Family Court - Form to Complete to Arrange Separate Waiting Rooms

[Joy5]

Hi
I think i saw somewhere on MNs that you cann arrange to wait separately before an appointment at the Family Court.

Now i want it though, i can't find it. Does anyone know of the form name i need to complete so that i don't have to wait in the same waiting room as my ex.

Last time i saw him, 18 months ago he was violent towards me, i've convinced myself to be strong for the hearing, but don't want to have sit near him giving him a chance to glare at me and knock me back again.

You just need to contact the court and ask if they can put a vulnerable witness suite aside for you. Get there early though. There's often not enough if them so it's first come first served.

I have had similar issues. What I tend to do is wait in the criminal part of the court waiting area as there are some more private areas. The security men kindly go into the family court waiting room and register me in with the clerk and then the clerk comes out to get me. He is known to them through his regular appearances in the criminal section.

Our local solicitors tend to bag the private rooms for their clients so I have learnt through experience a way of coping.

I put on the application response (there's a box at the end) but don't think anything resulted from it. Instead I just arrive early and ask the receptionist or if none then just occupy a room. It makes it much easier especially if they are running late. Also take someone with you if you are self rep so you are not alone if you do have to wait in main room