Courts explainedEngland & Wales

What does the courtroom look like?

Family court hearings usually happen in a room that looks more like a meeting room than a courtroom on TV.

Family hearings are less formal than you might expect. Most happen in a relatively small room with no jury and no public gallery full of people. The diagram below shows the general layout for the court you have selected.

Hover or tap any area of the room to see who sits where and what they do.

Who are you in this case?

Pick the option that fits you. The diagram will highlight where you sit.

You filed the case (e.g. applied for a child arrangements order).

Family courts look nothing like TV

Most Family Court hearings happen in small rooms with tables and chairs. It feels more like a meeting than a trial. Do not picture wood-panelled halls with wigs and gowns: you are unlikely to see one. The district judge wears a suit and usually sits at a desk.

Layout: Family Court

Outside the courtroom

Waiting area

wait here until called

Interview rooms

private side rooms

Courtroom door

usher calls you in

Courtroom (meeting-room style)

Cafcass

children cases

Royal Coat of Arms

on the wall behind the judge

District Judge

suit, no wig. Runs the hearing.

Court clerk

calls cases, passes papers

Witness box

give evidence here

Some family hearings happen in chambers: no witness box, everyone at the same table.

Applicant's lawyer

or applicant if no lawyer

Respondent's lawyer

or respondent if no lawyer

McKenzie Friend

beside a LIP, takes notes

You sit here

(if you have a lawyer)

Respondent

behind their lawyer

No dock. No jury box. No public gallery. It looks more like a meeting room than a courtroom on TV.

Hover or tap any element of the floor plan for details.

Every courtroom is slightly different, but this is a realistic bird’s-eye view. The usher will show you where to sit when you arrive.

Giving evidence

In England and Wales, witnesses normally stand in the witness box. If standing is difficult, ask the judge or magistrates if you can sit: they will usually agree. In some family hearings held in a judge’s chambers there is no witness box and everyone sits around a table. You will be asked to swear an oath or affirm (a non-religious promise) that your evidence is true. You can refer to your witness statement and the court bundle while giving evidence.

Cross-examination and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021

If there are domestic abuse allegations, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 bans the alleged perpetrator from directly cross-examining the alleged victim. The court will appoint a publicly funded lawyer to ask the questions instead. You do not need to arrange or pay for this.

Related guides

Who's who in court

The judge, barristers, court clerk, Cafcass officer, McKenzie Friend. Who they are and what they do.

Representing yourself

How to address the judge, present evidence, and handle cross-examination without a lawyer.

Back to the courts hub

Understanding the court system: three court types, roles, and what to expect on the day.

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