Accessibility

Peterborough Combined Courts and Family Hearing Centre has hearing loop facilities available should you need it but you need to request it well in advance of your hearing date. If you have a sensory impairment that means you are better able to hear or see if you sit at a particular angle or in a particular location, just let the usher, the court staff or the judge know before the hearing or at the start of the hearing.

The court is fully accessible for those with mobility impairments and has a lift to all floors.

If you require some other adjustment you should contact the court in advance of the hearing.

Interpreters and Signers

The court can provide an interpreter but you must let the them know in advance so that they can book an interpreter who speaks the right language.

Domestic violence and abuse protection

If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, you can ask the court staff in advance of the hearing if you want to enter the court through a separate entrance or if you need a separate waiting area.

If you do not feel able to be in the courtroom with your ex-partner because of domestic abuse you can ask the court for “special measures” so that you can participate in hearings. This might include using screens so you can be in the courtroom but feel less intimidated, or you attending via videolink from a secure part of the court building or from another location if you feel more comfortable. You will need to make an application to the court in advance of the hearing so that a decision can be made about this and arrangements put in place. Use form C2 if the case is about children or form FP1 if not.

You will usually be allowed to bring your support worker into court with you.

Use form C8 if you need to keep your address confidential.