Nottingham County Court Guide: What to Expect | Free Advice

Full Address:

Nottingham County Court and Family Court 60 Canal Street Nottingham NG1 7EJ

Opening Hours:

Court open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm Counter: By appointment only

Telephone Numbers:

• Counter appointments: 0115 910 3405
• General enquiries (Civil & Family): 0300 123 5577 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm)
• Divorce Contact Centre: 0300 303 0642 (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm)
• Family court (Private Law, Family Law Act, Divorce): 0300 123 5577
• Family Public Law (FPL portal, C5 cases): 0330 808 4424
• Family Public Law (NOT FPL, C0/C4 cases): 0300 123 5577
• Adoption enquiries: 0300 123 5577
• Disability assistance: 0300 123 5577

Email Addresses:

• Civil enquiries: enquiries.nottingham.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• Family court: family.nottingham.countycourt@justice.gov.uk (Private Law, Family Law Act, Public Law, Adoption)
• Family Public Law (digital cases): contactfpl@justice.gov.uk (C5 case numbers)
• Financial Remedy & Divorce: FRCnottingham@justice.gov.uk
• Breathing Space enquiries: nottingham.breathingspace@justice.gov.uk
• Enforcement/Bailiffs: bailiffs.nottingham.countycourt@justice.gov.uk

DX Number:

DX 702380 Nottingham 7

Court Location Codes:

County Court: 286 | Family Court: 286

The Nottingham family court is exceptionally easy to reach, located just 155 metres from Nottingham Railway Station, taking only 2-3 minutes to walk.

From Nottingham Railway Station:

Exit the main station entrance onto Carrington Street. Turn right and walk along Station Street towards Canal Street. The court building is on your left at 60 Canal Street. The entire journey is approximately 155 metres and takes 2-3 minutes on foot.

Please find below a map showing the walking directions to the family court from the railway station:

Walking Directions:

This is one of the shortest walks from any railway station to a family court in England. Simply exit Nottingham Station (Carrington Street entrance, NG2 3AQ), turn right onto Station Street, and the court is immediately visible on Canal Street within 170 yards.

By Bus:

The nearest bus stop is Canal Street, located just 152 metres from the court (3-minute walk). Multiple bus routes serve this stop including routes 1, 4, 10, 34, 44, 48X, 70, 77, Skylink Nottingham, Mainline, Cotgrave, Keyworth, and Rushcliffe Villager. Check live bus times at www.nctx.co.uk or use the Moovit app.

By Tram:

Nottingham Station Tram Stop connects to the city’s tram network (NET – Nottingham Express Transit). The tram provides excellent connections across Nottingham and to Park & Ride facilities.

By Car:

Driving from the station area takes approximately 1 minute via Station Street and Canal Street. Note that Canal Street now has restricted access for buses, taxis, and authorised vehicles only as part of the city’s Southside regeneration.

Parking:

There is no parking at the court itself. The closest car park is Broad Marsh Car Park with its entrance on Canal Street, approximately 150 metres from the court (3-minute walk). The car park offers 1,304 spaces including 81 electric vehicle charging points and 38 Blue Badge bays on floors 2 and 3.

Parking charges (as of 2025, prices subject to change):

• Up to 2 hours: £5.30
• Up to 4 hours: £7.50
• Up to 6 hours: £11.00
• Up to 8 hours: £16.00
• Up to 24 hours: £18.00
• Early Bird special (arrive before 9:30am, Mon-Fri): £6.50 all day
• Evening tariff (after 5pm to 2am): £8.00

Payment options: Contactless/chip & pin at entry/exit barriers (same card must be used), or via the RingGo app. You can also take a ticket on entry and pay at pay stations on each floor. For current parking rates, visit parking.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

Alternative parking is available at NCP Stoney Street (approximately 400 metres) and NCP Maid Marian Way (approximately 300 metres).

Nottingham County Court and Family Court offers comprehensive facilities to ensure all visitors can access justice comfortably:

Accessibility Features:

• Wheelchair access with ramp to building entrance
• Lift service between ground floor and first floor
• Level access to all courtrooms and hearing rooms
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards available on request
• Assistance dogs welcome throughout the building
• Portable hearing enhancement system available by prior arrangement (contact the court in advance at 0300 123 5577)

Family-Friendly Facilities:

• Baby changing facilities available
• Restaurant facilities on site for refreshments
• Interview rooms for private consultations with your legal team

Additional Support:

• Support Through Court service available on site to provide free, independent guidance and assistance
• Professional interpreter services can be arranged in advance via gov.uk/get-interpreter-at-court-or-tribunal

Parking Facilities at Nottingham Family Court:

• Broad Marsh Car Park is fully accessible with 38 dedicated Blue Badge parking bays
• Standard parking charges apply for Blue Badge holders in multi-storey car parks
• Multiple lifts available from all parking levels

If you require any accessibility adjustments or have specific needs, contact the court on 0300 123 5577 well before your hearing to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place.

Understanding the court process helps reduce anxiety about attending. When you arrive at Nottingham County Court and Family Court, you’ll enter through the main entrance on Canal Street where security screening takes place. All visitors must pass through security, similar to airport procedures, so allow extra time for this process.

Once through security, court ushers are available in the main reception area to direct you to the correct courtroom. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing time to complete any necessary paperwork, speak with your legal team if applicable, and find your courtroom. Check the electronic display boards or ask court staff for your courtroom number.

Inside the courtroom, you’ll meet the judge (who may be addressed as ‘Your Honour’ or ‘Sir/Madam’), the court clerk who manages proceedings and keeps records, and ushers who assist with courtroom logistics and calling parties into court. In family court proceedings, the atmosphere is typically less formal than criminal court, though respect and proper conduct are still essential.

The judge will explain the hearing process at the start and give everyone an opportunity to present their case or respond to applications. Listen carefully to the judge’s questions and answer honestly, clearly, and concisely. Speak when invited to do so and address your comments to the judge. Remember that in all family matters, the court’s primary concern is the welfare of any children involved.

After hearing all evidence and submissions, the judge will either deliver a decision immediately or reserve judgment to consider the evidence more carefully. If judgment is reserved, you’ll be notified when the decision will be available. Court staff can answer procedural questions after your hearing, though they cannot provide legal advice about your case.

Essential Documents Checklist for Nottingham Family Court:

• Your hearing notice or court summons with case number
• All relevant court documents and any evidence you plan to present
• Photographic identification (passport, driving licence, or official correspondence with your name and address)
• Copies of any statements or reports filed with the court
• Notebook and pen for taking notes during the hearing

Practical Preparation:

• Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for security screening, finding your courtroom, and composing yourself
• Dress in smart casual attire – business wear is appropriate but not essential; avoid casual sportswear, shorts, or revealing clothing
• Turn your mobile phone to silent (or off) before entering the courtroom
• Bring water and any necessary medication, though eating and drinking in courtrooms is not permitted

What NOT to Bring to Nottingham Family Court:

• Recording devices, cameras, or video equipment (these are prohibited)
• Large bags or suitcases (security screening may take longer)
• Weapons, sharp objects, or items that could be considered offensive
• Food or hot drinks into courtrooms

Legal Assistance:

Consider whether you need legal assistance for your hearing. While some people attend court themselves (as litigants in person), complex family law matters often benefit from professional legal guidance. Kabir Family Law can assess your case, explain your options, and provide expert assistance at Nottingham County Court and Family Court.

Kabir Family Law specialises in all aspects of family law and has extensive experience assisting clients at Nottingham County Court and Family Court. Our team understands the local court procedures and works regularly with the Nottingham family court judiciary and court staff, ensuring your case is handled professionally and efficiently.

We provide compassionate, expert legal guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you’re facing divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, financial settlement negotiations, domestic abuse matters, or any other family law issue, we can guide you through the entire court process with confidence and care.

Our Nottingham family law specialists take time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain English, and develop a clear strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. We handle all court paperwork, liaise with the court on your behalf, and provide strong assistance and guidance at hearings.

We offer a free consultation on legal advice to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain the next steps. This no-obligation consultation allows you to understand your position and make informed decisions about your family law matter.

Contact Kabir Family Law today to arrange a free consultation on legal advice.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation by calling on 0115 666 3800 or book a time that suits you to discuss your issue with one of our family lawyers in Nottingham.