Has anybody gone through the Crown Court in London

owetoomuch

As the title asks has anybody gone through the Court in the Strand in London for their BR?

Is it easy to find your way around, I am in such a mess I dont think I could handle much difficulty on the day.

Hope to go this Friday, all depends on a few things, OH money getting moved from A&L to his account in time (had to have his salary paid into it as his account was delayed in getting set up), getting time off work and so on.

Really want to do it this week as I am going to visit my mother next week (flights paid for) and she is ill, I think my situation has contributed to it, and would like to her to see me in a more positive frame of mind.

Thanks for your time

allofadither

Hi OTM,

I think WDIAG went to the high court, not absolutley sure, but if she did she had a court helper person with her on the day. You could PM WDIAG and ask.

wherediditallgo

Yes, I went through them. It's an absolute maze, & if I hadn't had a volunteer to help me through the day, I'd probably still be there now .

The Personal Support Unit offers a service run by volunteers, which is available to anyone who feels they may need emotional support on the day, or anyone who has mobility problems & may need help getting around. You need to book at least a day in advance of your hearing, so if you ring them tomorrow you should get someone. Their number is 020 7947 7701. They're really helpful & non-judgmental - very friendly to talk to (it was them who tipped me off that I wouldn't have to pay the court fee even though I work full-time), & take you to everywhere you need to go in the building. The woman I had showed me shortcuts around the building that I'd never have found on my own.

bobblebot

Is it true also that you can just turn up at the strand on any day no matter where you live and go BR??

wherediditallgo

No, it's not strictly true. I think the High Court is the only one many Londoners can go to in London for their hearing. However, there have been a case of people ringing to see if they can go there & being told to go to Croydon. I think it partly depends on your postal code & also how much work the courts already have on. I'm very near central London, so they couldn't really send me elsewhere, but I think if you're in the outskirts of London, they could send you to another court. You can check which courts cover your area here , but if more than one court comes up be prepared to be told that you have to go to the alternative one. I suspect the RCJ has found more & more people are turning up on the day, partly because they don't levy the court fee for those filing for personal BR, whereas most other courts do. They're therefore farming out some people to other areas.

NekoZombie

Same for me - I live pretty central so these were the only courts I could use. Although the place is a maze I didn't find it hard to get about. That said, I did a brief exploration a couple of days before so that I would know exactly where to go on the day. Good court to go BR at, considering you don't have to pay the court fees. I must say I can remember calculating how many bottles of celebratory fake champagne it would buy me. Only bought the one, of course:D