What will the hearing be like?

Hearings about your children will always be stressful for you but it is helpful if you know what to expect.

You should assume that you might be at Court all day even if matters are agreed. The Court will probably have at least three or four matters listed to start at the same time.

Hearings in the Family Court

Hearings in the Family Court are private. The press cannot attend. Only the parties and their legal representatives can come into the Courtroom. You cannot bring a family member or friend with you unless there is a very good reason and the Court agrees that it is appropriate to do so.

It is however helpful to bring someone to sit with you and keep you company whilst you are waiting. If this isn’t possible, a magazine or something to do might help calm your nerves.

You should dress respectfully and reasonably smartly. More importantly, you should try and stay calm and not speak in the Courtroom unless you are asked to do so.

If you have a solicitor or barrister, they will tell you where to sit in the Courtroom - usually directly behind them. They will do most of the talking unless you are giving evidence.

Giving Evidence

If you are giving evidence then you will probably go into the witness box. For this you must ensure that you listen carefully to any questions you are asked. Try to speak clearly and loudly and face the Judge when you speak. Take your time. Don’t rush.

Many court hearings last less than half an hour. The Judge may not ask all about the case. He/she will have read some of the papers in advance. Your solicitor or barrister will deal with the issues that are relevant to a particular hearing or that the judge asks about.

Solicitors and barristers who specialise in family work and proceedings deal with the same type of cases every day. They may also know each other well. You may see them talking to one another, both about your case and about other things. You don’t need to be concerned about this. Your legal representative will spend time talking to you, talking to other lawyers, looking at paperwork and there may be a lot of time spend waiting around.

Do not be afraid to talk to your solicitor about what to expect and anything you are worried about.

Further FAQs about Children & Social Services can be found here