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- About the Family Court
- What the Family Court does
- Coming to Court?
- What to expect
- Inside a Courtroom
- Appearing in Court
- Speaking Maori and other Languages
- Teenagers' Guide to the Family Court
- Childrens' Guide to the Family Court
- Making an Application
- How can I get help?
- Legislation and Decisions
- Practice and Procedure
- Forms
- Publications
- Contact Us
Appearing in Court
What if I'm afraid for my safety if I go to Court?
Will a lot of strangers be watching?
Can I have someone with me as support?
Appearing in the Family Court
The Family Court has an informal atmosphere - for example, the Judge doesn't wear a gown or wig. If something isn't clear, just ask. After all, everyone is there to help you.
What if I'm afraid for my safety if I go to Court?
Court staff will make arrangements to ensure that you will be safe while at the court. This may include making sure you do not have to wait in the same space waiting room as the respondent.
You or your lawyer should ring or talk to the Family Court coordinator, the court registry officer dealing with your case or someone else in the Family Court before the hearing if you have any fears for your personal safety while attending Court.
What time should I arrive?
You should check the letter sent by the court about your case as it tells you the time you need to be at the court. You should also check with your lawyer.
Where do I go?
The letter you receive from the court will have the court address and phone number on it. If you are not sure about anything you can ring and check with the court.
Is there car parking?
The court does not provide parking. You will need to make your own parking arrangements
What do I take with me?
If you need to take anything to court, you will be told before the hearing by your lawyer or the Court.
If you have a mobile phone with you you must turn it off before going into Court.
Will a lot of strangers be watching?
Members of the public are not allowed to be there, unlike the High Court and District Court. The only people who are allowed to attend are the Court officials, the lawyers and other support people, and also journalists if it's a hearing under the Care of Children Act 2004 about guardianship issues or care arrangements for children. However, the media can't publish any names or details that might identify anyone involved in the case, unless a Judge says they can.
Family Court staff and Family Court coordinators are trained to deal with families. Anyone coming to the Family Court will find the people there sympathetic, helpful and understanding. Your lawyer will also be able to explain what will happen in the court.
What do I do in Court?
If you have a lawyer they will be able to explain the procedures in the court room. Don't be afraid to ask them what to expect.
When the judge enters or leaves the courtroom you must stand but otherwise you remain seated during the course of the hearing.
If you have a lawyer they will speak on your behalf. If you have any questions or want the Judge to know something you should discuss this with your lawyer before the hearing or during a break.
Can I have someone with me as support?
You can bring a support person to wait with you at the court but you will need to seek the Judge's permission to take them into the court room. However, if your case is under the Care of Children Act and a support person came with you to counselling or mediation, they have a right to attend the Court hearing.
Do I bring the children?
Children are not required to attend court. It is a good idea to find someone to care for the children while you are at court as the court is not able to provide child care facilities.
How long will it take?
You will need to check with your lawyer or the Family Court as it will depend on the type of hearing.
What about lunch?
If your court hearing is to take longer than half a day the court will take a break for lunch
What if I'm late or I am ill?
If something unexpected happens and you know you will be late or cannot attend you should ring your lawyer.
Legal Aid
If you are eligible, legal aid is available for all Family Court matters except dissolution (divorce). To find out if you are eligible for legal aid, talk to your lawyer or contact your local Community Law Centre.
