Click anywhere on the banner to exit the page.
Press the shrink icon to the right to reduce this banner's size.
Overview
All Family Court cases are closed to the public. Only you and the other people involved in the case are allowed inside.
People inside the court room
The judge, lawyers, and other court staff may also be in the courtroom. Each of these people has a role to play in helping the Family Court to run smoothly.
There are strict rules about who else can enter the court room.
Children
Children aren’t usually allowed in the court room. You’ll need to arrange for childcare while you go to court. A judge will only want to speak with a child in court under very special circumstances. A judge may want to meet with the child and their lawyer in chambers before a hearing.
Support person
You can bring a support person with you to the court. You must get permission first if you want them to come inside the court room with you. Let your lawyer or court staff know as soon as possible if you want to bring a support person in with you.
Lay assistant
A Lay Assistant can support you in court by helping you taking notes. Sometimes this role is called a McKenzie Friend. You’ll need to apply to have a lay assistant come into the court room with you.
How to apply for a lay assistant
Journalists and the media
Accredited news media reports can be in the court room, but they are not allowed to publish information that can identify children or vulnerable people. It’s very rare that they would be present in the court room.
Explore more in this section
Feeling overwhelmed?
Going to Family Court can be hard. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. There are services available to help and support through this time.
Visit our help page