Family Law Emergency Helpline

No.18 understands that family law disputes can arise at any time. Whether you need telephone advice or a court order, we can provide you with this assistance outside of normal working hours. Therefore No.18 are delighted to announce our new Family Law Emergency Helpline.

Our dedicated and experienced barristers, supported by over 50 years of clerking experience, are committed to providing the highest level of service, client care, advocacy and advice. We will continue to ensure the needs, concerns and interests of clients are always paramount. In light of the ever changing times all of our services can be offered via telephone and virtual platforms.


It is always possible to obtain emergency help.

No.18’s barristers regularly act on behalf of both applicants and respondents in urgent applications out of court hours in our areas of work, having particular experience in relation to Public law hearings.


The types of emergency hearings No.18 Chambers deal with

Public Law Care: where you are seeking or defending an emergency application. 

Private law Children:, where you are seeking a return of a child or seeking an emergency specific issue order

Matrimonial finance :  where you need to freeze the assets

Domestic Violence : an ex-parte application for a non-molestation order


We always have barristers on standby

We will always have members of chambers available to deal with emergency applications. Our clerks will advise who is available and suitable for your needs. It is advisable to call us asap to ensure we are put on notice, particularly if a specific barrister is requested, but we are always available if this is not possible.


How to contact someone

During office hours please call +44 (0)23 8073 6812 

Outside of office hours please call:

Mark Windebank on +44 (0)77 4898 4852 in the first instance; alternatively, contact Dan Fantham on +44 (0)77 8026 0581


What do you need to do?

The barrister instructed will be able to advise you how to contact the court to set up a hearing with the duty judge and the documents that will be needed. The most pressing matter is the evidence. You should ensure, so far as possible, that detailed instructions are taken from the client.