Writing your witness statement

About a 6-minute read

In short

Your witness statement is your evidence. The court will treat it as what you'd say in the witness box.
Only write one when the court orders it, and stick to the deadline and any page limit.
Facts, in date order, in your own words, focused on the children.
It must end with a signed statement of truth.

Set it out properly

At the top: the court, the case number, the children's names, your name, and which statement it is (for example "First statement of [your name]").
Number every paragraph, and keep each paragraph to one point.
Use headings: About me, The children, Our history, The current arrangements, My concerns (if any), What I am asking for.
Use a clear font, 12 point, with page numbers.
Refer to any documents you attach as exhibits, for example "Exhibit AB1: messages from March 2026".

What to include

Your role in the children's lives: school runs, bedtimes, appointments, hobbies
The history of the arrangements, with dates
Specific examples rather than general claims. "On 3 May she cancelled for the fourth time this year" is stronger than "she always cancels".
Your proposal and practical details: where the children will sleep, how you'll handle school runs around work
Your answer to any allegations made against you, point by point and calmly

What to leave out

Insults, sarcasm or guesses about the other parent's motives
Things about the adult relationship that don't affect the children
Things you can't back up, or things other people told you, unless you make clear they're second-hand
Pages and pages of screenshots. Pick the few that matter most.
Anything from the section 7 report or court papers shared outside the case

The statement of truth

End your statement with this exact wording, then sign and date it:

I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.

Only sign it if every word is true. You can be questioned on it in court.

Before you send it

Read it out loud. If it sounds angry, tone it down.
Check every date and name.
Check the court's order for the deadline, page limit, and who to send it to.
Send it to the court and the other side by the deadline, and keep proof that you sent it.

A McKenzie friend can help you organise and draft your statement, but it must be your evidence, in your words, and you must check and sign it yourself.

This guide is general information about private children cases in England and Wales, checked in October 2026. It isn't legal advice for your situation. Rules and fees change, and every case is different. If you're unsure, ask the court, or speak to a solicitor. Some parents qualify for legal aid, especially where there's domestic abuse.