Brighton Family Court Guide

Part of: Your First Family Court Hearing

Attending Brighton family court can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time. Located in the heart of Brighton, just 15 minutes’ walk from Brighton station, the court handles all family law matters including divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. Our family lawyers in Brighton have prepared this complete guide to help you navigate your court visit with confidence—from exact directions and parking to what happens inside the courtroom.

Article Contents

Brighton County Court and Family Court – Address & Contact Details

Court Address:

Brighton County Court and Family Court
William Street
Brighton
BN2 0RF

Main Contact Numbers

0300 123 5577 – Family Court enquiries (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm)
0300 303 0642 – Divorce enquiries (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)
0330 808 4424 – Children in care cases (C5 case numbers)
01273 388421 – Accessibility support

Email Contacts

[email protected] – General family enquiries
[email protected] – Breathing space enquiries
[email protected] – Public law children in care cases
[email protected] – Civil enquiries

Court Codes: DX 98070 Brighton 3 | County: 150 | Family: 554

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (counter by appointment only)

Getting to Brighton Family Court – Directions & Transport

From Brighton Station (757m – 15 min walk)

Quickest Walking Route:

1. Exit station, turn left onto Queens Road
2. Walk 400m, turn right onto North Road
3. Continue to dual carriageway, use pedestrian crossing
4. Turn left, then right into Edward Street
5. Court entrance on William Street

Scenic Route via The Lanes (20 mins):

Perfect if you have extra time—walk through Brighton’s famous North Laine shopping district via Gloucester Road and Kensington Gardens.

By Bus (8-12 mins)

Catch routes 1X, 7, 17, 25, 27, 273, 37, 52, or 700 from Brighton station.
Get off at: “Law Courts, Brighton” (directly outside court)
Live times: www.buses.co.uk

By Car (5-8 mins)

Route: A270/North Road
Important: Parking at court is extremely limited—see parking options below.

Parking Near Brighton Family Court

Recommended Car Parks

Trafalgar Street Car Park – CLOSEST
Distance: 250m (5-min walk)
Rates: Check brighton-hove.gov.uk
Best for: Quick court visits

NCP Church Street (Theatre)
Distance: 500m (10-min walk)
Rates: £3.50/hour, £15/day
Hours: 24/7
Best for: All-day parking

Regency Square MSCP
Distance: 650m (12-min walk)
Rates: £2.80 (2hrs), £7.60 (11hrs)
Spaces: 510 | Hours: 24/7
Blue Badge spaces available

Churchill Square (Red & Green car parks)
Distance: 550m (8-min walk)
Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-10pm
Height restrictions: Red 2.13m, Green 1.93m

Blue Badge Holders: Park free in any Pay & Display bay when displaying your badge.

Brighton Family Court Facilities

Accessibility Features

• Full wheelchair access (call 01273 388421 for assistance)
• Ground floor accessible toilet with baby changing
• Lift to first floor courtrooms
• Hearing loop available (request in advance)
• Assistance dogs welcome
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards on request

Court Facilities

• Seven consultation rooms (first floor)
• One interview room (urgent use only)
• Public waiting areas outside courtrooms
• Free WiFi throughout building
• Water dispensers on each floor
• Public toilets (first floor)
• Video conferencing facilities (book ahead)

Security: All visitors pass through security screening. Inform officers if you have a pacemaker.

What Happens at Brighton Family Court – Your Hearing Explained

If your case involves child arrangements, our guide to the C100 form shows you exactly how to start or respond to a court application.

Before Your Hearing

Arrive 30 minutes early to clear security and find your courtroom. You’ll be greeted by court staff including the usher who will guide you. Family court hearings are held in private to protect your family’s confidentiality.

During Your Hearing

The judge listens to both parties and any family lawyers present. You’ll have the opportunity to present your case and evidence. Speak clearly and respectfully—address the judge as “Sir” or “Madam.”

After Your Hearing

The judge may decide immediately or reserve judgment for a later date. You’ll receive clear information about next steps and any future hearing dates.

Worried about representing yourself? Our family lawyers in Brighton can guide you through the entire process, and our step‑by‑step guide to your first family court hearing explains what to expect inside the courtroom.

Preparing for Court – Essential Checklist

What to Bring

Take your court notice (with the case number), photo ID, and any key documents or evidence you want the judge to see. A small notebook and pen help you keep track of what is said, and bring any recent letters or emails from your family lawyer so you can refer to them quickly.

How to Behave in Court

Aim for neat, comfortable clothing rather than full business wear, arrive around 30 minutes early, and keep your phone switched off or on silent. Listen carefully, wait until the judge or legal adviser invites you to speak, and stay calm and polite even if the hearing feels stressful.

What to Leave at Home

Avoid bringing food, drink, or large bags unless absolutely necessary, as they can delay you at security. Do not take cameras or recording devices, because filming and recording in court is usually forbidden.

Need help preparing for a Brighton hearing? Our family lawyers offer a free initial consultation to go through your notice, paperwork, and what to expect on the day.

Expert Family Lawyers in Brighton – Here to Help

Kabir Family Law specialises exclusively in family law. Our family lawyers in Brighton have extensive experience with Brighton family court and understand the challenges families face during divorce, separation, and child custody matters.

What Role Does CAFCASS Play at Brighton Family Court?

If you have a child arrangements case at Brighton Family Court, you will almost certainly encounter CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service). CAFCASS is an independent organisation that advises the family court on what is safe and in your child’s best interests. Before your first Brighton Family Court hearing, a Family Court Adviser will carry out safeguarding checks with police and local authorities, then contact both parents by telephone to understand your situation.

At Brighton Family Court, the judge may ask CAFCASS to prepare a Section 7 report if your case cannot be resolved at the first hearing. This report involves the Family Court Adviser meeting with you, your child, and the other parent to assess welfare concerns and make recommendations. The process can be complex, and the weight given to CAFCASS recommendations varies depending on your circumstances. Our family lawyers can advise you on how to engage effectively with CAFCASS and present your case in the strongest possible light at Brighton Family Court.

How Long Does a CAFCASS Report Take at Brighton Family Court?

Section 7 reports at Brighton Family Court typically take between 12 and 16 weeks to complete, though this varies depending on CAFCASS workload and case complexity. During this period, the Family Court Adviser will arrange home visits, school checks, and interviews with relevant professionals. If you disagree with the CAFCASS report, our family law specialists can help you challenge findings or request additional assessments before your next Brighton Family Court hearing. The court process involves multiple stages, and having expert guidance throughout can make a significant difference to your outcome.

What Happens at Your First Brighton Family Court Hearing?

Your first Brighton Family Court hearing is called an FHDRA (First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment). This typically takes place 4 to 8 weeks after your application is issued and usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. At this Brighton Family Court hearing, the judge will review safeguarding information from CAFCASS, identify the issues in dispute, and explore whether you and the other parent can reach an agreement without further hearings.

The judge at Brighton Family Court will not usually make final decisions at the FHDRA unless both parties agree. Instead, the court may give directions for evidence, order a CAFCASS report, or list a further hearing. Many parents feel overwhelmed at their first Brighton Family Court hearing, particularly when representing themselves. Our family law experts can prepare you thoroughly, ensuring you understand the process and present your position clearly from the outset.

How Should I Prepare for My First Brighton Family Court Hearing?

Preparation is essential for a successful first hearing at Brighton Family Court. You should organise all relevant documents, including your C100 application, any statements filed, and the court notice with your case number. Consider what outcomes you want to achieve and think carefully about what compromises, if any, you are willing to make. Our family lawyers in Brighton recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to allow time for security checks and to gather your thoughts before entering the courtroom at Brighton Family Court.

Applying for Child Arrangements at Brighton Family Court

To apply for a child arrangements order at Brighton Family Court, you must first attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) unless you qualify for an exemption, such as domestic abuse. The application is made using Form C100 and costs £232 to submit. Once filed, Brighton Family Court will list your case for an FHDRA, and CAFCASS will begin their safeguarding checks. The process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your circumstances and whether agreement can be reached.

Understanding Child Arrangement Orders at Brighton Family Court

A child arrangements order from Brighton Family Court determines where your child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. The order may specify that a child “lives with” one parent and “spends time with” the other, or it may provide for shared care arrangements. At Brighton Family Court, the judge will always prioritise your child’s welfare when making decisions, considering factors including their wishes, their physical and emotional needs, and the capability of each parent. Our family lawyers can advise on the arrangements most likely to be approved based on your specific situation at Brighton Family Court.

Child arrangement cases at Brighton Family Court can become contentious, particularly where there are allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation, or welfare concerns. If you are facing a difficult dispute, experienced family law specialists can guide you through the process and help you achieve an outcome that protects your relationship with your child.

Emergency Protection at Brighton Family Court – Non-Molestation Orders

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you may need urgent protection through a non-molestation order from Brighton Family Court. A non-molestation order is a civil injunction that prevents your partner, ex-partner, or family member from harassing, intimidating, or threatening you. Applications are made using Form FL401 and can be heard the same day in emergency situations. At Brighton Family Court, these orders carry an automatic power of arrest, meaning breaching the order is a criminal offence.

Can I Apply Without Notice at Brighton Family Court?

In cases of serious risk, you can apply for a non-molestation order at Brighton Family Court “without notice” (ex parte), meaning the respondent will not know about the application until after the order is made. This provides immediate protection while a return hearing is arranged. The judge at Brighton Family Court will consider whether there is a genuine risk of harm and whether it would be just to make an order without the other party being present. Our family law experts can prepare urgent applications and, where necessary, arrange for a barrister to attend Brighton Family Court on your behalf the same day.

Occupation orders, which regulate who can live in the family home, can also be sought alongside a non-molestation order at Brighton Family Court. The process for obtaining protection can be complex, and the evidence required varies depending on your circumstances. Professional guidance ensures your application is presented effectively to maximise your chances of securing the protection you need.

Attending Brighton Family Court by Video Link

Brighton Family Court offers video conferencing facilities for hearings, allowing parties to attend remotely in certain circumstances. Video hearings at Brighton Family Court are conducted via the Cloud Video Platform (CVP) or Microsoft Teams, and you will receive joining instructions by email before your hearing. Remote attendance can be particularly helpful if you have work commitments, childcare responsibilities, or find the prospect of attending court in person overwhelming.

How to Prepare for a Remote Hearing at Brighton Family Court

Preparing for a video hearing at Brighton Family Court requires careful planning. You should test your technology in advance, ensure you have a quiet and well-lit space, and dress as you would for an in-person hearing. Log in at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time slot to resolve any technical issues. Remember that recording the hearing or taking photographs is strictly prohibited and constitutes contempt of court. Our family lawyers can advise you on whether a video hearing at Brighton Family Court is appropriate for your case and help you navigate the process confidently.

Not all hearings are suitable for remote attendance. Complex matters, contested final hearings, or cases involving witness evidence may require you to attend Brighton Family Court in person. If you are unsure whether you can request a video hearing, our family law specialists can advise based on the nature of your case and local court practice.

How Long Will My Case Take at Brighton Family Court?

Waiting times at Brighton Family Court vary considerably depending on the type of case and court availability. For child arrangement matters, you can typically expect your first hearing within 4 to 8 weeks of issuing your application. However, if your case proceeds to a contested final hearing, the entire process may take 12 months or longer. Urgent applications, such as those involving domestic abuse or child abduction, are prioritised and can often be heard within days at Brighton Family Court.

Family courts across England are experiencing significant pressure, and delays are common. At Brighton Family Court, effective case preparation and clear communication can help avoid unnecessary adjournments that extend the timeline. Our family lawyers work to keep your case on track, ensuring all documents are filed correctly and deadlines are met. If you are concerned about delays affecting your situation, we can advise on strategies to progress your matter as efficiently as possible at Brighton Family Court.

Why Choose Our Family Lawyers in Brighton?

Our Brighton team focuses exclusively on family law, so every case benefits from deep, up‑to‑date expertise rather than generalist advice. We have day‑to‑day experience with Brighton County Court and Family Court, including local listing practices and judge expectations, which helps you avoid procedural pitfalls and delays. You can start with a genuinely free initial consultation, giving you space to explain your situation and explore options without financial pressure. Clients consistently describe our approach as calm, clear and human, recognising the emotional impact of separation, court, and safeguarding concerns. Over the years we have helped families across Sussex reach safer arrangements for children, secure fair financial outcomes, and obtain urgent protection where needed.

National Reach, Local Expertise

While our family lawyers in Brighton serve families across Sussex and the South East, Kabir Family Law has a proud national presence with specialist family lawyers across the country in Newcastle, York, Nottingham, Northampton, Cardiff, Coventry, and London. Wherever you are in the UK, expert family law assistance is available.

How Our Family Lawyers in Brighton Can Help

Our Brighton team advises on every stage of divorce proceedings from issuing the application to obtaining your final order. We regularly act in child arrangement orders covering where children live and how much time they spend with each parent. If money is in dispute, we help you negotiate or secure financial settlements that fairly divide property, pensions, and savings. Where safety is an issue, we can obtain urgent domestic abuse protection through non‑molestation and occupation orders. For anyone due at Brighton Family Court, we provide full court representation so you are supported and guided throughout your hearing.

Arrange your free consultation with our family lawyers in Brighton today

Don’t face Brighton family court alone. Whether you need advice before your hearing, guidance during the process, or full representation, our family lawyers in Brighton are here to support you every step of the way. Arrange a free consultation to discuss your issue or call us on 0330 094 5880 to discuss your options.