Bristol Civil and Family Court & Justice Centre Guide

Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre
2 Redcliff Street
Bristol
BS1 6GR

Court Opening Hours:

• Court building: Monday-Wednesday & Friday 8:30am-4pm, Thursday 9am-4pm
• Counter service: 9:30am-2pm (High Court & Administrative Court until 4pm)
• Telephone enquiries: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm

Complete Telephone Directory:

• General Enquiries: 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre – Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm)
• Business & Property Courts: 0117 366 4860 (including Civil Appeals and Insolvency)
• Court of Protection: 0117 366 4830
• Divorce Contact Centre: 0300 303 0642 (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm)
• Payments (Fees & Judgements): 0117 366 4840
• Family Public Law (C5 cases): 0330 808 4424
• Support Through Court: 0300 081 0006
• Employment Tribunal: 0117 929 8261

Email Addresses:

• Family Court Matters: family.bristol.countycourt@justice.gov.uk (including C100 applications)
• Financial Remedy Cases: bristolfrc.bristol.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• Court of Protection: courtofprotection.bristol.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• Civil Court E-filing: e-filing.bristol.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• Business & Property Courts: bristolspecialist@justice.gov.uk
• Civil Enquiries: BristolPossessions@justice.gov.uk
• Enforcement: bailiffs.bristol.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• Family Public Law (C5): contactfpl@justice.gov.uk
• Breathing Space Enquiries: bristol.breathingspace@justice.gov.uk
• Support Through Court: online@supportthroughcourt.org
• Employment Tribunal: bristolet@justice.gov.uk

Fax Numbers:

• Civil Court: 0870 324 0048
• Family Court: 0870 324 0266
• Employment Tribunal: 0870 739 4009

DX Numbers: DX 95903 Bristol 3 / DX 95905 Bristol 3

The Bristol family court is conveniently located just 1.2 kilometres from Bristol Temple Meads station, making it one of the most accessible family courts in the South West.

From Bristol Temple Meads Station

The court is exactly 15 minutes’ walk from the station. Exit the main entrance onto Temple Way, turn right and walk along Temple Way towards the city centre. Continue straight as the road becomes Victoria Street. After approximately 800 metres, turn left onto Redcliff Street. The Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre is located on your left at number 2, a modern building near Bristol Bridge.

Please find below a map showing the walking distance from Bristol Temple Meads Station to Bristol Family Court.

By Bus

Several bus routes serve the area around Bristol family court. From Bristol Temple Meads, you can take bus routes 8, 9, or 72 which stop near Bristol Bridge on Redcliff Street, just metres from the court entrance. The journey takes approximately 8-10 minutes. For live bus times, visit First Bus Bristol.

By Car

Driving from Bristol Temple Meads takes approximately 5-7 minutes via Temple Way and Victoria Street. Follow the same route as the walking directions. The court is located in Bristol’s legal district near the city centre.

Parking Near Bristol Family Court:

• Redcliff Street Pay & Display: Located directly on Redcliff Street outside the court building. Limited spaces available at approximately £2-3 per hour.
• NCP Redcliffe Parade: BS1 6SW – approximately 200 metres from court (3-minute walk). Typical cost £8-12 for 3-4 hours.
• The Mall Galleries Shopping Centre: BS1 3XD – approximately 400 metres from court (6-minute walk). Costs around £10 for 4 hours.
• Blue Badge Parking: Designated disabled parking spaces are available. Contact the court on 0117 366 4830 for specific arrangements.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to allow time for parking and security checks.

The Bristol family court is a modern, purpose-built facility designed to ensure all visitors can access justice comfortably:

Accessibility Features

• Full wheelchair access throughout the building
• Lift facilities to all floors
• Disabled toilet facilities
• Portable hearing enhancement system (available by prior arrangement – contact 0117 366 4830)
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards available on request

Family-Friendly Facilities

• Children’s waiting room
• Baby changing facilities
• Private interview rooms available on all hearing floors

Additional Amenities

• Hot and cold vending machines (1st floor District Judges reception area)
• Free WiFi (GovWifi network)
• Quiet contemplation/prayer room
• Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities
• Prison to court video link facilities (by prior arrangement)
• Support Through Court services available online at www.supportthroughcourt.org

The court welcomes assistance and guide dogs. If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact the court in advance on 0117 366 4830 to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

Understanding what happens at Bristol family court can help reduce anxiety about your hearing. Before your court date, we strongly recommend arranging a FREE initial consultation with our Bristol family lawyers at Kabir Family Law to discuss your case and secure the best chances of a positive outcome.

Arriving at Court

When you arrive at the Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre, you’ll need to pass through airport-style security. All bags will be scanned and metal detectors used. Allow extra time for this process, especially during busy periods.

Who You’ll Meet

• The Judge: The judge will hear your case and make decisions based on the evidence presented. In family matters, judges focus on what’s in the best interests of any children involved.
• The Court Usher: Ushers manage the courtroom, call cases, and can answer practical questions about court procedures.
• Court Clerk: The clerk assists the judge with paperwork and case management.
• CAFCASS Officers: In cases involving children, CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) officers may be present to represent the child’s interests.

During Your Hearing

Family court hearings can vary in length from 30 minutes to several hours depending on complexity. The judge will hear from both parties and any relevant witnesses. It’s important to speak clearly, address the judge as “Your Honour” or “Sir/Madam,” and remain respectful throughout proceedings.

Getting Expert Guidance

Our experienced Bristol child custody lawyers understand the Bristol family court process intimately. With offices across the UK including Newcastle, York, Nottingham, Northampton, Cardiff, Coventry, and London, we provide national reach with local expertise. Our family law specialists in Bristol have helped hundreds of families navigate complex custody arrangements, financial settlements, and divorce proceedings through the Bristol family court.

After Your Hearing

The judge may make a decision immediately or reserve judgment to be delivered later. You’ll be informed of next steps and any further hearings required. Our family lawyers in Bristol can help you understand the court’s decision and advise on any necessary follow-up action.

Proper preparation can significantly impact your experience at Bristol family court:

Documents to Bring:

• Court order or hearing notice
• Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Any relevant court bundles or documents filed
• Notes of key points you want to raise
• Details of any safeguarding concerns

What to Wear:

Dress smartly and conservatively. Smart casual attire is appropriate – think business meeting rather than formal occasion. Avoid jeans, trainers, or overly casual clothing.

On the Day:

• Arrive 30 minutes before your hearing time
• Turn mobile phones to silent (not just vibrate)
• Do not bring recording devices or attempt to photograph inside the court
• Children should not attend unless specifically required by the court
• Avoid chewing gum in the courtroom

Items Not Permitted:

• Weapons of any kind
• Large bags (consider a small briefcase or handbag)
• Food and drink (except water in appropriate containers)
• Recording equipment

Don’t face Bristol family court alone. Kabir Family Law specialises exclusively in family law, giving you access to dedicated family law specialists who understand the complexities of the Bristol family court system. Our family lawyers in Bristol have extensive experience with cases heard at the Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre, from complex child custody arrangements to high-value financial settlements.

Unlike traditional law firms, we’re an independent practice focused entirely on achieving the best possible outcomes for your family – without the pressure of billing targets. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child arrangements, financial disputes, or domestic abuse matters, our compassionate team provides clear, practical guidance every step of the way.

With offices in Cardiff just 25 miles from Bristol, as well as Newcastle, York, Nottingham, Northampton, Coventry, and London, we serve clients nationally while offering the personal touch of a boutique practice. Many of our family lawyers can provide invaluable insight into local procedures and judicial preferences.

Arrange your FREE consultation today and take the first step toward securing the best outcome for your family. Call 0330 094 5880 NOW to arrange your free consultation or let us call you back. Don’t wait – early legal advice can make all the difference to your case outcome.

About This Guide: This guide was last updated October 2025. Court contact details and procedures are subject to change. We recommend verifying critical information directly with the Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre before your hearing. For personalised legal guidance specific to your circumstances, contact Kabir Family Law for a free consultation.