Scarborough Justice Centre — self-representation guide

Essentials

Address

The Law Courts Northway Scarborough YO12 7AE, YO12 7AE

Telephone

0300 123 5577

Court location code

318

Verified

2026-08-31

A calm, practical guide to representing yourself at Scarborough Justice Centre (officially "Scarborough Justice Centre"). Written in plain English, covering the building, the case types it hears, and the realities of the day. Nothing here replaces tailored legal advice for your own situation.

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

The essentials first

Official name: Scarborough Justice Centre
Address: The Law Courts Northway Scarborough YO12 7AE
Enquiries: 0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court — Mon to Fri, 8:30am–5pm)
Divorce enquiries: 0300 303 0642 (Divorce Contact Centre — Mon to Fri, 10am–6pm)
County Court location code: 318
Magistrates' Court location code: 2536
DX: 65140 Scarborough 2
Court opening times (per HMCTS): Court open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday Counter service by appointment only 10am to 2pm (emergency applications outside these times) Confirm before travelling.
Verified: 2026-08-31, from the HMCTS "Find a Court or Tribunal" register.

Getting there & security reality

The Law Courts Northway Scarborough YO12 7AE is the official HMCTS-registered address. Plan your journey with a generous margin — many family hearings involve travel from surrounding towns and villages.

Getting there

Check the "Get directions" link on the court's official HMCTS listing for routes and parking.
The official listing does not confirm on-site parking — check local car parks before travelling.

The security reality

Expect airport-style security at the entrance; bags are searched.
Bring only what you need and allow extra time.
Family courts regularly hear domestic-abuse cases. Staff are used to anxious or upset visitors — say so if you need a moment or help finding your courtroom.

Facilities once inside (verified from the official listing)

If you have a disability and need help coming to a hearing, please contact 0330 808 4407.
Disabled access Disabled access to all floors.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network Lanyards available on request.
Assistance dogs Guide Dogs are welcome Hearing Loop This court has hearing enhancement facilities Disabled toilet Accessible toilets available Refreshments Fresh water is available from water dispensers located on site.
Interview room Two private interview rooms available Baby changing facility Baby changing facility available Video facilities Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement) Witness service www.witnessservice.org.uk
Need an interpreter? Ask the court in advance.

Contacting the court (published by HMCTS)

cdnenforcement@justice.gov.uk — Fine Queries
contactcrime@justice.gov.uk — Magistrates’ Court Enquiries: Courts and Tribunals Service Centre
SJS@justice.gov.uk — Single Justice Service Centre if your query relates to a Single Justice Procedure Case
insolvency.scarborough.countycourt@justice.gov.uk — North Yorkshire Insolvency
contactfpl@justice.gov.uk — Digital process for case numbers starting with C5
scarborough.breathingspace@justice.gov.uk
enquiries.scarborough.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
family.scarborough.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
scarborough.possession@justice.gov.uk
sscsa-leeds@justice.gov.uk
0300 332 1324 — Witness service
0330 808 4407 (Magistrates’ Court Enquiries: Courts and Tribunals Service Centre. Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm and Saturday 8am – 2pm) — Enquiries
0300 303 0656 (Single Justice Service Centre - If your query relates to a Singles Justice Procedure Case – Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5pm) — Single Justice Service
0300 303 0642 (Divorce Contact Centre - Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm) — Enquiries
0300 123 5577 (National Contact Centre for Civil & Family Court Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm) — Enquiries
0191 298 2280 (Magistrates' Court Fine queries) — Payments
0300 790 9901 (Pay Magistrates' Court Fine) — Payments
0330 123 1142 — Social security and child support

Beware of scammers: HMCTS warns of scammers mimicking genuine court numbers and emails demanding payment. Never pay anyone who demands money by phone or email — report to Action Fraud.

What this court handles

HMCTS lists the following areas of law for this location:

Bankruptcy
Childcare arrangements if you separate from your partner
Crime
Divorce hearings
Domestic abuse
High Court cases – serious or high profile criminal or civil law cases
Housing
Money claims
Single justice procedure
Benefits Find out more about
Breathing Space

This list is general — check with the court or a family-law adviser if unsure about venue.

The C100 / FHDRA reality for a litigant in person

If you apply about a child without a lawyer you will most likely begin with a C100 application; your first hearing will probably be a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA).

The FHDRA is largely administrative: identify the dispute, check safeguarding, and explore agreement with a judge and, where available, a CAFCASS officer. It is not a final trial.
Bring your completed form and documents; hearings can be short, and waiting is normal.
If you face a long journey to Scarborough Justice Centre, ask in advance whether any attendance could be by video link.

FL401 / domestic abuse safety

If you are in danger right now: call 999. The Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247 is free, confidential, 24/7.

An abusive person may monitor calls, messages and browsing history — research and prepare on a safe device. Keep a written record of incidents, dates and communications; tell the court about any police involvement or earlier orders. You are a survivor, not to blame.

A practical first-visit checklist

[ ] Case number and location code written down
[ ] ID, copies of your application or order, and your papers
[ ] Access/safety needs told to the court in advance
[ ] Arrive early; ask front-of-house for your courtroom
[ ] Your three points ready: what you ask, why, and what would help now

This guide gives general information about self-representation at Scarborough Justice Centre. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a family-law professional — and if you are in immediate danger, call 999.

YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory — we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS, Scarborough Justice Centre, or gov.uk. Court details are sourced from the public HMCTS register and reviewed for accuracy; always confirm the latest position directly with the court.

Official forms & guidance (gov.uk):

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.

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