Keeping your case out of the family courts is always the aim of your family lawyer. Why? Attending a family court hearing can be costly, stressful, and the outcome is out of your control. However, if you have no other option, here’s what you need to do to prepare.
1. Check with your solicitor where your hearing is happening
In the aftermath of COVID, more family court hearings take place remotely. You will need to check with your family lawyer whether you need to attend a family court hearing in person or via a video link. If your hearing is taking place in court, find out what time it is scheduled to start.
For a remote hearing, you will be sent a video link to your email. If you have trouble joining remotely, you should notify your family lawyer as soon as possible. If you prefer, you might be able to attend a remote family court hearing from the offices of your family lawyer.
If you join from home, you will need to be in a quiet place in complete privacy because family court proceedings are highly confidential.
2. Make child care arrangements
If it can be avoided, children should not attend a family court hearing, unless they are required to be there. Your family lawyer will be able to give you an estimation on how long your hearing will take. This will help you to make the necessary child arrangements.
3. Find out who else will be at the court
If your hearing is in-person, there is likely to be a lot of people in the courtroom. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, find out from your family lawyer who else will be at the hearing. To give you an idea, here’s who could be in attendance:
- Your former spouse or partner
- Your family lawyer and the lawyer of your former spouse
- The judge or magistrate – they will only enter the courtroom once all parties are ready to begin
- A court clerk who will assist the judge
- A court usher who is there to greet you outside the courtroom
4. Arrive on time or in advance
Unless your family lawyer instructs you otherwise, get to court at least an hour in advance of your hearing – if it’s in-person. This gives you plenty of time to get through security, locate the courtroom you’re in, talk to your lawyer and get settled before your hearing begins. It is always better to arrive early to avoid feeling rushed or any unexpected delays.
5. Remember to book in
When attending a family court hearing in-person, remember to book in when you arrive. You will need to find the court usher who will guide you to the courtroom that you’re in. You will need to give your name and details of your court case. Booking in ensures that your attendance is recorded.
6. Switch your phone off
Your phone must be switched off throughout your hearing. If you attempt to record any part of proceedings, you could be held in contempt of court and face sanctions. Only the court can record the hearing.
7. Make sure you’ve eaten and you’re hydrated
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be in court a while. Make sure you have something to eat and drink before you’re hearing.
8. Bring someone to support you
If you are anxious about your family court hearing, you can bring someone with you for support. However, they are not allowed in the courtroom with you. Nevertheless, knowing that you have someone with you for moral support can put you at ease.
