Reading Family Court Guide for Henley-on-Thames Residents

Reading County Court and Family Court
160-163 Friar Street
Reading
RG1 1HE

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Counter: By prior appointment only for urgent Civil and Family Applications

Main Telephone Numbers

• General Enquiries: 0118 987 0500 (Including paper process)
• National Contact Centre (Civil & Family): 0300 123 5577 (Monday to Friday 8:30am-5pm)
• Divorce Contact Centre: 0300 303 0642 (Monday to Friday 10am-6pm)
• Family Public Law (children in care): 0330 808 4424 (Digital process for C5 case numbers)

Email Addresses

• Civil Court: [email protected]
• Enforcement/Bailiffs: [email protected] (Warrants only)
• Family Court: [email protected] (Paper process including C100 applications)
• Family Public Law: [email protected] (Digital process for C5 cases)
• Court of Protection: [email protected]
• Breathing Space Enquiries: [email protected]

Fax: 0870 324 0329

DX: 98010 Reading 6
Court Location Codes: 305 (County and Family)

For Henley-on-Thames residents, Reading family court is conveniently accessible by train, car, or bus.

From Henley-on-Thames by Train

The court is located approximately 850 metres from Reading station, requiring a 10-12 minute walk. Trains from Henley-on-Thames to Reading run regularly throughout the day, with the journey taking approximately 22-25 minutes via Twyford. Great Western Railway operates this service with trains departing hourly.

Walking Directions from Reading Station

Upon exiting Reading station’s main entrance, cross at the Station Approach pelican crossing and turn left. Cross Garrard Street into Station Road. Continue straight across Friar Street into Queen Victoria Street, then the court building will be visible on your right at 160-163 Friar Street. The entire walk takes 4-5 minutes and is clearly signposted.

Below is a map for walking directions to Reading Family Court from Reading train station: 

By Bus from Reading Station

Several bus routes serve Friar Street, including routes 1, 800, 850, RA1, X4, and X40. The Friar Street bus stop is located directly outside the court, approximately 56 metres from the entrance (1-minute walk). Buses depart from Reading Station Road every few minutes during business hours.

By Car from Henley-on-Thames

The drive from Henley-on-Thames to Reading takes approximately 15-20 minutes (8 miles) via the A4155 and A4074. Head south from Henley on the A4155 towards Reading, then merge onto the A4074. Follow signs for Reading town centre, then follow directional signs for Friar Street.

Parking

The court itself has no parking facilities. However, several public car parks are located within walking distance:

• Broad Street Mall Car Park (Castle Street, RG1 7QE): 150 metres from court (2-minute walk). Open 24/7. Charges: £2.10 per hour weekdays, up to £16 for 24 hours. Earlybird rate: £7.00 (enter 6am-8am, exit before 11:59pm). 750 spaces, including 19 disabled bays and 12 parent-child bays. Height restriction: 1.83m. Payment: cards, notes, coins, contactless tap in/out.
• Q-Park Chatham Place (Chatham Street, RG1 7JF): 300 metres from court (4-minute walk). Open 24/7. 585 spaces with electric vehicle charging. Height restriction: 2.10m. Pre-booking available online at discounted rates.
• Reading Station Multi-Storey (Vastern Road, RG1 1LZ): 850 metres from court (10-minute walk). Convenient if travelling by train. Long-stay parking available.

Blue badge holders should note that disabled bays at Broad Street Mall require payment.

Reading County Court offers comprehensive facilities to ensure all visitors can access justice comfortably. The building features full wheelchair access with a ramp at the building entrance, lifts between floors, and level access to all courtrooms and hearing rooms. Ten interview rooms are available for private consultations with family lawyers in Reading before hearings.

The court has a dedicated children’s waiting room, recognising that child custody and child arrangements matters often require special consideration for young family members. Baby changing facilities are available in the disabled toilets on the fourth floor. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available on request from reception.

Hearing enhancement facilities and hearing loops are available by prior arrangement for those with hearing impairments. Contact the court office by telephone or email in advance to arrange this support. Court and hearing room video conferencing facilities are also available, allowing for virtual attendance when appropriate. If you have any disability and require assistance, contact 0118 987 0500 before your hearing date to discuss your requirements.

Attending a family court hearing can feel daunting, but understanding the process helps reduce anxiety. Before your hearing date, it’s essential to arrange a free consultation with experienced family lawyers in Reading who serve Henley-on-Thames residents.

Our family law specialists at Kabir Family Law provide expert guidance and assistance on how to prepare your case, what documents to bring, and what strategies will help secure the best outcome for you and your family.

Whether you’re dealing with Reading child custody matters, divorce proceedings, or financial settlements, having specialist guidance and assistance significantly improves your chances of success. Many Henley-on-Thames residents benefit from our Reading family lawyers who understand the local courts and have extensive experience.

Upon arrival at the court, you’ll go through airport-style security screening. Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode before entering courtrooms. You’ll check in at reception and wait in designated waiting areas until your case is called. An usher will show you to the correct courtroom and explain where to sit.

Inside the courtroom, the judge sits at the front on an elevated bench, with the court clerk nearby keeping records of proceedings. Your family law specialist will provide guidance and assistance throughout. Most family court hearings take place in private (closed court), meaning members of the public cannot attend, protecting your family’s confidentiality.

The judge will hear evidence and submissions from both parties before making decisions based on the child’s best interests (in child matters) or fairness and reasonableness (in financial matters). Hearings can last anywhere from 30 minutes for short directions appointments to full days for complex final hearings. After the hearing, your family lawyers in Reading will explain the outcome and any next steps required.

Proper preparation significantly impacts your court experience. Our family law specialists in Reading recommend the following checklist for Henley-on-Thames residents attending Reading family court:

Documents to Bring

• Your hearing notice with case number and hearing time
• Two forms of identification (passport, driving licence, utility bill)
• All court orders and previous documentation related to your case
• Any evidence or witness statements required for your hearing
• Copies of financial disclosure (for financial remedy hearings)
• Notes prepared with your family lawyers in Reading

What to Wear

• Smart, conservative clothing (business casual minimum)
• Avoid jeans, t-shirts, shorts, or sportswear
• Remove caps or hats before entering courtrooms
• Keep jewellery minimal and professional

Timing and Behaviour

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time
• Allow extra time for travel delays from Henley-on-Thames
• Turn mobile phones to silent or switch off completely
• Speak respectfully to all court staff, judges, and other parties
• Follow instructions from ushers and court clerks promptly

What NOT to Bring

• Food or hot drinks (water bottles usually permitted)
• Large bags (security restrictions apply)
• Recording devices (strictly prohibited)
• Weapons or sharp objects (will be confiscated)

Remember that courts can be unpredictable. Hearings may run late, and you might experience delays. Bring reading material for waiting periods and ensure you have arranged sufficient time away from work or childcare commitments.

Kabir Family Law specialises exclusively in family law, providing expert guidance and assistance to Henley-on-Thames residents and families across the Reading area. Our family law specialists have extensive experience providing guidance to clients attending Reading County Court and Family Court, with a proven track record of helping secure positive outcomes in child custody disputes, divorce proceedings, financial settlements, and complex international family cases.

We understand that every family’s situation is unique. That’s why our family lawyers in Reading take time to listen to your specific circumstances before developing tailored strategies designed to help you achieve your goals. Unlike traditional firms, our specialists work without billing pressures, focusing entirely on providing the guidance and assistance needed to secure the best results for you and your family.

With offices across the UK – including Newcastle, York, Nottingham, Northampton, Cardiff, Coventry, and London – we have the national strength to handle even the most complex cases while providing personalised service to families in Reading and surrounding areas including Henley-on-Thames. Whether you’re facing a straightforward divorce or a complicated international child custody battle, our team of family lawyers in Reading has the expertise to guide you through every stage.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain how we can help.

During this consultation, our Reading family lawyers will assess your situation, explain your legal options, and provide practical advice on the next steps. There’s no obligation, and you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your position.

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

Don’t face family court alone. Contact our experienced family lawyers in Reading today and take the first step toward securing the best outcome for your family’s future. Call 0330 094 5880 to arrange your free consultation or let us call you back.