Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre:A practical guide

You can rely on us for clear advice and support throughout.

Attending Ipswich County Court

Court proceedings are often daunting and can place significant emotional strain on those involved. If you are required to attend Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre, this guide explains what to expect, including where the court is located, how to prepare, and what attending court is likely to involve.

Where is Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre?

Family courts deal with matters such as divorce, arrangements for children, and financial issues including maintenance.

If you need to attend, the full address is:

Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre
8 Arcade Street
Ipswich
IP1 1EJ

Telephone: 0300 123 5577 (General enquiries)

Email: family.chelmsford.countycourt@justice.gov.uk (Family)

What to expect when attending court

Preparing for your hearing

Court hearings should always be taken seriously, but being well prepared can help ease some of the anxiety. You should bring your hearing letter and case number, any documents relevant to your case, and some food and drink (excluding alcohol). If you are unsure what paperwork you need, your solicitor will guide you.

If the hearing means you’ll need to meet your ex-partner, it can help to prepare yourself emotionally in advance so that you can remain calm. It is entirely normal to find court intimidating or uncomfortable, but having an experienced family lawyer by your side can make the process far more manageable.

There is no strict dress code, but smart, comfortable clothing is recommended. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons.

Arriving at court

Plan your journey in advance so you know exactly how to get there. It is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before the time stated on your hearing notice, as you may need to wait depending on how the court list runs.

On arrival, you will go through security checks similar to those at an airport. Certain items, such as weapons and alcohol, are not permitted inside the building. Any personal belongings will be returned to you when you leave.

During the hearing

Once inside the courtroom, ensure your mobile phone is switched to silent and do not take photographs or videos. When court staff announce “all rise”, you should stand as the judge or magistrates enter. You will be guided throughout the hearing and told when it is your turn to speak. While this can feel nerve-racking, your solicitor will support you and speak on your behalf where appropriate.

How Tees can help

At Tees, we understand that family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally challenging. Our specialist Chelmsford family law solicitors are based at;

Parkview House
Victoria Road South
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 1BT

providing clear advice, practical guidance and compassionate support, tailored to your individual circumstances.

If you are attending Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre or have questions about your family law matter, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Meet Joshua Coombe

Joshua is a Partner at Tees and Head of the Family Law department in Chelmsford. He has over 28 years’ experience in family law.

The team are ranked in the Legal 500 2026 top tier for the Essex region and quote “Joshua Coombe has considerable experience and is regarded as a formidable local solicitor.”

Joshua has a particular specialism in complex financial matters involving businesses, farms, and trust structures, both nationally and internationally. He also advises on proceedings concerning children.

As an accredited Family Law specialist with Resolution, Joshua promotes a pragmatic and amicable approach to resolving disputes.

Read more about the Chemlsford family law team here.

Meet Clare Pilsworth

Clare is a Partner at Tees and Head of the Family Law team in Cambridge, with over 30 years’ experience in family and divorce law. She regularly supports clients attending Family Court, guiding them through every stage of proceedings with clarity and confidence.

Her expertise covers all areas of family law, including divorce and separation, financial disputes, children matters, nuptial agreements, and cohabitation cases. Clare understands the complexities and emotional challenges of Family Court and provides practical, tailored advice to help clients achieve the best possible outcome.

Clare specialises in family mediation – an alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. She has experience advising couples through the mediation process, towards a cost-effective settlement agreement which works for both parties.

As a family mediator and member of Resolution, she can advise on the best route to take if you are considering divorce proceedings.