Preparing for a court hearing
A calm structure for the days before the hearing, arrival, papers, notes and post-hearing follow-up.
Read guideNext steps
Appeals and complaints
The difference between challenging a decision, asking for permission to appeal, and making a complaint.
Appeal or complaint
- An appeal is about challenging a decision through the legal process.
- A complaint is usually about conduct, service or professional behaviour.
- The route, deadline and test are different, so identify which issue you actually have.
Urgent first checks
- Find the date the order was made and when it was sealed or received.
- Check whether permission to appeal is required.
- Note the appeal deadline immediately, as appeal time limits can be short.
Practical preparation
- Collect the order, judgment or reasons, hearing notes and key documents.
- Write a short timeline of what happened.
- Take legal advice quickly if the decision has serious consequences.
Related guides
Keep building the picture.
Remote and video hearings
Practical steps for phone, video and hybrid hearings, including documents, technology and privacy.
Read guidePreparing a court bundle
How to turn scattered papers into an indexed, paginated bundle that is easier to use at court.
Read guideNeed help with this task?