Visiting Manchester Civil Justice Centre (Civil and Family Courts) — practical guide
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31
Address and contact
Manchester Civil Justice Centre (Civil and Family Courts) 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester, Manchester, M60 9DJ
Phone: 0161 240 5000; 0161 240 5307; 0300 123 5577; 0300 303 0642
Family enquiries (national): 0300 123 5577 (Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm).
What this court handles
- Adoption
- Bankruptcy
- divorce hearings
- domestic abuse protection order (dapos)
- Domestic abuse (FL401, non-molestation, occupation)
- female genital mutilation
- Financial remedy (money and property)
- Forced marriage protection orders
Facilities and access
- Contact the court to confirm facilities and access arrangements.
Before you travel
1. Confirm your hearing — your notice of hearing names the court and room. If in doubt, phone the court with your case number. 2. Arrive early — aim for 30–45 minutes before your listed time to clear security and find your courtroom. 3. Bring ID and your case papers — photo ID, your hearing notice, bundle/position statement (3 copies: you, the judge, the other side). 4. Security search — court security operates like airport security; arrive with time to spare and leave sharp items out. 5. Ask for the family counter — family cases are handled separately from civil/criminal listings at combined centres.
On the day
- Check the court list (usually displayed near the entrance) for your case number and courtroom.
- If a Support Through Court volunteer is available, they can help you find your room and settle.
- Ask an usher if you need adjustments — quiet room, extra time, or to sit away from the other party.
Related guides
General information only — not legal advice. Source: HMCTS find-a-court data for Manchester Civil Justice Centre (Civil and Family Courts) (verified 2026-08-31). Always confirm details with the court before travelling.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.