Where is the Children’s Court?
Locations and Sitting Times contains contact details for Melbourne Children’s Court and all suburban and country Children’s Court venues.

Is there car parking near Melbourne Children’s Court?
There is limited meter parking in the streets surrounding Melbourne Children’s Court. The closest car parks are:

• Kings Parking - Royal Mint, 383 Latrobe Street, Melbourne (Tel: 9642 1590)
• Kings Parking, 399 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (Tel: 9670 3991)
• Wilson Parking, 200 Queen Street, Melbourne (Tel: 9670 0329)
• Secure Parking, 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne (Tel: 9618 5702)

Which venues of the Children’s Court hear Family Division cases?
In country Victoria all venues of the Children’s Court hear Family Division cases. However, cases from the greater metropolitan area are all heard at Melbourne Children’s Court. All venues of the Children’s Court hear cases in the Criminal Division.

What hours is the Court open?
Standard court sitting times are usually 10.00 am until 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. However, there are some hearings that commence at 9.30 am. Melbourne Children’s Court doors are open from 8.30 am. Most other venues of the Court are open from 9.00 am, however that time may vary at smaller country venues.

Where do I go when I get to the Court?
The first thing to do when you arrive at court is to go to the registry counter to let the Court Co-ordinator know that you have arrived. Registry staff will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Is Legal Aid available at the Court?
There are duty lawyers from Victoria Legal Aid at all Children’s Courts in the Melbourne metropolitan area and on mention days at all other Children’s Courts in Victoria. They are available for children in family or criminal cases, and parents of children in family cases who need legal advice or representation in court. Most children are able to obtain legal aid free of charge.

Are interpreters available at the Court?
Trained interpreters are available and can be booked through the registry of the Children’s Court you are attending. It is important to give the Court as much notice as possible to ensure the appropriate interpreter is available when needed.

Do I have to bring my children to court?
In most cases it is not necessary to bring children who are under seven years of age to court. However, children who are seven years and above are generally accepted as being capable of giving instructions to a lawyer and should be present.

Is there any childcare available at the Court?
Childcare is not available at court. However, at Melbourne Children’s Court there is a well equipped playroom for children. Parents (or carers) must supervise their children while they are in the playroom.

Will my case be heard at the time on the summons/application?
The time on the summons or application is the time that you must arrive at the court. However, it may be some time later in the day before your case can be dealt with. You should be prepared for a waiting period.

Will my case go ahead on the first day that it is listed for hearing?
Some cases do go ahead on the first day that they are listed for hearing. However, where there are issues in dispute between the parties, or a young person pleads “not guilty” to a charge, the case will be adjourned to a later date for hearing. Factors such as reports being required or the need for further investigation also impact on when a case will be ready to proceed. Temporary orders may be made in some cases on the first hearing date.

Are Children’s Court hearings open to the public?
Children’s Court hearings in both the Family Division and the Criminal Division are generally open to the public. However, on occasion a court may be closed if the presiding judge or magistrate thinks it necessary or appropriate to do so.

Does the magistrate wear a wig and gown?
Magistrates do not wear wigs and gowns. Only judges in the higher courts such as the County Court and the Supreme Court wear wigs and gowns.