MY CASE IS URGENT – HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Applications in the Judicial Court follow a strict set of standard procedure, although it can be adapted to suit the needs of the case you should not expect your case to be resolved immediately or even at the first hearing. In urgent cases the court may be able to skip certain parts of the procedure or make short term holding orders to protect your position even without the other person being at court. But it is at the discretion of the court to determine what it considers as an urgent matter.
WHAT DO I CALL THE JUDGE?
Magistrates and District Judges are called ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’. Some people call Magistrates ‘Your Worships’.
Circuit Judges and Recorders are called ‘Your Honour’
High Court Judges are called ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’.
Lawyers are aware of how to address the judge however If you are a Litigant in Person, don’t worry if you forget or get it wrong. As long as you are polite to a Judge he or she should not worry about what title you use.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO COURT?
Within reason, whatever you like. If it would make you feel more confident to dress formally, in a suit for example, then wear that. If however you would feel uncomfortable in formal clothes, just wear something clean and preferably neutral and not promoting bias as the court room is neutral ground. Also something that covers most of you up is ideal. Judges should be accorded some kind of respect and you wouldn't want to appear before them indecent and revealing.