What To Expect At Stevenage Magistrates’ & Family Court

Hitchin County Court permanently closed in 2010. All family proceedings from the Hitchin area now take place at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court. This includes divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, financial settlements, and child arrangement orders. The court is easily accessible from Hitchin via the A602 (15-minute drive) or regular bus services.

Court Visiting Address

Stevenage Magistrates’ Court
The Court House
Danesgate
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 1XH

Written Correspondence Address:

C/O Luton Magistrates’ Court
Stuart Street
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 5BL

Complete Telephone Directory

General Enquiries and Disability Support: 03308 084 407
Single Justice Procedure Cases: 0300 303 0656
Payment Enquiries: 01869 853 290 (9am to 5pm)
Legal Aid Enquiries: 0121 232 5500 (9am to 5pm)
Witness Service: 0300 332 1000
Social Security and Child Support: 0300 123 1142

Email Addresses by Department:

General Queries: contactcrime@justice.gov.uk
Single Justice Procedure Queries: sjs@justice.gov.uk
Today’s Hearing Queries ONLY: BD-LutonMCEnq@justice.gov.uk
Benefits Appeals: contactsscs@justice.gov.uk

Opening Hours:

Court Building: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
Court Office: Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm

It’s recommended to contact the court office during their limited hours (10am-2pm) for administrative queries. For urgent matters on the day of your hearing, use the “Today’s Hearing Queries” email or telephone the general enquiries line.

Stevenage Magistrates’ Court is located exactly 0.3 miles from Stevenage train station, taking approximately 8 minutes to walk. The court building sits on Danesgate in the town centre (postcode: SG1 1XH), making it easily accessible by multiple transport options for those attending from Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock, and across Hertfordshire.

Walking Directions from Stevenage Station (8 minutes, 0.3 miles):

Exit Stevenage train station and turn right onto Lytton Way. Walk northwest toward the town centre for 350 metres (4 minutes). Continue straight onto Six Hills Way, passing Westgate Shopping Centre on your left for 400 metres (5 minutes). Turn right onto Danesgate and walk 250 metres (3 minutes). The Court House will be on your left – look for the distinctive brick building with court signage. The route is flat, well-lit, paved throughout, and wheelchair accessible.

Please see below a map showing the walking directions from Stevenage station to the Court House:

By Bus to Stevenage Family Court:

Multiple bus routes serve the Stevenage family court area, with the nearest bus stop (Bus Station Stevenage) located just 2 minutes’ walk from the court entrance:

• Route 101: Direct from Hitchin to Stevenage (25 minutes, every 30 minutes during peak)
• Route 100: Town centre service (every 15 minutes)
• Route 301: Serving Letchworth Garden City, Baldock, Stevenage (hourly)
• Route 907: Express from Welwyn Garden City (every 30 minutes during peak)

For real-time bus tracking and journey planning, visit Intalink Hertfordshire or download the Moovit app. This is especially useful if you’re traveling from Hitchin or Letchworth for your court hearing, as you can check for any delays or service changes before you travel.

By Train to Stevenage

Excellent connectivity with:

• Great Northern: London King’s Cross (under 30 minutes), Cambridge (35 minutes)
• London North Eastern Railway: Newcastle, York, Edinburgh, Leeds
• Thameslink: Brighton, Gatwick Airport, London St Pancras, Bedford
• Hull Trains: Northern destinations

By Car from Key Locations

• From Hitchin (7 miles, 15 minutes): A602 east to Stevenage, onto Broadhall Way, left onto Lytton Way, follow signs for Danesgate
• From Letchworth (6 miles, 12 minutes): A1(M) southbound to Junction 8, follow A602 to town centre
• From Welwyn Garden City (9 miles, 18 minutes): A1(M) northbound to Junction 7, follow B197 and town centre signs
• From Baldock (8 miles, 16 minutes): A507 to A1(M) southbound, exit Junction 8
• From London (30 miles, 45 minutes): M25 to A1(M) northbound, exit Junction 7

Parking Near Stevenage family Court

The court has no on-site parking. Three public car parks are within 161 metres (2-minute walk):

Danesgate East Car Park – SG1 1YJ
161 metres, 76 spaces, £1.20-£8, Blue Badge spaces available
Danesgate Car Park (Closest) – SG1 1XH
Adjacent to court, 74 spaces, time-based charging, Blue Badge priority spaces
Danesgate West Car Park – SG1 1LZ
161 metres, 90 spaces (largest option), fixed charging

All use ANPR with chip coin systems. Take chip coin at entry, pay before leaving, use chip coin to exit. Contact: carparks@stevenage.gov.uk or 01438 218847.

If you are travelling by train below is a map for directions from the train station to the family court: 

Accessibility Features:
Full disabled access with ramps and lifts, accessible toilets on all floors, hearing loop facilities in all courtrooms, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards on request, assistance dogs welcome, all areas wheelchair accessible.

For disability support, contact 03308 084 407 before your hearing for personal assistance, priority seating, alternative format documents, or extended hearing time.

Family-Friendly Facilities:

Baby changing in accessible toilets, private interview rooms for confidential discussions with family lawyers, separate waiting areas available, child-friendly areas (though childcare recommended as hearings can be stressful).

Additional Amenities:

Vending machines for refreshments, public WiFi (limited bandwidth), secure lockers, video conferencing by prior arrangement, prison-to-court video link, prayer/quiet room (ask at reception).

Security:

All visitors pass through security screening. Allow 10-15 minutes extra during busy mornings (9am-10am). Metal detector, bag X-ray, remove keys/phones/metal items. Items NOT permitted: weapons (including pocket knives), aerosols, glass bottles, excessively large bags.

Before your hearing, secure expert legal advice to maximise success. Kabir Family Law’s family lawyers in Hertfordshire offer a 100% FREE consultation to review your case, explain the process, advise on evidence presentation, develop tailored strategy, and answer all questions with no obligation.

Your Court Hearing Journey: Step by Step

Before Arrival: Review documents thoroughly, check court papers for hearing time/courtroom, prepare smart clothing, get good sleep, eat proper breakfast, arrive 30 minutes early.

Upon Arrival: Security screening (10-15 mins), check in at reception, wait in designated area, court usher calls your name. Be prepared to wait 15 minutes to 2 hours past scheduled time.

Who You’ll Meet: District Judge or Magistrates (address as “Sir/Madam/Your Honour”), Court Clerk, Court Usher, Cafcass Officer (in children cases), other party and their representative, your family lawyer (if instructed).

Hearing Process:

Introduction (5 mins) – judge introduces case and confirms identities

Preliminary Matters (5-10 mins) – confirms everyone received papers, establishes timings

Presentations (30-90 mins) – applicant presents first, then respondent responds

Questions (15-30 mins) – judge asks clarifications

Decision or Directions (10-20 mins) – final order or directions for next steps

Recording Order – clerk writes formal order, posted within 5-7 days

Court Etiquette DO: Stand when judge enters/leaves, address judge respectfully, speak clearly, listen without interrupting, turn phone off completely, bring water, take notes, ask for breaks if needed.

Court Etiquette DON’T: Interrupt, have emotional outbursts, speak directly to other party, use phone, eat food, bring children unnecessarily, record audio/video.

After Your Hearing: Collect documents, discuss outcome with your family lawyer, note deadlines, comply with orders. Failure to comply can result in enforcement, fines, or imprisonment.

Documents Checklist

Essential: Hearing notice with case number, all previous court orders, directions from judge, application forms (C100, C7)

Evidence: Text messages/emails (printed, dated), photos/videos, school/medical records, childcare calendar/diary, character references, police reports (if applicable)

Financial (if relevant): Bank statements (3-6 months), payslips (3 months), mortgage/tenancy agreements, utility bills, Form E, property valuations, pension statements

Identity: Photo ID (passport/driving licence), proof of address, children’s birth certificates

Use ring binder with dividers. Bring 3 copies of documents to submit.

What to Wear to Stevenage Family Court

Men: Smart trousers, collared shirt, smart shoes. Optional: tie, jumper, blazer. Avoid jeans, graphic tees, sportswear.

Women: Smart trousers/knee-length skirt/conservative dress, neat blouse/shirt, smart shoes. Optional: blazer, cardigan. Avoid low-cut tops, short skirts, excessive jewellery.

All: Clean pressed clothing, conservative colors (black/navy/grey/white), minimal cologne/perfume, neat appearance. Think “job interview” not TV courtroom drama.

DON’T wear: Jeans, leggings, tracksuits, slogan tees, sportswear, flip-flops, caps/hats, sunglasses, revealing clothing.

Timing

Arrive 30 minutes early for: travel delays, security (5-15 mins), finding courtroom, meeting your family lawyer, composing yourself, potential early calls.

Late arrival may result in: hearing in your absence, contempt of court, case adjournment, negative impression. If delayed, call 03308 084 407 immediately.

What NOT to Bring to Stevenage Family Court

Large bags (limited lockers), weapons, valuable jewellery, large cash amounts, food, children (unless required). Mobile phones allowed but must be OFF in courtrooms.

Mental Preparation

Days before: Review evidence multiple times, practice stress-reduction, talk to supportive friends/family, write key points, prioritize sleep.

Night before: Pack bag, plan route, check transport, set alarms, avoid alcohol, prepare meals.

Day of: Eat substantial breakfast, bring water, bring support person for waiting area, turn off social media, use breathing exercises.

Feeling nervous is normal. Judges understand and focus on evidence, not emotional state.

Most Important Step: Get Legal Advice

Consulting experienced family lawyers is the single most effective preparation. Even one consultation identifies case weaknesses, organizes evidence effectively, explains judge expectations, provides realistic outcomes, and boosts confidence dramatically.

When your family’s future is at stake, you need dedicated advocates who understand family law’s emotional complexity and will fight for your best interests.

Why Choose Kabir Family Law for Stevenage Family Court?

Exclusive Family Law Focus: We specialize solely in family law. Every case is familiar to us. Deep expertise in all aspects from straightforward divorces to complex international custody disputes. We stay current with latest developments. No expertise dilution across other practice areas.

Proven Track Record: 500+ successful Hertfordshire cases, 15+ years combined experience, extensive Stevenage Magistrates’ Court experience, high success rate in child custody, financial settlements, and complex divorces.

Compassionate Approach: Expert legal knowledge with genuine empathy. Listen to understand your unique situation. Plain English explanations, not legal jargon. Prompt response to calls/emails. Regular updates. Same family lawyer throughout for trust-based relationships.

Services for Stevenage Family Court:

Child custody and arrangement orders, divorce and financial settlements, domestic abuse protection, enforcement of court orders, variation of existing orders, cohabitation and prenuptial agreements, international family law cases.

Our Approach:

Free Initial Consultation: Proper consultation to understand your situation, explain options clearly, provide honest assessment, outline transparent fees, answer all questions. Leave feeling informed and empowered.

Clear Fixed Fees: Fixed fee structures where possible, regular billing updates, complete financial control. Legal aid exploration, payment plans available.

Tailored Strategy: No cookie-cutter solutions. Strategy developed specifically for your circumstances, goals, and priorities. Honest advice on aggressive vs mediation approaches.

Consistent Communication: Same dedicated family lawyer throughout, prompt responses (typically within 24 hours), regular proactive updates, flexible appointments for work/childcare.

Practical Realistic Advice: Honest about achievable outcomes, early identification of challenges, focus on achievable solutions, best possible outcome within legal framework.

Emotional Support: Recognize family law involves real people in difficult transitions. Empathy and compassion alongside professional boundaries. Human being treatment, not case numbers.

National Strength, Local Knowledge: Offices in Newcastle, York, Nottingham, Northampton, Cardiff, Coventry, London (Holborn and Fulham), and Oxford. Handle multi-jurisdiction cases seamlessly. Face-to-face meetings at convenient locations. Collective expertise sharing across offices.

Taking the Next Step

Don’t face Stevenage family court alone. Whether beginning your journey or needing better assistance midway through proceedings, Kabir Family Law helps.

Why Act Now?

Family law cases move quickly with strict deadlines. Evidence available now might not be later. Early expert advice strengthens your case. Waiting until last minute creates disadvantage.

Early legal advice saves money long-term. Mistakes made early are costly to fix later. Proper guidance from start avoids common pitfalls increasing costs.

Your children’s welfare and financial future are too important to leave to chance. Expert family lawyers in Stevenage make enormous outcome differences. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Your free consultation is just a phone call away. Call 0330 094 5880 NOW to arrange your free consultation or let us call you back.

How much do family lawyers cost?

Costs vary by case complexity. Free consultation provides clear estimate. Fixed fees where possible. Payment plans discussed.

How long do cases take?

Simple uncontested: few months. Complex contested: 6-12+ months. Key factor: agreement vs. judge decision. Your family lawyer provides realistic timeframe.

Can’t afford a lawyer?

Flexible payment plans offered. Free consultation costs nothing – invaluable advice even if ultimately self-representing.

Can I represent myself at Stevenage family court?

Yes, many do. However, system is complex. Statistics show significantly better outcomes with legal assistance. Even limited advice helps substantially.

Ex-partner has lawyer, I don’t?

Significant disadvantage. Lawyer knows effective evidence presentation, understands judge expectations, challenges weak arguments, spots procedural issues. Strongly consider initial advice. Free consultation helps level playing field.

Will I see my ex-partner?

Usually yes, same day. Court provides separate waiting in domestic abuse/high conflict cases. No requirement to speak – communication through judge. Inform staff of concerns upon arrival.

Need to change court order?

Life changes, orders sometimes need updating. Particularly common in child arrangements as children grow. Apply to vary existing order. Family lawyer advises if circumstances justify variation.