Going to court is daunting. You probably never thought this would happen to you but you are now facing a Judge, with a barrister helping your ex, and maybe their solicitor too. You need family law court representation.
In some cases, both of you may be ‘in person’ which can lead to real difficulties in drafting documents at court and lead to the case drifting and floundering around.
We have great contacts with the very best London and Oxford barristers. Your barrister will be chosen for their proven legal ability and excellent court skills.
Where are you going to park? Do you have the right change? What is the bus timetable? Train times? Walking distance from station to court? You will be stressed enough without worrying about not making it on time. The court will not wait for you.
Call a District Judge “Sir” or “Madam”. Call a Circuit Judge “Your Honour”. Say please and thank you, keep your voice low and moderate. Wear a suit or the most formal clothes you have.
Tell them who you are and where you are sitting. Ask them if there will be a tannoy when the case is called, or do you have to listen for the usher to yell your name?
It may seem scary, but say something like, “Hello, my name is X and I have no representation with me. Can you tell me a bit about what you are asking the Judge to do this morning/ what your thoughts are on my application?”. At least then they can’t tell the Judge you wouldn’t speak to them or make out that you are surly and difficult. You may even have an idea of what they are going to say to the Judge.
A lot of paperwork is generated in family work and it is not nice to feel it is out of control.
Likewise, if you want to rely on some written documentation, then you need to share it with the other side so bring copies for them and for the Judge.
There are lots of long waits in courts and usually no convenient coffee breaks. You can bring a friend with you to keep you company, and if they are sensible, you may want to ask the court to let them in as a ‘McKenzie Friend’ to help take notes, or quietly remind you of points you want to make. But if they are likely to be a witness then think twice about getting them involved as a McKenzie Friend.
Sometimes you end up negotiating for far longer than you thought you would and you may not leave court until late.
Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing personal. If you get shouted at it doesn’t mean you have no right to pursue your case. However if the other side get yelled at, then conversely don’t get too excited. Remember the Judge is the only person who counts in the courtroom, he makes the decisions, you or the lawyer on the other side, do not.
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Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Fill in the form and we'll call you.
Book your initial meeting for £180