Search site
Call our office
Make an enquiry
Our Resolve. Your Resolution.
Attending the Family Court for the first time can be a stressful experience, as most people have not had to attend a Court before. This is a brief guide to assist you in preparing for your first time visiting the Court.
Before the Hearing
Before attending the Court, you should ensure that you have the details of your case available to provide to the Court staff. This includes your case number and the date and time of the hearing. If you have any papers regarding your hearing, you should bring these with you. It is always best to arrive to Court with plenty of time, so aim to arrive about 30 minutes to an hour before your hearing.
There is no formal dress code for attendance at Court, however it is usually best to wear something formal. You cannot wear anything on your head in a Court unless this is for religious reasons. It’s best to bring something to eat and drink with you as not all Courts have refreshments available.
It is likely that you will have to see your partner during your visit to Court, so try to prepare yourself for this moment.
During the Hearing
When you arrive at the Court building, you will be checked in a similar way to airport security.
During the hearing, you should ensure that your phone is switched off, or on silent. You’re not permitted to video the hearing or take any photos, and your phone should be put away. However, you can take handwritten notes during the hearing if required.
If you feel that it is needed, you can ask a member of staff to take a break at any point during your hearing.
The local family Court in York is:-
York Family Court
Piccadilly House
55 Piccadilly
York
YO1 9WL
Your hearing notice should outline the Court address, so it is best to familiarise yourself with the location before the hearing date.
Our articles are intended for general information purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. We are always very happy to discuss any plans, issues or concerns you may have and to clarify how we might be able to help. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
Law Commission announces likely reforms to business tenancies
The UK Government’s body for law reform, the Law Commission, has now announced the likely changes that it will recommend are made to the main legislation governing business tenancies in England and Wales. In my first and second blogs on this...
Now is the time for farming families to organise their affairs
The 30 th October 2024 was an important day, not just for the changes made to the tax regime, but it was also a catalyst for those difficult conversations surrounding succession planning, which may otherwise have been left unspoken. There is no better time...
Case Study: Supporting Cut & Craft's Expansion Across the North of England
We take pride in partnering with ambitious businesses to support their growth and success. A recent example is our collaboration with the hospitality group behind the renowned Lucia and Cut & Craft restaurant brands. Our client operates the ...
