Getting there and getting in
Verified venue details
- Check your hearing notice first Your notice names the venue, floor/room and time — and whether the hearing is by video (CVP link) rather than in person. Some cases listed to Guildford County Court and Family Court are heard remotely; do not travel for a remote hearing.
- Arrive early for security Court security works like airport security: bag scan, metal detector, no sharp items. Arrive 30–45 minutes early; hearings are sometimes called early.
- Find your courtroom Lists are posted in the entrance hall (or displayed on screens). Your name is usually shown as initials. An usher can point you to the right room and waiting area.
- Ask for the special measures you need Separate waiting rooms, separate entry times, or video attendance can be arranged where there are allegations between parties — ask the listing office in advance (the number is on our Guildford hub), not on the day.
Facilities at this venue
Verified against the HMCTS court finder record: level access · hearing loop · assistance dogs welcome · Sunflower lanyards.
What to bring
- Your hearing notice, photo ID, and 2–3 copies of every document you rely on (the full checklist)
- Your position statement (even a one-pager) — see the FHDRA preparation guide
- Notebook and pen; you will hear dates and directions you must capture exactly
- Snacks and water — family waiting areas are variable and hearings get delayed
On the day, the person who looks organised usually reads as reasonable. A loose heap of unfolded papers does the opposite. Ten minutes with a folder and tabs is worth a night of extra drafting.
Questions people ask at Guildford
Can I bring someone for support?
Yes — a friend or a McKenzie friend can sit with you and take notes (they cannot address the court unless given permission). A peer-support volunteer who has done it before is worth a lot.
Is there wifi / can I work remotely from the court?
Varies by venue; do not plan on it. Bring everything printed. Public counters may have limited hours — many administrative tasks are now done online or by phone.
What if I cannot get the day off work?
Court attendance is a legal obligation; employers must allow it (and cannot lawfully penalise you for jury-style attendance). Ask the listing office for video attendance if travel is the real problem — but ask early, not on the day.