Durham Family Court Guide | Kabir Family Law

Full Address:

Durham Justice Centre
Green Lane
Old Elvet
Durham
DH1 3RG

Note: The postcode is for deliveries only – please do not use for sat nav directions to avoid the city centre congestion zone.

Opening Hours:

Counter service by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm (cashless office in operation)

Telephone Numbers:

• General Enquiries: 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court – Monday to Friday 8:30am-5pm)
• Divorce Enquiries: 0300 303 0642 (Divorce Contact Centre – Monday to Friday 10am-6pm)
• Enforcement: 0191 375 1808
• Mediation: 0191 224 4482
• Family Public Law (children in care): 0330 808 4424 (Digital process for case numbers starting with C5)
• Social Security and Child Support: 0300 123 1142
• Disability Assistance: 0300 123 5577

Email Addresses:

• Family Court Matters: familydurhamcty@Justice.gov.uk
• Civil Court Hearings: hearingsdurhamcty@justice.gov.uk
• Breathing Space Enquiries: durham.breathingspace@justice.gov.uk
• Family Public Law: contactfpl@justice.gov.uk (for case numbers starting with C5)
• Social Security and Child Support: sscsa-leeds@justice.gov.uk

DX Number: DX 65115 Durham 5

County Court Location Code: 190

Durham County Court is approximately 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles) from Durham Railway Station, taking around 15 minutes to walk. The route involves a downhill walk through the historic city centre, crossing the River Wear.

Walking Directions from Durham Railway Station:

Exit Durham Railway Station and head down North Road, bearing left towards the city centre. After 100 metres, take the footpath on your left signposted for the city centre. Follow this path down the steps to the road below (A690). Cross at the traffic lights and continue ahead across Millburngate Bridge over the River Wear. Continue straight through the city centre, passing the Market Place on your right. Head towards Old Elvet, and you’ll find the Durham Justice Centre on Green Lane, just off Old Elvet on your right-hand side.

By Bus from Durham Railway Station:

Several bus services connect Durham Railway Station to the city centre, including routes 20, 22, 40, 41, 42, 50, and X21. Alight at the Market Place or Old Elvet stops, which are a 5-minute walk from the court. The Cathedral Bus (40/40A) runs Monday to Saturday and connects the railway station to the city centre for 50p.

Check live bus times at: www.arrivabus.co.uk

By Car:

The drive from Durham Railway Station to the court takes approximately 5 minutes via North Road and the A690. However, be aware of the Durham City congestion zone (£2 daily charge between 10am-4pm) which covers the peninsula area near the Cathedral and Market Place.

Important: Do NOT use sat nav to navigate directly to the court postcode as it may direct you through the congestion charging zone. 

Below is a walking distance map from Durham Railway Station: 

Durham City Centre Car Parks:

1. Walkergate Car Park

o Distance from court: 350 metres (5-minute walk)
o Charges: £1.60 for up to 2 hours; 80p per additional hour
o Open: 24 hours daily, charges apply 8am-10pm every day
o Features: Multi-storey, lifts available, accessible bays on multiple levels

2. Prince Bishops Shopping Centre Car Park

o Distance from court: 400 metres (6-minute walk)
o Charges: Similar to Walkergate
o Features: Step-free access, disabled bays

3. Sidegate Car Park

o Distance from court: 500 metres (7-minute walk)
o Charges: £1.60 for up to 2 hours; 80p per additional hour
o Open: 24 hours daily, charges apply 8am-10pm
o Features: Convenient for city centre

Park and Ride Options (Recommended):

Durham offers three Park and Ride sites with free parking and £2 per person bus tickets:

• Belmont Park & Ride (A167 south, open 7am-7pm daily)
• Sniperley Park & Ride (A167/A691 north, open 7am-7pm daily)
• Howlands Park & Ride (A177, open Monday-Saturday)

Buses run every 15 minutes into the city centre.

Blue Badge Holders:

Blue Badge holders can park free of charge and without time restrictions in on-street pay and display bays. Limited disabled parking is available near the court – these spaces operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Parking:

All city centre parking is free after 6:30pm and before 8am.

Durham County Court is fully accessible and equipped with comprehensive facilities to support all court users:

• Wheelchair Access: Full disabled access throughout the building with wheelchair-accessible toilets
• Hearing Loop: Portable hearing enhancement system available by prior arrangement – contact the court in advance
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme: Lanyards available on request
• Assistance Dogs: Welcome throughout the building
• Interview Rooms: Five private interview rooms available
• Baby Changing Facilities: Available within the building
• Video Conference Facilities: Available for remote hearings and prison video links
• WiFi: Free wireless internet access within the building

If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact the court on 0300 123 5577 in advance of your hearing to ensure appropriate arrangements are made.

Attending a family court hearing can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety and ensures you’re properly prepared.

Arrival and Security:

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time. You’ll pass through airport-style security where bags are checked and you’ll walk through a metal detector. Court security staff are there to keep everyone safe and will guide you through the process.

Who You’ll Meet:

Inside the courtroom, you’ll encounter the judge or magistrates who will hear your case, the court clerk who manages the proceedings and takes notes, and the usher who calls cases and ensures the courtroom runs smoothly. Your case may be heard in a formal courtroom or in a smaller, less formal hearing room depending on the nature of the hearing.

The Hearing Process at Durham Family Court:

Family court hearings are usually private, meaning the public cannot attend. The judge will hear from both parties, review any evidence and documents, and may ask questions. Most family hearings are relatively informal compared to criminal courts. The judge will make decisions based on what’s in the best interests of any children involved and what’s fair for all parties.

Court Etiquette:

Address the judge as “Sir” or “Madam” (or “Your Honour” in higher courts). Stand when the judge enters or leaves the room. Speak clearly when asked questions, and listen carefully to all instructions. Turn your mobile phone to silent before entering the courtroom.

After the Hearing:

The judge may give their decision immediately or reserve judgment to a later date. You’ll receive written confirmation of any orders made. If you’re unhappy with the outcome, your family law specialist can advise on whether you have grounds to appeal.

Proper preparation is essential for a successful court appearance. Follow this checklist to ensure you’re ready:

Documents to Bring to Durham Family Court:

• Your court summons or hearing notice
• Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• All relevant court bundles and documents
• Any witness statements or evidence
• Note-taking materials

What to Wear to Durham Family Court:

Dress smartly and conservatively. Business casual attire is appropriate – think smart trousers or skirt with a shirt or blouse. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, shorts, or anything too casual. First impressions matter in court.

Timing:

Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for security checks, finding the correct courtroom, and meeting with your representative. Late arrival can negatively impact your case.

What NOT to Bring to Durham Family Court:

Do not bring large bags if possible. Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, sprays, and excessive electronic devices. Food and drink (except water) are not allowed in courtrooms.

On the Day:

Ensure your phone is on silent before entering the courtroom. Stay calm and composed, even if you feel emotional. Listen carefully to all questions before answering. Speak clearly and truthfully at all times.

Kabir Family Law is a specialist family law practice dedicated exclusively to family matters, ensuring you receive expert guidance throughout your court process. With extensive experience in Durham family court proceedings, our team understands the local court system and can provide the strategic advice you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our family law specialists offer unrivalled advice, support and assistance for all family law matters including divorce, child custody and access, financial settlements, domestic abuse cases, and enforcement of court orders. We combine exceptional legal knowledge with genuine care and empathy, putting you in safe hands during what can be one of life’s most difficult experiences.

Whether you’re preparing for your first Durham court hearing or need assistance with ongoing proceedings, Kabir Family Law can guide you every step of the way. We serve clients across the North East from our Newcastle office, with telephone and video consultations also available.

Our nearest office to Durham:

Kabir Family Law Newcastle
Clavering House
Clavering Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE1 3NG

(Approximately 18 miles from Durham County Court)

Contact Kabir Family Law to arrange a free consultation on legal advice. Arrange a free consultation or book a time that suits you to discuss your issue with one of our Family Lawyers in Newcastle on 0191 814 1000 to discuss your options or let us call you back.