Attending a family court hearing can feel daunting. For most people, court is an unfamiliar environment and hearings invariably take place during periods in life which are already stressful, mainly as a result of the breakdown of a relationship.

While every case is different, there are some clear, practical steps you can take to prepare yourself and some things you can do during and after the hearing to help you feel in control. Being informed and organised can make a real difference to how you are able to cope on the day.

Before ‍

1. Ensure you understand the purpose of the hearing - your solicitor will advise you in this respect in the weeks/months leading up to the hearing. Not all hearings will involve final decisions being made, some are mainly procedural.

2. Ask your solicitor which key documents you need to read before the hearing so that you feel well prepared.

3. Let your solicitor know as soon as possible if there is anything they can do to make the court experience easier for you so they can discuss this with you and do their best to implement these changes.

4. Take some time to prepare emotionally for the hearing. You may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some breathing and reset techniques, in case you start to feel overwhelmed during the hearing or while at court. You can find some examples of these techniques here.

5. Plan what you are going to wear to the hearing to ensure you are both comfortable and smart. You do not need to wear formal business attire.

6. Check your journey to the court in advance and arrive in good time for the hearing. Allow extra time for security checks at the court (if the hearing is in person) and test your virtual court set up if you are joining the hearing remotely. Be prepared for some waiting around - the family courts are very busy and it is commonplace for hearings to start later than scheduled.

During

7. Focus on listening during the hearing and do not worry about taking extensive notes - a member of your legal team will be doing this on your behalf.

8. Ask questions whenever you are unsure about something. It is important you understand what is going on and the decisions that are being made at court. If you are in the hearing itself, you can note down your questions for your solicitor on paper and pass it to them (they will be sitting next to you).

After

9. Allow yourself some time to decompress and reflect after the hearing before focusing on the next steps.

10. Once the court order arrives, read through it carefully and ask your solicitor if there is anything you do not understand or you need them to clarify.

Finally, prioritise looking after yourself and protect your resilience - what about booking something nice to do the day or the weekend after the hearing so you have something to look forward to?

‍