Court hearings

[Juststopamoment]

I have a first hearing next month where I am the respondent. It’s to do with grandparent access. Will this still go ahead? Are courts still having hearings currently? If it’s postponed will they contact me? Thanks.

Court hearings are still going ahead in most parts of the country. Keep an eye on the news, particularly nearer the time. In Berkshire and Oxfordshire the judge in charge there has ordered all suitable hearings to take place by Skype, video link or telephone. It's up to you to keep in touch with the court.

Court hearings are going ahead at the moment. However I'm a lawyer and am hearing rumours this morning that the courts might close for April and May. It is just a rumour at this point. Officially, only trials of more than three days are being postponed.

I have been wondering this too. I have a hearing on 28 April for a child arrangements matter. I am expecting that not to go ahead as it's a non urgent matter (ex husband just being an arse) but am preparing as if it is.

Ok thank you. I’ve prepared but obviously I’d rather not go. Collaborate do you mean that I have to ask the court if they have postponed and that they won’t inform me?

I have also heard of attempts to move to telephone and video hearings where possible.

@Juststopamoment If things go as expected I think much of the court system will grind to a halt as staff have to self-isolate. You can't rely upon them being able to keep everyone up to date individually. They already lack the resources to keep on top of their normal workload.

We have been told that they will list as many interlocutary hearings by telephone but that is all.

There has been an attempt to get the courts to allow extensions of directions by agreement in excess of 28 days but that is currently case by case. I am going to struggle to comply with some directions if my clients are on lockdown.