Family Court

Family Court

Family Court Judges are specialist District Court Judges. They are selected to work in the Family Court because of their training, experience and personality.

Court taker

The court taker is employed by the Ministry of Justice and responsible for the smooth running of the court and ensuring that records of hearings are accurately kept. If a party or lawyer needs to hand a document to the Judge during the course of a hearing the court taker will pass the document to the Judge

Witness Box

This is where a party gives evidence on oath. The court taker will ask the witness to swear, or affirm, that the evidence they will give will be the truth. It is a criminal offence to lie in court. Giving evidence in the witness box is often called taking the stand.

Counsel

Counsel are the lawyers representing the parties in the proceedings. The lawyers for the parties sit at the tables immediately in front of the Judge. Their clients (the parties) sit beside them. If the Police or Child Youth and Family are involved in the proceedings, they will also sit at these tables.

Lawyer for the child

The lawyer for the child is a lawyer appointed by the court to represent the child in any proceedings. These lawyers are chosen because of their experience in working with children. They must have a minimum of five years practice in the Family Court.

Waiting area

This is where you should wait with your lawyer (if you have one) until your case is called by a court attendant. If you have concerns about waiting in this area with another party involved in the proceedings, you should let your lawyer or the court registry officer dealing with your case know in advance.

Entrance to courtroom

This is the entrance to the courtroom. You may not enter until your case is called.