5 Tips for a Hearing in the Family Court
Even when you’re represented by a solicitor, a hearing at court can be an incredibly daunting prospect for both sides in proceedings. Solicitors often take much of that pressure off, however there are still things you can do as a client to make things easier. In this blog post, we’ll look at the five top tips to make your visit to court as stress-free as possible.
Check the hearing is still going ahead and, if so, when and where.
The crucial first step is ensuring that you arrive at the right place, at the right time. Make sure you know which court your hearing is taking place in. Just because a previous hearing was in one court, doesn’t mean the next will be in the same one.Here in Norfolk for example, hearings can be split between the county courts in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and even Kings Lynn. While HMCTS will always try to keep it consistent and local, it’s always best to check.Make sure you arrive at your hearing with plenty of time to spare. There’ll be time for you to sit and talk to your solicitor beforehand. It is generally advisable to be in court an hour before the time listed.
Dress appropriately for the occasion
While there isn’t a strict dress code for Family Courts, dressing appropriately is a common courtesy to the judge and shows respect for the judicial system. Formal wear is generally considered appropriate for a hearing.Suits, smart trousers/skirts with a shirt or blouse are all generally considered appropriate attire for a hearing. Headwear is generally frowned upon, unless of course for religious reasons.
Book in when you arrive and don't be afraid to ask court staff any questions
The first thing to do once you pass through security is to let the court know you’ve arrived at the booking in desk. If this is not directly in front of you at the entrance, ask the security guards or another member of staff where you can find it. The booking desk will usually be manned by an usher or a clerk.They will usually be able to answer any basic questions about the court and procedure. However, it is important to note that they cannot give legal advice.
Let your solicitor do the talking, unless addressed directly.
Your solicitor is there to represent you and speak on your behalf. Therefore, it is essential that you do not say anything unless addressed directly by the judge. Emotions usually run high and hurtful allegations may compel you to say something, but it is important that you keep calm. Failure to do so may result in the judge deeming you to have disrupted proceedings.If addressed directly, it is acceptable and courteous to refer to a judge simply as ‘judge’. Other judges, such as magistrates or circuit judges, may need to be addressed differently, but your solicitor will be able to tell you if this is necessary.
Prepare a way to relax afterwards.
No matter the outcome of a hearing, it is incredibly important to ensure you have a way to unwind afterwards. It can be a very stressful time, so make sure to take some time for yourself once it’s over. We appreciate this is easier said than done, but we find that clients who take this step, approach the post-hearing proceedings with more confidence and often worry less for future hearings.
