After your hearing — decompression guide

The People's Family Court is a private family-mediation service, not a court of law. Hearings stir strong feelings, whatever happened inside. Give yourself the evening.

First hour

• Draft, don't send: write the message if you must — to notes, not to your co-parent. Re-read it tomorrow; most drafts are never sent — and that restraint protects your case.
• Move gently: walk, water, food. Adrenaline fades faster with motion than with replay.
• No scoreboard: there are no winners here — only next steps toward steadier arrangements.

What comes next

Minutes and directions arrive within 5 working days, both parents simultaneously. Factual errors can be corrected inside the stated window; disagreement with views is handled through the published routes, not re-argument by message. Reviews open only at case close; the complaints channel is separate and always open via the contact details in your case emails.

If you feel unsafe after anything said or done, use Report a change now. In immediate danger, call emergency services first: UK 999 · US 911 · CA 911 · AU 000 · NZ 111. Case your case reference.