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COVID masks to be worn in court buildings

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) Chief Executive, Susan Acland-Hood, announced that from 27 July 2020 people will be asked to wear face coverings in public areas of courts and tribunals buildings in England in order to mitigate and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). People may be asked to temporarily remove their face covering for identification purposes. Courtrooms will be covered by previous guidance—masks may be removed when speaking in the courtroom. Those speaking without face coverings must maintain a distance of two metres from others.

Those under the age of 11, or those with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them to wear a face covering or where wearing a mask could cause severe distress are exempted from wearing face coverings.

In family law matters, if a hearing can be effectively dealt with remotely by telephone or video, then that is the option being taken. There are some cases that are being heard in court buildings but these are very much the exception to the rule. If you have to go to a court building, remember your face mask and take some water with you as none will be in the court building.

If you need help in a family law matter, contact me