Going to a family court hearing in person: what happens on the day

How long it takes, and what it would cost

On your own

Several days

With Wren

A couple of hours

Solicitor for each hearing

£740 to £1,4803 to 6 hours

Times and hours are Wren’s estimates for a typical case, not quotes. Solicitor costs are those hours at £247 an hour, the courts’ guideline rate for a solicitor with over four years’ experience, outside London (GOV.UK, Solicitors' guideline hourly rates (in effect from 1 January 2026)). The guideline runs from £200 to £295 an hour outside London depending on experience, firms set their own rates, and VAT is added on top.

Before the day

Your hearing letter gives the court address, the time and your case number. The case number helps you find where to go in the building.

If you need an adjustment, such as an interpreter, step-free access or breaks, contact the court before your hearing date. Tell them what you need.

If you have worries about your safety on the day, contact the court using the details on your letter. Do this before the day, not when you arrive.

Separate waiting areas

Court staff can arrange for you to sit in a different part of the building from others in your case while you wait.

Where a party or child needs protective arrangements because of domestic abuse, Practice Direction 12J says the court must make suitable arrangements. These cover waiting at court and entering and leaving the building. They apply to that hearing and later ones unless the court decides they are no longer needed.

Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers may attend hearings without a court order.

Arriving and security

GOV.UK says to arrive 30 minutes before the time on your hearing letter. Do not arrive much earlier, as you may be turned away at busy times.

The time on the letter is when the day's cases begin. Your case may not be heard first, so be ready to wait.

When you enter, your bags and pockets are checked, as at an airport. You may be asked to remove your shoes or be checked with a handheld scanner. You cannot bring weapons, glass or most liquids. Non-alcoholic drinks and hand sanitiser are allowed.

What to bring

GOV.UK lists the things to bring with you.

1. Your hearing letter with your case number.
2. Any papers you need for your hearing, such as your copy of the bundle and your own notes.
3. A pen and paper for taking notes.
4. Food and drink, including water.
5. Hand sanitiser and a face covering, if you choose to use them.

Children

There are no childcare facilities at court. Staff cannot look after your children while you are in the hearing room.

If you have children to care for, plan childcare before the day. If that is a problem, contact the court in advance.

In the hearing room

A member of staff calls you into the hearing room and shows you where to sit.

When staff say "all rise", stand if you are able. Stay standing until the judge tells you to sit.

You can call a judge "Judge". You can call a magistrate "Sir" or "Madam". The judge will usually explain who is present and how the hearing will run.

If you do not understand something, you can ask for it to be explained. You can also ask for a break if you need one.

Notes and recording

You can take notes during the hearing.

You must not take photos or videos. The law forbids audio or video recording of a hearing without the judge's express permission.

At the end of the hearing

The court records its decisions and directions in a written order. The court usually draws the order up, unless it asks a party to do so.

In children cases, Practice Direction 12B says the judge should give both parties a copy of a non-final order before they leave. You should know the date, time and place of any next hearing before you go.

The guide on recording an order explains what an order looks like and how to check it.

Getting help on the day

Support Through Court is a charity whose volunteers help people in the civil and family courts without a lawyer. They are based at some court centres, not all. They also run a national helpline.

Volunteers can explain how court works, help with forms and help you plan what you want to say. They may sit with you in court, take notes and give moral support. They do not give legal advice.

You can also ask the court for permission to have a McKenzie friend with you. The guide on support and McKenzie friends explains this.

Key dates

1. Before your hearing dateContact the court about any adjustments you need or worries about your safety on the day.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
2. 30 minutes before the time on your letterArrive and go through security.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
3. Before you leave courtIn children cases, the judge should give both parties a copy of a non-final order, including the next hearing details.Source: PD12B para 14.13 Order (other than a final order) ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)