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ENGLAND

Reading County Court and Family Court

Address, contact details and practical information for Reading County Court and Family Court in Reading.

Family CourtCounty Court
Information from the court

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Address and contact details

Visiting address
160-163 Friar Street Reading RG1 1HE
Enquiries 0118 987 0500

Including paper process

Enquiries 0300 123 5577

National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court - Monday to Friday 8:30am -5pm

Enquiries 0300 303 0642

Divorce Contact Centre - Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm

More telephone contacts (2)
Family public law (children in care) 0330 808 4424

Digital process for case numbers starting with C5

DX: 98010 Reading 6

Email contacts
Family court family.reading.countycourt@justice.gov.uk

Paper process including C100 applications

Family public law (children in care) contactfpl@justice.gov.uk

Digital process for case numbers starting with C5

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 Reading County Court and Family Court

For an in-person hearing at Reading County Court and Family Court, start with the address and time on your hearing notice. Plan the journey to RG1 1HE and allow extra time for the security checks at the entrance.

Family hearings can involve sensitive personal information. The judge decides who may attend, and different rules can apply to different hearings. Check arrangements for a supporter, children or a separate waiting area with the court in advance.

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 children's waiting room, disabled access, hearing loop, 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

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Counter open

By prior appointment only for urgent Civil and Family Applications

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

Getting to Reading County Court and Family Court

Use the postcode RG1 1HE to plan your journey, then check the building name and entrance against your court letter.

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

No parking

No parking facilities are available. The court is in the town centre near the train and bus stations.

Facilities and accessibility

No parking

No parking facilities are available. The court is in the town centre near the train and bus stations.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome.

Children's waiting room

This Court has a childrens room facility.

Disabled access

This building has a ramp to the building entrance, a lift between the ground floor and the first floor, and level access in to court rooms and hearing rooms.

Hearing Loop

The building has hearing enhancement facilities available by prior arrangement. Please contact the Court office by telephone or email if necessary.

Interview room

Ten interview rooms are available at this court.

Baby changing facility

Baby changing facilities are available in the disabled toilets on the fourth floor

Video facilities

Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities are available (by prior arrangement). Virtual visits may be accommodated by prior arrangement. Client consultation is only available for hearings due to take place at Reading, during the course of the hearing.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network

Lanyards available on request.

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

AdoptionBankruptcyChildrenDivorceDomestic violenceFGMFinancial RemedyForced marriageHigh Court District RegistryHousing possessionMoney claims

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

Prepare for your visit