-
How to prepare for a court hearing
Key legal terms, when to hire a solicitor, accessibility and interpreter needs, plus FAQs to help you prepare.
-
Planning your trip to court
How to find your courthouse, travel and parking tips, accessibility facilities, and making arrangements in advance.
-
What to do on the day
What documents and ID to bring, going through security, waiting for your case, and what to expect in the courthouse.
-
Who to expect inside the courtroom
Judge, registrar, solicitors, barristers, witnesses, interpreters and assistants – who’s who and their role in your hearing.
-
What happens in the courtroom
Simple dos and don’ts, court etiquette, how hearings are run, and what the judge expects.
-
What happens when your hearing ends
Leaving the courtroom, waiting for the judge’s decision, and your options for appealing an order.
How to prepare for a court hearing
Every Family Law case is unique. However, there are certain things everyone needs to think carefully about before a court hearing. For example, you may wish to hire a solicitor. Perhaps you have accessibility needs that court staff should know about. Maybe you need the help of an interpreter.
It is always advisable to prepare well for your court hearing.
This will help get your case through the court system as smoothly as possible.
Some legal terms to keep in mind
Let's start with a few legal terms that may crop up on your way through this guide.
- The applicant is the person bringing the case or starting legal proceedings.
- The respondent is the person replying or responding to legal proceedings.
- A court date is the time, day, month and year when your case will be heard in court.
- A court hearing means the formal examination of the case by a judge in court.
- A case being heard ‘in camera’ does not mean it is filmed, videoed or recorded. It actually means that the case is heard in private. Only the applicant and respondent, their legal representatives, the judge, court officials, witnesses or any person permitted by the judge are allowed to be present. The parties are not allowed to share any details or discuss the case with any other person, apart from their legal representatives, unless the judge allows it. This is to protect everyone's privacy.
Hiring a solicitor
Some Family Law issues are resolved without legal representation. However, we suggest that people get legal advice. A solicitor can help you by explaining court procedures and offering legal options. They can also attend the court hearing with you.
You can find a list of solicitors' contact details on the Law Society's website.
If you think that you cannot afford legal advice, contact the Legal Aid Board to see if you are eligible for legal aid. If so, you will be asked to pay a contribution towards legal costs.
Another service is Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC). They have offices across the country and offer free and confidential legal advice for all. However, they do not represent people in court.
Helpful tips:
- There are no fixed costs for private solicitors. So, always ask first about their costs before hiring them.
- You can change your mind at any time about representing yourself in court. You can then speak to a solicitor.
Accessibility requirements
Be aware of the facilities available to you at the courthouse on the day of your case hearing. You may have specific needs such as a wheelchair ramp, accessible toilet or assistive hearing technology. Not all courthouses have these. Highlight any specific needs to the courthouse in advance to help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Interpreters
If English or Irish are not your first languages, you can hire your own interpreter. You may also ask the court to provide one for you. A judge will decide this issue.
Frequently asked questions
What documentation do I need to submit before a court hearing?
This will vary depending on your unique case. Seek advice on this from your solicitor or legal representative. Alternatively, the Courts Service staff will be happy to advise.
What if I fear for my safety while in court?
If you fear for your safety in court, contact a member of the Courts Service before attending the courthouse. You may be able to wait in a separate area or a protective screen may be provided to prevent you being seen by other people involved in your case.
What other supports are available to me?
Check our supports section for more information on support services that can help you.
Planning your trip to court
A day in a Family Law court can be stressful. It's always best to know the courthouse location, how to get there, and how much time you should allow for travel. Knowing about nearby parking or public transport links can also take away any added stress.
You can plan your journey with these helpful steps:
1. Locate your courthouse
Your court documents will contain the name of your courthouse, as well as the time and date of your hearing. To find the address and eircode of the courthouse, visit our find us section.
2. Know how to get there
Now that you know where the courthouse is located, here are some options to get there.
- Public transport: Use the Transport for Ireland Plan A Journey feature for bus, train, and Luas options.
- Cycling: Check if bicycle parking is available at the courthouse.
- Walking: Plan your route in advance to make sure you are on time.
- Car: Check if parking is available at the courthouse.
Helpful tip: Use Google Maps to calculate expected travel times and Street View to familiarise yourself with the courthouse surroundings.
3. Know what facilities are available
You may have specific requirements such as a wheelchair ramp, accessible toilet or assistive hearing technology. Not all courthouses have these. For more information contact the court office.
Food and refreshments are not available in courthouses. So come prepared.
Check what's available at your courthouse.
4. Make all necessary arrangements in advance
Always allow for extra time being needed for childcare, parking and travel purposes.
- Childcare facilities are not available at any courthouse.
- Cases may not run as scheduled or in the order listed. They may also be delayed or deferred to another day.
Video: How to prepare for Family Law court
This video outlines how to prepare for a court hearing. It covers how to plan your journey, what documentation to bring, and accessibility needs.
Video: How to use our 'Find Us' page
This short video describes how to navigate our Find Us page. Alternatively, there is a written guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check courthouse or court office opening hours?
All courthouse and court office opening hours are available on the Courts Service website. Times can vary from location to location.
Who should I contact if I can't remember the date or time of my hearing?
Contact the relevant court office. Find contact details here. For Circuit and High Court cases, the legal diary contains lists of cases to be heard.
Know what to expect on the day
Knowing what to expect at the courthouse may help you to feel more comfortable on the day of your court hearing. Courthouses run to a timetable but can experience delays. To make things run smoothly for yourself and everyone else, we recommend you do the following:
- Have the correct documentation and ID ready.
- Know your case number and listen for it being called.
- Know what can and can't pass through security screening.
- Be aware that refreshments are not available in courthouses.
Documentation and ID you may need
Make sure you bring any documentation relating to your case with you. These may include:
- Your court application, court summons or Notice of Motion. This document contains the date and time of your hearing, the venue and other important case information. Keep it safe.
- Affidavit of Means, bank statements and pay slips. These and similar financial documents may be helpful to your specific hearing or case.
- Photo ID to verify your identity in court, if asked. This can be your passport, driver's licence or public services card.
Remember you should never share or leave documentation with anyone who is not involved in your case.
Helpful tip: Keep a photo of your application document on your phone.
When you arrive at the courthouse
Courthouses have security screening in place. Items that may be considered dangerous will be confiscated. You do not have to check in at Reception. Head to the waiting area and listen for your case to be called.
If you have a solicitor, you may want to organise a time and place to meet them inside or outside.
To manage the day's work, many courts do a callover. This means you will be called to the courtroom to see if your case is ready to go ahead that day or not.
Waiting for your case to be called
Family law hearings are called by case reference number, your initials and courtroom number. Have your case number handy to check these details. Your case may be called over a public announcement system, or you may be called in person.
- Cases do not always run on schedule, so be prepared for a wait. Make any arrangements if things run late. Cases do not always run in the same order as the court list. If other cases run over time, your court hearing may not be heard on the day you attend court.
- Water, food and refreshments are not available in all courthouse waiting areas, so come prepared.
Going to the courtroom
More than one courtroom may be in use on the day of your hearing. To find your courtroom, follow directional signage or ask a Courts Service staff member or the Court Garda.
In certain case types and circumstances, such as domestic violence, you may bring a support person with you. The judge will decide if that person can remain in the courtroom during your hearing.
Video: Attending Family Law Court
This video outlines what happens at the courthouse on the day of your court hearing. It covers what to do when you arrive, who can accompany you, where to wait, how your case is called, plus other helpful tips.
Who to expect inside the courtroom
In most cases only those involved in the case will be allowed into the courtroom. This usually means the applicant and respondent, as well as their solicitors and barristers.
Sometimes the judge may allow other people to attend. These may include approved researchers or members of the press. They may also include people whom the judge decides are appropriate to the case hearing, for example, domestic violence support workers.
The publication of reports of family law cases is allowed in certain circumstances. However, no names, addresses, or any other details are used which might identify anyone involved in the case.
The courtroom layout
The diagram shows who you should expect to see in the courtroom.
Expand the titles below to learn more about each role.
1. Judge
2. Court Registrar
3. Witness
4. Applicant/Respondent
5. Solicitor
6. Barrister
7. Interpreter (not shown in diagram)
8. Assistant to the Judge (not shown in diagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for the courtroom?
There is no specific dress code. However, people usually dress like they would for a job interview.
How do I address the judge?
You address them as 'Judge'. You should only speak when asked to do so by the judge.
Who will be in attendance?
For information on who will be there and what their roles are, please review the courtroom illustration.
Are mobile phones allowed in court?
No. Please make sure your mobile phone is turned off or switched to silent before entering the courtroom.
Where do I sit?
When you enter the courtroom, you will be directed where to sit by the judge or registrar.
Who to expect inside the courtroom
In most cases only those involved in the case will be allowed into the courtroom. This usually means the applicant and respondent, as well as their solicitors and barristers.
Sometimes the judge may allow other people to attend. These may include approved researchers or members of the press. They may also include people whom the judge decides are appropriate to the case hearing, for example, domestic violence support workers. The publication of reports of family law cases is allowed in certain circumstances. However, no names, addresses, or any other details are used which might identify anyone involved in the case.
The courtroom layout
The diagram shows who you should expect to see in the courtroom.
Expand the titles below to learn more about each role.
1. Judge
The judge is in charge of your court hearing. There is no jury in Family Law cases. The outcome is decided by the judge alone. Judges dress formally and sit at their own bench at the top of the courtroom. They enter and leave the courtroom through a separate door near their bench.
2. Court Registrar
The Court Registrar sits in front of the judge. They assist the judge with administrative matters and are in charge of court documents and evidence. It is the Court Registrar who administers the oath to witnesses. They will also record the decision or outcome of the case.
3. Witness
The witness sits to one side of the judge and gives testimony in court. Either the applicant or respondent to a case may be called to the witness box to give testimony during the hearing. Other witnesses may also be called who can provide additional information to a case that may help the judge reach a decision.
4. Applicant/Respondent
The applicant in a hearing is the person who initiated or started the Family Law case. The respondent is the person who has had a case started against them by the applicant. The applicant and respondent will sit at different sides of the courtroom. If the applicant or respondent do not have legal representation, they will speak directly to the judge.
5. Solicitor
Certain childcare Family Law cases may be legally complex. In such cases, the applicant and/or respondent may have a solicitor present for their hearing. The solicitor will state the case for their client to the judge and outline what decisions their client is looking for.
6. Barrister
The applicant and/or respondent may also be represented by a barrister for their hearing. Where a solicitor and barrister are present for either party, the barrister will state the case to the judge on behalf of their client.
7. Interpreter (not shown in diagram)
Clients or witnesses whose first language is not English or Irish (the official languages of the court) may require an interpreter to be present at the hearing. An interpreter will translate to the client or witness what is being said by the judge. They will also translate to the judge what is being said by the client or witness.
8. Assistant to the Judge (not shown in diagram)
The judge may have an assistant in court on the day of the hearing. They usually wear a black robe. In addition to other duties, the assistant to the judge often announces the arrival and departure of the judge from the courtroom. They will usually do this by giving the instruction ‘all rise’. This means everyone must stand up when the judge enters or leaves the room. This is to show respect for both the judge and the law itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for the courtroom?
There is no specific dress code. However, people usually dress like they would for a job interview.
How do I address the judge?
You address them as 'Judge'. You should only speak when asked to do so by the judge.
Who will be in attendance?
For information on who will be there and what their roles are, please review the courtroom illustration.
Are mobile phones allowed in court?
No. Please make sure your mobile phone is turned off or switched to silent before entering the courtroom.
Where do I sit?
When you enter the courtroom, you will be directed where to sit by the judge or registrar.
