Plan to arrive early, traffic can be at a standstill at times, and you will also need to locate parking;
Parking is available at the Perth Concert Hall, or in the Terrace Road car park, street parking can also be located along Terrace Road, or Victoria Avenue;
Be aware that there is security screening at the Court, and when entering the Court you will need to place all your personal items into a tray for screening by Security Staff;
After 4pm the day prior to your hearing, you can look up the location, time and Judicial Officer hearing your matter by consulting with the website for the Family Court of Western Australia – (click on Court List on the left hand menu);
Make sure your phone is switched off before you enter the Court room;
Bow your head when you enter or exit the Court room if a Judicial Officer is sitting. This is sign of acknowledgment and respect
Refer to a Magistrate or Judge (Justice) as Your Honour, Sir or Madam;
Refer to a Registrar as Registrar, Sir or Madam;
Be polite and respectful if you are addressing a Judicial Officer, and stand when doing so (unless advised otherwise);
If you are represented by a lawyer from Perth Family Lawyers, your lawyer will address the Judicial Officer, and you will only speak with the Judicial Officer if you are directly asked a question by the Judicial Officer (which is quite rare);
Stand when directed to do so when in Court, as you are required to stand if you are personally speaking with a Judicial Officer and when the Judicial Officer enters or exits the Court room;
If you are represented by a lawyer from Perth Family Lawyers, your lawyer may engage in discussions with the other party or their legal representative;
Avoid having contact with the other party unless things are very amicable and seek advice beforehand from Perth Family Lawyers as the other party may not wish to have discussions with you directly even if you consider things to be amicable!
Whilst waiting in the foyer of the Court, or in the Court room, sit some distance away from the other party and avoid eye contact, so as to ensure there is no conflict, or capacity for any allegations to be made that you have engaged in inappropriate conduct;
Consult with a lawyer from Perth Family Lawyers as we understand the importance of family and the emotional turmoil as a result of conflict, we are committed to easing the anxiety of attending at Court by guiding you through the process.
