What should I wear to family court?

Smart, comfortable and unremarkable. Nobody expects a suit, but dressing as though it matters signals that you are taking it seriously.

Can I take someone with me to family court?

Yes. You can bring someone for support, and with the court's permission a McKenzie Friend can sit with you to take notes and give quiet advice. They cannot normally speak for you.

Can I take my phone into family court?

Usually yes, but it must be silent and you must not record the hearing. Recording court proceedings without permission is a contempt of court.

How early should I arrive at family court?

At least an hour before the listed time. Security queues are slow and negotiation with the other side usually happens before you go in.

What should I take to court?

6 min read · Last reviewed 1 August 2026

Court days are long, and most of the discomfort is logistical rather than legal. This is the list experienced McKenzie Friends give people the night before.

Paperwork

Your position statement, three copies: judge, other side, you
The application (C100 or C2) and any response
Every order already made in the case, in date order
The Cafcass safeguarding letter or section 7 report if you have one
Any statements filed by either party
Your key evidence, indexed and page-numbered, not loose screenshots
The court's letter with the case number and hearing time

Put it in one folder, in the order above, with dividers. Not a carrier bag. Being able to find a page in five seconds while a judge waits is worth more than any speech you prepare.

Practical things

Photo ID
A notebook and two pens. You will be given directions verbally and you will not remember them
Water and food. Court cafés are unreliable and you may be there all day
Phone charger or a power bank
Any medication you need
Money for parking, and more time than the app says

Arrangements to make in advance

Childcare for the entire day, not the listed hearing length
The whole day off work
If you asked for special measures such as separate waiting areas or a screen, tell the usher when you arrive and check they have it
Somebody to talk to afterwards. The drive home is often harder than the hearing

On the day

Before you go in

Report to the usher and give your name. You may be approached by the other side's solicitor to discuss agreement. You do not have to agree to anything on the spot, and you can ask for time to think or to speak to the judge instead.

In the courtroom

Stand when the judge enters and leaves
Address a District Judge or magistrate as Sir or Madam, a Circuit Judge as Your Honour
Speak to the judge, not the other parent
Do not interrupt. Write it down and answer in your turn
If you do not understand something, say so. Judges would much rather explain than have you agree to something you have not followed

Write down the directions before you leave the building, including every date. The sealed order can take weeks to arrive and deadlines start running now.

Common questions

What should I wear to family court?: Smart, comfortable and unremarkable. Nobody expects a suit, but dressing as though it matters signals that you are taking it seriously.
Can I take someone with me to family court?: Yes. You can bring someone for support, and with the court's permission a McKenzie Friend can sit with you to take notes and give quiet advice. They cannot normally speak for you.
Can I take my phone into family court?: Usually yes, but it must be silent and you must not record the hearing. Recording court proceedings without permission is a contempt of court.
How early should I arrive at family court?: At least an hour before the listed time. Security queues are slow and negotiation with the other side usually happens before you go in.