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Colchester Magistrates' Court and Family Court

Address, contact details and practical information for Colchester Magistrates' Court and Family Court in Colchester.

Magistrates' Court
Information from the court

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Address and contact details

Visiting address
St Botolphs Circus Magdelen Street Colchester CO2 7EF
Enquiries 03308 084 407

Magistrates' Court Enquiries - Courts and Tribunals Service Centre -Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Saturday 8am to 2pm

Enquiries 0300 303 0656

Single Justice Service Centre - If your query relates to a Single Justice Procedure Case – Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Enquiries 01702 283 830

NCES office - from 9am to 4pm

More telephone contacts (5)
Payments 0300 790 9901

National Payment Line -24 hr line

Family court 0300 123 5577

from 9am to 5pm

Family court fax 01264 347922
Witness service 0300 332 1171
Social security and child support 0300 123 1142

DX: 151020 Chelmsford 17

Email contacts
Enquiries contactcrime@justice.gov.uk

Magistrates’ Court Enquiries - Courts and Tribunals Service Centre

Enquiries sjs@justice.gov.uk

Single Justice Service Centre - if your query relates to a Single Justice Procedure Case

Enquiries family.chelmsford.countycourt@justice.gov.uk

Family

Social security and child support sscs_bradford@justice.gov.uk
Enquiries cens.warrants@justice.gov.uk

For NCES matters

Other addresses listed by this court
Visit us
St Botolphs Circus Magdelen Street Colchester CO2 7EF
Write to us
For Family Proceedings paperwork: Chelmsford Justice Centre Priory Place New London Road Chelmsford CM2 0PP
Write to us
For criminal paperwork: Court Administration Centre P.O. Box 10754 Chelmsford CM1 9PZ

Location map

Check the entrance and address against your appointment or hearing notice. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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What to expect at Colchester Magistrates' Court and Family Court

For an in-person hearing at Colchester Magistrates' Court and Family Court, start with the address and time on your hearing notice. Plan the journey to CO2 7EF and allow extra time for the security checks at the entrance.

Magistrates’ courts often list several matters in a session. After security, ask the usher where to wait and tell your representative that you have arrived. Stay close enough to hear when your case is called, and ask before leaving the waiting area.

Before you leave home

Bring your hearing notice, case reference and the documents you have been asked to provide. Keep important papers organised so you can find them during the hearing. Check the court’s security rules before packing food, drinks or other items, and put your phone on silent before entering a hearing room.

The court lists disabled access, baby changing facility among its facilities. The descriptions below explain what is available. If you need an adjustment, contact the court beforehand so staff can discuss the arrangements for your visit.

When you arrive

Follow the signs to security, then find reception or an usher. Give your case reference if asked and check the courtroom or waiting area. If you do not understand a practical instruction, ask staff to explain it. Tell the usher if you need a break, assistance or cannot hear what is being said.

Can someone come with me?

Check before bringing a supporter or child. Public access and permission for supporters depend on the type of hearing and any order made by the judge. A person accompanying you is not automatically allowed to speak for you.

What if I am late or cannot attend?

Contact the court using the number for your type of case and tell your legal representative as soon as possible. Explain the problem and follow the court’s instructions. Do not assume that sending a message changes the hearing date.

Is my hearing definitely in this building?

Use the venue on your current hearing notice. Buildings can handle different types of work, and a listing on this directory does not confirm where an individual case will be heard. Telephone and video hearings have separate joining instructions.

General preparation guidance; the court’s instructions for your hearing take priority. Read the attending-court guide and official sources.

Opening times

Court open

9.00 am to 5:00pm

Building and counter opening times may differ from your hearing time. Follow the time and venue on your hearing notice.

Getting to Colchester Magistrates' Court and Family Court

Use the postcode CO2 7EF to plan your journey, then check the building name and entrance against your court letter.

Public transport Driving Walking

Directions open in Google Maps. Check live services, parking charges and accessibility with the transport operator. Allow time for court security.

Facilities and accessibility

Disabled access

This court has level access to the entrance of the building and all floors, lifts to all floors and easy access into courtrooms. There are also a number of disabled toilets on each floor.

Baby changing facility

This court has baby changing facilities on each floor.

Refreshments

Refreshments are available from vending machines.

Video facilities

Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement)

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network

Lanyards available on request.

Witness service

www.witnessservice.org.uk

Contact the court before your visit if you need an adjustment, interpretation or other support. A listed facility does not confirm it is available for your particular hearing.

Areas of law handled

ChildrenCrimeDomestic violenceSingle justice procedureSocial security

Use your hearing notice to confirm which court is dealing with your case.

Prepare for your visit

Attending court

What to check before leaving and what to do when you arrive.

Read the guide

Security at court

Check the current rules on bags, belongings and security screening.

Read the guide