Rule 24.12 Presence of Children in the Courtroom and/or Hearing Officer Conferences

Kids are generally not allowed in courtrooms or hearing officer conferences. Parents or guardians should arrange childcare instead of bringing children along to these proceedings.

There are two main exceptions to this rule. First, a child can attend if there are unusual circumstances that make it necessary. Second, a child can attend if they are going to be called as a witness in the case. In either situation, the judge, hearing officer, commissioner, or family law magistrate decides how the child's presence will be handled.

There is also a special exception for adoption cases. If the adoption is uncontested, meaning nobody is fighting it, the child involved in the adoption can come to the court hearing.

Each local court may have its own additional rules about children in the courtroom. You can check Appendix 24.12 for rules that apply specifically to your court.