suites
How to get there
East London Family Court is located at 11 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HD.
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Frequently asked questions
- What family law matters does East London Family Court deal with?
- East London Family Court is a Designated Family Court handling Adoption, Public Law and Care Orders. Not all family cases are dealt with at every court — if you are unsure whether your case will be heard here, check your court documents or contact the court directly on 020 7538 6000. Find out more about [what happens at a family court hearing](/legal-process/court-hearing/).
- Do I need a solicitor for a hearing at East London Family Court?
- For the types of cases heard at East London Family Court — including Adoption, Public Law and Care Orders — legal representation is strongly recommended. These proceedings can have long-lasting financial and personal consequences, and costs orders can be made against unrepresented parties. [Find out whether you need a solicitor](/legal-process/do-i-need-solicitor/) or [search our solicitor directory](/legal-process/find-solicitor/) for a specialist in London. You may also qualify for [legal aid](/legal-process/legal-aid/).
- What should I bring to my hearing at East London Family Court?
- Bring photo ID, all court documents relating to your case, and copies for the judge and the other party. If you have filed any statements or evidence, bring your own copy too. Allow extra time when arriving at East London Family Court as security screening is in place at the entrance.
- How do I get in touch with East London Family Court?
- You can contact East London Family Court by telephone on 020 7538 6000 or by email using the address on this page. For questions about your hearing date or listing, ask specifically for the listings office. Do not attempt to contact the judge directly — all queries must go through the court office.