What to do when your day in court has arrived?
We never aim our client at a courtroom because that is the place where you lose all control. However, sometimes you have no choice but to fight and that ultimately happens at court. We have prepared this to help you get ready for your court appearance.
Where is court and where do I park?
Most divorce, child support, and custody hearings for Circuit or Chancery Court take place at the historic main courthouse:
Shelby County Courthouse
140 Adams Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
If your case is a non-divorce custody or child support matter routed through Juvenile Court, your destination is down the street at 616 Adams Ave. Please double-check your notice or call our office to confirm your exact building. If you are uncertain, just call us and ask.
Parking & Arrival
Downtown Memphis parking can be tricky. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes just for parking and walking.
The best parking option is the paid lot directly across the street on the south side of the courthouse. There is also metered parking on the street, but you don't know how long you will be there and normally those spots fill quickly. There are also paid lots on Adams Avenue which are good alternatives. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15.
The Golden Rule: Aim to walk through the courthouse doors 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. Courts run on strict schedules, and being late can negatively impact your case.
Parking & Arrival
Downtown Memphis parking can be tricky. Give yourself an extra 30 minutes just for parking and walking.
The best parking option is the paid lot directly across the street on the south side of the courthouse. There is also metered parking on the street, but you don't know how long you will be there and normally those spots fill quickly. There are also paid lots on Adams Avenue which are good alternatives. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15.
The Golden Rule: Aim to walk through the courthouse doors 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. Courts run on strict schedules, and being late can negatively impact your case.
What do I need to know to enter the courthouse?
Entering the courthouse is very similar to going through airport security.
The Process: You will place all personal items (keys, wallets, bags, belts) in a plastic bin to go through an X-ray machine, and you will walk through a metal detector.
Prohibited Items: Absolutely no weapons of any kind are allowed. This includes small pocket knives, pepper spray, scissors, or tools. Leave these in your vehicle. Some security officers will also prohibit odd items which they consider to be a weapon. We have experienced them prohibiting a bottle opener keyring, for example. Use your best judgment, but be prepared that if there is something which they prohibit, you will have to either walk it back to your vehicle or risk losing it. They will not return anything that is stopped at the checkpoint.
Cell Phones: You are allowed to bring your cell phone into the building, but it must be turned on silent or completely off before you walk into any courtroom. Taking photos, recording audio, or texting inside a courtroom is strictly forbidden by the judges.
How should I dress?
Remember that this is a formal process, so treat it as such. For example, you should wear a collared shirt, blouse or sweater. You should not wear any form of t-shirt (I don't care if it is your good t-shirt).
You should wear slacks, khakis, or a professional skirt or dress. You should not wear shorts, sweatpants, or leggings. Clean jeans are risky and I recommend not, but if you must they absolutely must not have any holes in them. Crop tops and tank tops are not to be worn.
We also recommend that you bring a light jacket as many times the courtrooms can be cold. It's easier to put on a light coat than to take off any item of clothing.
Final Thoughts
Going to court is a big deal and we want to remove as much of the stress as possible. We will always meet you in the hallway outside of your assigned courtroom. We will find a quiet space for us to sit down, review what we are doing, and then walk into the courtroom together.
If you are running late or you have any questions about your day in court, please call us.