Prepare for the Family Court checklist

Family Court Checklist

A Family Court checklist can help you to make sure you have all the right arrangements in place before the day of your case conference or hearing.

Before court:

• Take time off work: The Family Court is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Your hearing may not start on time, so it’s a good idea to arrange for time off work for at least a few hours so you can attend your court hearing.
• Arrange childcare: The court does not provide childcare, so you’ll need to organise this. Ask trusted friends or whānau if they can look after your child while you are at court. Try to avoid bringing your child to court. If someone can’t look after your child at home, maybe they could take them to a nearby playground or café. Some courts have a public space where they can wait if you have no other options. They could be waiting a long time, so you’ll need to bring anything your child might need including food, drink, baby formula, nappies, and toys.
• Let the court know if you need an interpreter: If you need an interpreter, including for te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language, you’ll need to tell the court. Sometimes it can take a few weeks for the court to arrange an interpreter, so let court staff know what you need as soon as you can.
• Accessible entrances and technology in court rooms: The court has accessible entrances, hearing assisted technology, and alternative seating in court rooms. Let court staff know if you need accessibility support before the day of your case conference or hearing so they can make the right arrangements.
• Service animals can come to court: service animals (for example, guide dogs) are allowed in the court room. You may be at the Family Court for a while, think about how you can give your service animal a break. If you need to bring your service animal to court, talk to your lawyer or contact your local court before the day of your case conference or hearing.

• Eating and drinking: make sure you eat before you go into the court room. Water is provided in the court room. All other food or drink is not allowed.

At court:

• Arrive early: It’s a good idea to get to court early so you have plenty of time to get through security and find the court room. Try getting to court at least 15 minutes before the time listed on your ‘Notice of Hearing’.
• Security officers: Security officers are at court to keep everyone safe. If you need security support, let the court know as soon as you arrive. You can also talk to your lawyer or court staff.
• Bringing a support person: Your support person can wait with you in public spaces, but if you want them in the court room, you’ll need to ask the judge. Your lawyer or court staff can help with this.

• Wear suitable clothing: The Family Court is a formal place, so you will need to wear appropriate clothing. You will not be allowed to enter the courthouse wearing gang symbols, sunglasses, or hats.

• Bring a pen and paper: if you want to take notes in the court room for any reason, you must use a paper and pen. You must not record what happens in the court room or take pictures.
• Turn your phone off: you must have you phone turned off or have it on do not disturb when you are in the courtroom.

After court:

• Pay your costs: if you owe money to your lawyer, the court, or the other people involved in the case, you will need to arrange payment.
• Follow your court order: if the judge has made a court order, you must follow what it says. If you want to change the order, you will need to make a new application to the court.