Step-by-step
- Check whether one is requiredRead the court order and any procedural guidance for format, length and responsibility.
- Define the relevant periodStart and end at dates that matter to the hearing’s issues.
- Collect reliable datesUse orders, letters, emails, school records and other source documents.
- Select relevant eventsInclude applications, hearings, orders, significant arrangements and events connected to disputed issues.
- Use neutral descriptionsState what happened and attribute disputed allegations rather than presenting them as findings.
- Add document referencesWhere useful, identify the bundle page or source.
- Check consistencyCompare names and dates with statements, applications and orders.
- Edit for lengthRemove repetition and unnecessary commentary. Follow any page limit.
Simple fictional example
| Date | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 12 January 2026 | C100 application issued. | Application, A1 |
| 3 March 2026 | First hearing; interim arrangements and Section 7 report directed. | Order, B4 |
| 20 May 2026 | Section 7 report filed. | Report, C1 |
This is fictional and illustrates layout only. Use the format required in your case.
What you will need
- Court directions and page limit
- Existing orders
- Applications and statements
- Reliable date sources
- Simple date/event/source columns
- Final consistency and spelling check
Common mistakes to avoid
- Including every text message
- Mixing facts, opinions and argument
- Using vague dates when exact dates are available
- Contradicting another filed document
- Exceeding the directed length
Practical paid support
How I can help
Chronology & Paperwork Assistance
£60 per hour
Practical help selecting and formatting relevant entries from information and documents you provide. The scope and estimated time are agreed before work begins.
Included
- Date and source organisation
- Concise factual formatting
- Consistency checks
- Editable chronology document
Not included
- Investigating facts
- Deciding contested evidence
- Legal advice or filing
We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I include an allegation?
If relevant, make clear it is an allegation or reported event unless it has been admitted or determined, and identify the source.
Must every case have a chronology?
No. Follow the court’s order and the needs of the hearing.
Official sources
- Family Procedure Rules: Practice Direction 27A ↗
- Judiciary: Preparing court bundles — guide for litigants in person ↗
- Family Procedure Rules: Practice Direction 12B ↗
Guidance checked: 1 November 2026. Always check the latest court order and official source before acting.
Important: This page gives general procedural information for England and Wales. The Everyday McKenzie Friend provides independent, non-regulated practical support and is not a solicitor or barrister. I do not provide regulated legal advice, conduct litigation or have an automatic right to address the court. Court decisions and permission for McKenzie Friend assistance remain matters for the court.