Appeal a Family Court Order – Fixed Fee Support

If you need to appeal a family court decision, strict deadlines apply. Substantive decisions must usually be appealed within 21 days, and case management decisions within 7 days. I can prepare the appellant’s notice, grounds of appeal and supporting evidence on a fixed-fee basis.

Why people instruct me for family court appeals

  • Fixed-fee clarity

  • Full preparation of the appellant’s notice (Form FP161/DN)

  • Drafting the grounds of appeal and skeleton argument

  • Clear advice on whether you have an arguable case

  • Fast turnaround where deadlines are critical

  • Optional representation at permission and substantive hearings

Appealing a family court order

Appeals in family cases must be made quickly.
The time limits are strict:

  • 21 days to appeal a substantive decision (e.g. financial order, final child arrangements order, fact-finding decision)

  • 7 days to appeal a case management decision (e.g. directions, interim case management rulings)

If these deadlines are missed, the appellant must apply for permission to appeal out of time, which requires a detailed explanation and significantly reduces the prospects of success.

What an appeal involves

An appeal is not a re-hearing. The court decides whether the judge at first instance:

  • was wrong in law,

  • was wrong in the exercise of discretion,

  • acted outside proper case management principles, or

  • made a decision that was procedurally unfair.

A successful appeal requires:

  • a clearly drafted Appellant’s Notice,

  • properly structured grounds of appeal, and

  • concise, well-reasoned submissions.

I prepare the application, draft your grounds, advise on the merits of the appeal, and provide clear guidance on the next steps and likely outcomes.

What’s included in the fixed-fee appeal service

  • Review of the judgment, transcript (if available) and case documents

  • Advising on appeal merits and prospects

  • Drafting the Appellant’s Notice

  • Drafting the grounds of appeal and a supporting skeleton argument

  • Identifying whether permission is required and preparing submissions

  • Preparing evidence for out-of-time appeals if needed

  • Clear guidance on procedure, deadlines and next steps

Fixed fee

My fixed fee for preparing a family court appeal — including drafting the Appellant’s Notice, grounds of appeal, advising on evidence and prospects, and preparing a written skeleton argument — is:

From £4,000 + VAT

The fee may vary depending on the length of the judgment, urgency and complexity.
Representation at permission and substantive appeal hearings can be added as a further fixed fee.

About me

I am a specialist barrister focusing on financial remedies and related civil applications. Before being called to the Bar, I worked for 15 years as a family solicitor at well-regarded London firms. I have extensive experience preparing applications involving interim relief, costs issues and urgent financial matters. I accept instructions directly from individuals through the Public Access scheme and provide clear, practical guidance throughout.

Request a fixed-fee consultation

If you would like help preparing your application, complete the form below. I will review the details and reply within 24 hours with clear next steps.

Who will handle your case

All applications are prepared personally by Mark Harrop, a specialist barrister practising from 1GC, with a focus on financial remedies, urgent applications and appeals.
I am authorised to accept work directly from members of the public under the Public Access Scheme and regulated by the Bar Standards Board.