The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

What this court hears

• Appeals from the Court of Appeal in England & Wales (and the equivalent senior courts in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
• Points of law of general public importance — questions that affect many people, not just your case.

How to apply

1. Identify the point of law of general public importance in one sentence.
2. File the application for permission to appeal within 42 days, with the sealed order below.
3. Expect a panel of Justices to decide permission on the papers.
4. Secure legal aid, pro bono or public-interest funding early — self-representing here is very rare.

Costs: Costs are significant. Most family cases that reach here are funded by legal aid, a charity or a pro bono team.

Send these first

Ready-made letters that put your concern on the record before it ever reaches this court. They open at the right template.

Before you go there

• •Read the existing judgments first — your point may already be settled.
• •A specialist solicitor or barrister should confirm the case is arguable before you apply.

General information, not legal advice. Take advice before filing — deadlines and costs are unforgiving.