Preparing for a court hearing
A calm structure for the days before the hearing, arrival, papers, notes and post-hearing follow-up.
Read guideDocuments
Preparing a court bundle
How to turn scattered papers into an indexed, paginated bundle that is easier to use at court.
What a bundle is
- A bundle is the organised set of documents the court and parties use for a hearing.
- It should usually be paginated, indexed and arranged in a sensible order.
- The court order may say who prepares it, what goes in it and when it must be sent.
Practical structure
- Start with the latest orders, applications and statements.
- Group evidence by type, date or issue so it can be found quickly.
- Remove duplicates unless there is a clear reason to keep both copies.
Quality checks
- Check every page number in the index.
- Make sure scans are readable and the right way up.
- Name digital files clearly, using dates and short descriptions.
Related guides
Keep building the picture.
Remote and video hearings
Practical steps for phone, video and hybrid hearings, including documents, technology and privacy.
Read guidePosition statements
A focused way to explain what you are asking the court to do and why.
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