Requesting a Welsh-language hearing
Notify the court as early as possible — ideally when you issue or respond to proceedings. Use the bilingual court forms or write to the court in Welsh. The court must arrange a Welsh-speaking judge and an interpreter if needed, at no cost to you.
Welsh-language forms
HMCTS publishes bilingual versions of many family court forms. These include the C100, D8, and FL401. You can complete either the English or Welsh section, or both. The court must accept forms completed in Welsh.
Interpretation and translation
If witnesses or parties wish to give evidence in Welsh, the court will arrange an accredited interpreter. Documentary evidence submitted in Welsh must be accepted; the other party may request a translation at the court’s expense.
Welsh-language legal services
A number of legal aid solicitors in Wales offer Welsh-language services. Citizens Advice Cymru provides advice in Welsh. The Welsh Government publishes a list of Welsh-speaking solicitors via the Law Society of England and Wales.