A useful guide for attending Family Court
Attendance at court can be a scary and difficult period of time. Family law can vary from domestic abuse to child arrangements, however, these tips will help in all cases.
Here Are Our Tips For Attending Family Court
What to wear
You do not need to dress formally in a suit, but if it would make you feel more confident to dress formally, then wear that. If, however, you would feel uncomfortable in formal clothes, just wear something clean and appropriate. You do not want to distract the Judge from listening to what you want to say if you are wearing something very revealing.
Bring support
You can bring a family or friend with you for support but do not bring your whole family as this could be seen as intimidating. Your family or friend would likely be unable to attend the Courtroom with you as it is generally only for the people named as a party to the Proceedings.
Arrive early
It’s always a good idea to plan your journey to Court in advance and take into account traffic and car parking. Attending Family Court is a worrying and anxious experience. You should try to reduce your anxiety and worry by being early to give you time to have tea or coffee to calm your nerves in advance of the hearing. If you’re late for the hearing start then it will only annoy the Judge and cause delays.
Security checks
When entering the Court building you will go through security checks. To save time, have your bag open and ensure you have no metal items in your pockets when going through the metal detector. Everyone who is in the Court building goes through security to keep everyone protected.
Always remember to book in with the usher when you first arrive
When you arrive at Court the first thing you need to do is check in with the usher. This is to say you have arrived, if you do not the usher and Judge won’t know you are here and this could cause issues.
Be polite & courteous to the court staff (including the Judge)
Remember that people talk and quickly find out if someone is rude and impolite. Just because the usher is not in the Courtroom doesn’t mean they won’t find out if you are rude and discourteous. The usher or any other staff t is likely to mention something to the Judge about your behaviour. This is going to put you on the back foot with the Judge.
Always turn off your mobile phone
This is another tip to avoid causing any disruption in the Courtroom. All mobile phones should be switched off or put on silent and silent means silent. The sound of a vibrating phone is just as off-putting.
What to call the Judge.
Magistrates and District Judges are called ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’. Some people call Magistrates ‘your worship’. Circuit Judges and Recorders are called ‘Your Honour’ and High Court Judges are called ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’.
If you are a Litigant in Person, don’t worry if you forget or get it wrong. As long as you are polite to a Judge he or she should not worry about what title you use.
Do not film or record any part of the proceedings
You could be held in contempt of court and sanctioned if you film or record the Court hearing proceedings as these are private law proceedings. The Judge will record the hearing and so if there is ever a discrepancy later on about what was said, you can request that the recordings are transcribed.
This is another reason why it is useful to have a solicitor or barrister with you as they will make notes but in particular at a final hearing where you have to stand up and give evidence, we recommend having a barrister and solicitor present.
Why Have a Barrister or Solicitor Present?
This is because you will need to focus on giving your evidence, the barrister will be focused on the advocacy and representing you the best they can before the Judge and the solicitor will be there to help support you and the barrister to make sure nothing is missed.
Those involved in the court process will also write down everything that is said and so can be referred to later on if there is an issue.
Look after yourself – Stay hydrated and remember to eat
Lastly it is important to stay hydrated and to keep your energy levels up as in some instances you could be at Court all day. Court is not the most pleasant of experiences as some people can find it quite stressful and their anxiety levels can be through the roof. You may not feel like eating, but even a chocolate bar will help.
Find More Support With Maria Fogg
For more support on attending family law contact Maria Fogg.
