Attending court can be a stressful and worrying experience for numerous reasons. Our Durham family solicitors have conducted a handy guide that may help you with directions, general information and overall, what to expect if you have to attend the Durham Family Justice Centre at Durham County Court. If you need further advice, you can contact our friendly team.
Where is Durham Family Justice Centre located?
Durham Family Justice Centre is a 12 minute walk from Durham cathedral. The address is: Civil and Family Justice Centre, Green Ln, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3RG.
To contact the Family Justice Centre about family public law, call 0191 375 1840. The email address for family law cases is [email protected].
How to Get to Durham Family Justice Centre from Durham Train Station
Durham Family Justice Centre is located next to the university health centre and not far from Durham Cathedral and Durham castle.
If you are driving, you can use the A690 to get to the court. The nearest car park is the Durham Marriott Hotel which is a nine minute walk away. There are plenty of others, including Prince Bishops Shopping centre and the Riverwalk.
Route from train station
If you’re walking from the train station to the Family Justice Centre at County Court, the quickest journey is a 18 minute walk.
If you are travelling by car, the fastest journey route is the A690 route which will take around 6 minutes depending on traffic.
If you are travelling by bus from the train station, or from anywhere else in Durham, there are numerous bus routes that stop just outside the county court. The 20A, 6, PR2 and X12 all stop next to the Family Justice Centre.
What facilities are available?
Baby changing facility
This court has baby changing facilities
Assistance dogs
Guide Dogs are welcome at this court
Interview room
There are five interview rooms available at this court
Refreshments
Refreshments are available
Disabled access
Disabled access and toilet facilities. Parking can be arranged by contacting the court in advance
Loop Hearing
This court has hearing enhancement facilities
Video facilities
Video conference and Prison video link facilities
How to prepare for court?
How to Prepare
Bring your hearing letter and case number, any necessary papers, and something to eat and drink to court. If you're unsure what to bring, talk to your lawyer.
Prepare to meet with your spouse at the hearing so that you can remain calm and composed. Aside from that, coming to court may be uncomfortable, embarrassing, or frightening for you—but an experienced lawyer may help you get through it.
You are allowed to wear anything you choose, however it is recommended that you dress appropriately. Only for religious reasons are you permitted to wear something on your head.
Getting to the court
Have a strategy for getting to the court before the big day so you're ready. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time. You may have to wait a little longer depending on the order of the cases.
When you arrive at court, you will be checked in the same way as you would at an airport. This is due to the fact that some items, such as firearms and alcohol, are not permitted in the court. Your belongings will be returned to you when you leave.
During the hearing
Set your phone to quiet mode and refrain from taking images or movies. When a staff member announces "everyone rise," it means the judge/magistrate is going to enter the room. When it is your turn to speak, you will be informed of what you must do.
Contact Stowe Family Law Durham today
Our Durham family law lawyers will listen and assist you, whether you are dealing with civil partnership dissolution or arranging financial and child custody arrangements.
As the only national law company solely dedicated to the family law department and family law processes, we devote all of our attention and energy to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients and their families.
During this stressful time, our team of family law lawyers in County Durham will be available to help.
Call us today to speak with a collaboratively trained lawyer and a family law specialist. You and your family could benefit greatly from employing a family law solicitor who is experienced in negotiating a fair settlement in this difficult situation.
Our family law firm can be found at Durham Workspace, Abbey Rd, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5JZ. Our phone lines are available from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday. And 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
