Changes to applying in relation to Arrangements for Children
Please note new application forms are coming into effect on June 3rd 2025. If you have already started an application, make sure that it is filed in the court office by the 30th of May 2025.
Please be aware that old forms will not be accepted after 3rd June. Our website will be automatically updated on 30th May where you will have access to the new forms.
Step 6
Attend court hearing
You must attend court at the date, time and place set out in the application. This will be for a court hearing which will be held in private. The respondent may also attend court on the date stated in the application.
When the case is heard, you will be required to make your case to the judge.
You should bring any documents that support your case to the court with you.
Both you and the respondent will get an opportunity to give evidence to the court and ask the other party any questions about their evidence. The judge may also ask additional questions. After hearing all of the evidence, the judge will then make a decision
on the application. This is called a court order.
If you fail to attend court, the case can be struck out by the judge. This means that the case will not go ahead and you will have to start the entire process again.
If the respondent fails to attend, the case may go ahead without them and the judge can make an order in their absence.
More information on preparing for Family Law court >
In some cases where children are involved, a judge might want information about their welfare, safety, health and care. If a child is of sufficient age and maturity, they might also want to take their views on board. To get this information, the judge might decide that they need a report from an expert.