What to expect at your Court hearing

What to Expect at Your Court Hearing

My name is Karen Marshall, and I am the founder of The Support Path, a professional McKenzie Friend service.
If you are about to attend court and feel anxious, unsettled, or unsure of what lies ahead, please know this is completely normal. Court can feel intimidating, especially when emotions are already running high. My role is to help you feel supported, prepared, and less alone as you face this process.

I want to gently guide you through what to expect on the day of your hearing, based on my regular experience at Hull Magistrates’ Court, where I support clients every week.

Arriving and Parking

One of the first worries people have is simply getting there. Parking is close and accessible. You can use King William Car Park, which is practically next door to the court, or the Fruit Market car park, located behind the building.
A small but helpful tip: if you use King William Car Park, paying online beforehand is much cheaper and removes one more thing to worry about on the day.

Entering the Court Building

When you enter the court, you will go through security. This can feel daunting, but the staff at Hull are friendly and understanding. They are used to people feeling nervous and will treat you with respect. They will ask for your name and guide you to where you need to be — you will not be left guessing.

If your case involves allegations of domestic abuse, the court usually makes arrangements for parties to wait on separate floors. This is done to help you feel safer and to avoid unnecessary distress.

If you have a solicitor, they should explain this to you. If you are being supported by me, I will usually meet you in the car park and walk into the court building with you. You do not have to face those first steps alone.

What Time to Arrive

I always recommend arriving at least one hour before your hearing time. The Court usually direct that you do so.
For example, if your hearing is listed at 11:00am, aim to be there by 10:00am. This gives you time to settle, breathe, and deal with any conversations that may need to happen, without feeling rushed or pressured.

Before the Hearing

A court clerk will usually come to find you and take your name. There is an expectation that parties try to have pre-hearing discussions to see if any issues can be resolved before going in front of the Judge.

If your ex-partner’s solicitor approaches you to speak, this is normal. I understand this can feel uncomfortable, but the court encourages these discussions. If you refuse entirely, the Judge may later remind you that engagement is expected.

If Cafcass are involved, they will usually speak to you before the hearing. The same applies if a social worker is part of the proceedings. These conversations can feel intense, but they are part of the process, not a judgment on you.

Inside the Courtroom

When you go into court, address the Judge as “Judge.” Speak calmly, be respectful, and take your time. If you do not understand something, it is absolutely okay to say so. You are not expected to know legal language or procedures — the court understands this.

During the hearing, the court will usually make directions, which are decisions about what happens next. It is very common for the party with a solicitor to draft the court order. That draft must be shared with you and approved by you before it is sent to the Judge. Once approved, you will receive a copy so you are clear about what has been decided.

Most of all, stay calm and respectful.

Lets walk this path together….