Oxford Family Court Guide

Part of: Your First Family Court Hearing

If you’re attending the family court at the Oxford Combined Court Centre on St Aldates, understanding what to expect can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. The family court handles all family law matters including divorce, child custody disputes, and financial settlements for families across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley region.

Located in Oxford’s historic city centre, the Oxford Combined Court Centre is just 15 minutes’ walk from Oxford Railway Station, making it easily accessible whether you’re travelling from Witney, Banbury, Abingdon, or surrounding areas. This comprehensive Oxford family court guide provides everything you need: precise directions from Oxford station, parking options near the court, complete contact details, and what to expect during your hearing. Whether you’re representing yourself or working with family law specialists like Kabir Family Law, being well-prepared helps ensure the best possible outcome for your family’s future.

Article Contents

Oxford Combined Court Centre Address and Complete Contact Directory

Oxford Combined Court Centre
St Aldates
Oxford
OX1 1TL

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 6:00pm
Counter Service: By prior appointment only

Phone Numbers:

• General Enquiries (National Contact Centre): 0300 123 5577 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm)
• Divorce Contact Centre: 0300 303 0642 (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm)
• Crown Court: 01865 264200
• Family Public Law (Digital C5 cases): 0330 808 4424
• Jury Service: 01865 264 217
• Social Security & Child Support: 0300 123 1142
• Witness Service: 0300 332 1000
• Enforcement: 01865 264273

Email Addresses:

• Crown Court: [email protected]
• County Court: [email protected]
• Family Court (Paper process, C100 applications): [email protected]
• Family Public Law (Digital C5 process): [email protected]
• Financial Remedy: [email protected]
• Breathing Space Enquiries: [email protected]
• Enforcement: [email protected]
• Social Security & Child Support: [email protected]

Fax Numbers:

• Crown Court: 01264 785113
• Civil Court: 0870 739 5995
• Enforcement: 01264 785043

DX Number: 96450 Oxford 4

How to Get to Oxford Family Court from Oxford Railway Station

Getting to the family court at Oxford is straightforward, with the Oxford Combined Court Centre located approximately 1.3 kilometres from Oxford Railway Station—a pleasant 19 minute walk through Oxford’s historic centre.

Walking Directions from Oxford Station to Oxford Family Court:

Exit Oxford Railway Station and head east along Park End Street. Continue straight as it becomes Hythe Bridge Street, passing Worcester Street. Turn right onto George Street, then continue as it becomes New Road. Turn left onto Queen Street, which leads directly into St Aldates. The family court building (Oxford Combined Court Centre) will be on your right, opposite the iconic Christ Church College. Look for the distinctive neoclassical building with yellow ashlar stone.

Please find below map showing walking directions from the railway station to Oxford Family Court:

By Bus to Oxford Family Court:

Multiple bus routes serve St Aldates near the family court at Oxford. From Railway Station, take routes 1, 5, 300, 400, OXF, X20, or X40 towards the city centre. Alight at Speedwell Street (2-minute walk), Police Station (4-minute walk), or St Aldates (6-minute walk from Oxford court). Buses run every 5-10 minutes. Journey time: 5-8 minutes. Check live times at OxfordBus.co.uk.

By Car to Oxford Family Court:

Driving from Oxford station takes approximately 5 minutes via Park End Street and St Aldates.

Parking Near Oxford Family Court:

Important: There are no parking facilities at the family court. The court strongly recommends Oxford’s Park and Ride services. The nearest car parks to Oxford court are:

• Westgate Shopping Centre Car Park (Thames Street, OX1 1TS): 400 metres (5-minute walk) from the family court at Oxford. Open 24/7. Cost: approximately £5 for 3 hours. Electric vehicle charging available.

• Oxpens Car Park (Oxpens Road): 600 metres (8-minute walk) from the family court. Open 24/7 with blue badge spaces.

Park and Ride for Oxford Family Court:

Oxford operates five Park and Ride sites serving the city centre. The 300 bus route from Pear Tree (north) and Redbridge (south) stops at St Aldates, directly outside the family court. Parking: £2 for 24 hours (plus bus fare). This is the most economical option for Oxford court attendees.

Oxford Family Court Facilities and Accessibility

Oxford family court at the Combined Court Centre offers comprehensive facilities:

Disabled Access: Wheelchair-accessible lifts serve all floors at the family court at Oxford. Blue badge parking at nearby Oxpens Car Park.

Hearing Assistance: Hearing loops available at the enquiry counter and in all court hearing rooms.

Refreshments: First-floor café serves hot and cold food throughout court hours.

Baby Changing: Facilities on ground and first floors at the family court.

Interview Rooms: Private consultation rooms on the first floor for discussions with family law specialists before hearings.

WiFi: GovWifi available throughout Oxford court building.

Assistance Dogs: Welcome throughout the building.

Hidden Disabilities: Sunflower lanyards available at reception.

Video Conferencing: Available by prior arrangement for remote hearings.

Important: Children must be supervised—unaccompanied minors are not permitted in Oxford family court.

What to Expect at Oxford Family Court

Understanding the family court process reduces anxiety on hearing day. Upon arrival at Oxford court, you’ll enter through the main St Aldates entrance where security screening takes place (similar to airport security). Arrive 30 minutes early for security and courtroom location.

After security at Oxford family court, check digital listing screens in the main foyer showing hearing details, courtroom numbers, and times. Court ushers can provide directions if needed.

In Oxford family court hearing rooms, you’ll encounter the district judge or magistrates, the court clerk managing proceedings, and ushers maintaining order. Family court hearings are typically private to protect family confidentiality, though McKenzie Friends or approved support persons may attend.

During your family court hearing, address judges as “Sir” or “Madam.” Stand when judges enter or leave. Speak clearly when questioned. Mobile phones must be silenced. The judge will provide their decision and directions at the hearing’s conclusion, formally recorded by the court clerk.

Preparing for Your Oxford Family Court Appearance

Proper preparation ensures your court visit proceeds smoothly:

Documents to Bring:

• Court order or hearing notice with case number
• Photo identification (passport or driving licence)
• All relevant court documents and evidence bundles
• Any witness statements or supporting documentation
• Note-taking materials

Dress Code:

Dress respectfully in smart casual or business attire. Avoid wearing jeans, trainers, shorts, or clothing with offensive slogans.

Timing:

Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for parking (if using Park and Ride), security screening, and locating your courtroom.

Items Not Permitted:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Large bags (store non-essentials in your vehicle)
• Food or drinks (except baby formula/medical requirements)

Mobile Phones:

Must be switched to silent mode. Photography, video recording, and audio recording inside the court building are strictly prohibited.

Legal Representation:

If you have appointed a family law specialist, confirm meeting arrangements in advance. Interview rooms on the first floor provide private spaces for last-minute consultations.

Contact Kabir Family Law – Oxford & Oxfordshire Family Law Experts

Kabir Family Law specialises exclusively in family law and has extensive experience with Oxford family court proceedings. Our family law specialists guide clients through Oxford Combined Court Centre hearings and family courts throughout Oxfordshire, providing compassionate, practical support for divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and domestic abuse matters.

We understand Oxford family court procedures and work to achieve optimal outcomes while minimising stress. Every family situation is unique—we develop strategic approaches protecting your interests and your children’s wellbeing throughout this difficult period.

Call us on 01865 411 200 or book a time that suits you to discuss your issue with one of our family lawyers in Oxford. We deal with all areas of family law, so why not drop us a call and see how we can help you succeed in your family matter.

Below is a map from our family lawyers in Oxford to the local family court.