Top 10 tips for attending Court

Most people hope never to step foot in a Court room, however if you have a Family Law matter, you may find yourself attending Court for the first time. This can be a daunting experience. In this week’s blog, we have prepared our top 10 tips to help you be prepared.

1.    Wear your Sunday best 

It is important to present yourself at Court looking neatly dressed and well groomed.  This not only creates a good impression, but also shows the Court respect.

We often tell clients to dress in their ‘Sunday best’ for Court. It is not necessary to wear a suit and tie; but you should still dress smartly, with clean, and neatly pressed clothes. Think long pants and a nice shirt or blouse, or a smart dress. It is nice if you have a jacket, but it is not necessary.

As important as what you should wear to Court, is what you should not wear to Court. You should not be dressed in: -

• anything that is dirty or torn;

• clothing that is too revealing or inappropriate;

• t-shirt with an inappropriate slogan or picture on the front.

Court is not the place to wear thongs, shorts, singlet tops, tank tops or miniskirts. If your top or pants has writing on it, you should really think about whether it is appropriate for Court.  A small Nike logo may be okay, but a large alcohol slogan would not.

If you are unsure whether your outfit is suitable, you should call your solicitors and check with them.

2.    Arrive early 

While we tell our clients when they need to be at Court, as a general rule you should be at the Court at least half an hour before your matter is listed. 

If you drive yourself to the Court, make sure you have planned to park your car in an all day, free or low fee parking area.

3.    Head to the right Court  

Check, and then double check, you are going to the right Court.

For our clients in Dubbo, there are two Courts. The Local and District Court is located on Brisbane Street and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is on Macquarie Street, diagonally opposite our office.

4.    Know what you can take into Court   

Check before going to Court what you can and cannot bring into the Court. Most Courts will have rules around whether you can bring food or drink into the building.

5.    Court etiquette is important   

The Court does not expect you to know all the ins and outs of Courtroom etiquette.

When you enter or leave the Courtroom, you must bow in the direction of the Judge or Registrar. Your solicitor will let you know when you can leave.

When the Judge or Registrar enters or leaves the Courtroom, a Court Officer will say “all rise” or “please stand”.  If you are uncertain, simply follow your solicitor’s lead.  If you have any mobility issues which would prevent you from complying with this direction, please let us know before you attend Court.

Remove your hat (unless you wear a head covering for religious reasons), sunglasses and earphones.

6.    Be mindful of other matters when in the Court room   

There will be times you will be sitting in the Court room while other matters are being heard.  While you are waiting, you must sit quietly and not cause any kind of distraction. 

If you need to speak to your solicitor, keep your voice very low or write them a note. As a general rule, you should never speak at the same time as the Judge or Registrar.

7.    Know how to address the Judge or Registrar  

Your solicitor will do most of the talking, on the rare occasion you are required to speak, remain calm and courteous and always address the Judge as “Your Honour” and a Registrar as “Registrar”.

8.    Phones off  

Make sure your phone is switched off.

You can take handwritten notes, but you must not electronically record anything or take photos or video in the Court room. Doing this can get you into a lot of trouble.

9.    Tell someone if you are worried about your safety

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia have policies and procedures in place if you have any concerns about your safety while attending Court.  We have provided more detail about this in our article “Court Safety Plans” which you can find here:

 https://www.mastronardilegal.com.au/news/court-safety-plans

10.    If you're unsure, ask 

Our solicitors and support staff are always happy to answer your questions about attending Court.

Please note: the information in this article is general in nature and is not legal advice. For specific advice about your circumstances, contact us to make an appointment with one of our solicitors