What to do on the day

Make sure you bring any documentation relating to your case with you, such as:

• Your court applications/summons/notice of motion. These documents contains the date and time of your hearing, the venue, as well as more information ont he case itself. It is important that you keep this document safe.
• Statement of means,Bank statements, pay slips and/or any other information you think may be helpful for your specific hearing or to make your case
• We also advise that you bring photo ID as you may be asked to verify your identity in court e.g. a passport, drivers licence or a public services card.

Please remember that you should never share documentation in relation to your case with other people who are not involved.

Helpful tip: Take a photo of your application document so you have access to it on your phone.

• All courthouses have security measures in place, so keep in mind what you may be carrying in your pockets.
• You do not have to go to reception when you arrive. You should go straight to the waiting area, where you should be able to hear your case being called when it is time.
• In family law hearings, you will be called by your case reference number and your initials so please make sure you have your documents handy to check these details.
• If you have a solicitor, you may want to organise a time and place where you will meet them in or outside the courthouse.
• Cases do not always run on schedule, so be prepared for a wait.
• Cases do not always run in the same order as the court list. 
• Water or other food/refreshments are not available in all Courthouse waiting areas, so come prepared as necessary.
• In certain case types and circumstances e.g. domestic violence, you may bring a support person with you to the hearing. A judge will decide if that person can be in the courtroom.
• To help manage the day's work, many courts do a "callover". A "callover" is where all parties are called to the courtroom to outline whether their case is ready to go ahead that day or not.
• Please note that if other cases run over time, your court hearing may not be heard on the day you attend court.

Please Note: Cases don't always run on time, please be prepared to wait.

There may be more than one courtroom in use on the day of your hearing. The courtroom number, your case number and initials will be called

The case may be called over a public announcement system, or you may be called in person. If you have to make your own way to a specific courtroom, you should follow the signage in the courthouse to the courtroom.

If you are unsure where you are going, just ask a member of Courts Service staff or the Court Garda.

How long will the hearing last?
Hearings don't always run on time or in the correct order, please be sure to make the necessary arrangements and allow for things to run late.

What facilities are available?
The facilities that are available in each building can be accessed on the 'Find Us' section of the courts website.

Can you bring children to the courthouse?
Children are allowed at the courthouse however it is not recommended and we advise that you make other child care arrangements if possible.

Can you be accompanied during my case?
You can have somebody attend with you as support but they are generally not allowed in the courtroom while your case is being heard unless agreed by the judge.

What documentation may you need?
Please take any documentation relating to your case such as your courts application/summons/notice of motion, statement of means and any other information you think may be helpful for your hearing.

Is there a waiting area?
Yes, all courthouses will have a waiting area. Please wait here until you are called for your case.

How will you be called for your case?
You will be called by your case reference number and your initials. The case reference number is found on your application/summons/notice of motion.

How do you get to the courtroom? Is this signposted? Will you be escorted by a member of staff?
When your case is called you should follow the signage and go directly to the courtroom. If you are unsure, ask a member of staff or the Court Garda.