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What to do if…
you receive a short-notice request to attend a hearing for someone in custody

Short answer

Pause and verify the request directly with the court (or the person’s solicitor) using official contact details before you travel or share any information.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t assume a text/WhatsApp/phone call is genuine just because it sounds “official”.
  • Don’t forward the message, case details, or custody location to other people “to ask around”.
  • Don’t share photos/screenshots of court papers in group chats (they can contain personal data).
  • Don’t turn up with lots of bags or items—court security screening is routine and rules vary by building.
  • Don’t argue with security or staff if you’re delayed; instead, contact the court/solicitor promptly.
  • Don’t contact witnesses/victims (or anyone you’ve been told not to contact) “to help” or “clear things up”.

What to do now

  1. Identify what kind of request this is (in 60 seconds).

    • Is it an official court notice, a call from a solicitor, a message from family, or something unclear?
    • If it’s unclear, rushed, or “off”: treat it as unverified until confirmed.

  2. Verify the hearing using the right official route for where you are in the UK.

    • England & Wales: use the HM Courts & Tribunals Service court finder to get the court’s official phone number, then call to confirm the hearing details.
    • Scotland: use Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service “Find us” to get the court’s official contact details, then call to confirm.
    • Northern Ireland: use Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunals Service (NICTS) official contact details (or its public court lists) to confirm.
    • Ask for: court name/location, time/date, case reference (if any), and whether you are expected to do anything (attend, give evidence, provide documents, or simply observe).

  3. Confirm whether you are required to attend, or only allowed to attend.

    • If you’ve been ordered to attend (for example, as a witness), ask the court what the document is (for example, witness summons / court order) and what to do if the notice is too short.
    • If you’re going as a supporter/family member, ask whether the hearing is open to the public or has restrictions (some hearings are private or have reporting/attendance limits).

  4. If you can, contact the person’s solicitor (or ask the court staff how to reach the duty solicitor route for that hearing).

    • Ask what your role is meant to be: witness, character/support, bail surety, interpreter, or just presence.
    • If someone asks you to be a bail surety, do not agree immediately—ask the solicitor what the court will expect from you and what it could mean for you.

  5. If you decide to go, set yourself up to get in and find the right place quickly.

    • Take photo ID if you have it, and the verified details (court name, time, case reference if available).
    • Arrive early for security screening and locating the courtroom.
    • Bring only what you need: ID, phone, charger, and any document the court/solicitor specifically asked for.

  6. If you cannot attend, notify the right place quickly (don’t just “no-show”).

    • If you were formally required to attend, contact the court immediately using the official number and explain you received short notice and cannot attend.
    • If you’re not required (supporter/family), tell the solicitor you cannot make it, so they can manage expectations.

  7. If the request smells like a scam, treat it as one until proven otherwise.

    • Red flags: demands for money, pressure to act in minutes, refusal to name a court, or links to unfamiliar sites.
    • Safe action: end the call, find the court contact details independently, and verify.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now what you “think of the case” or what the outcome should be.
  • You do not need to write a statement, gather letters, or bring documents unless a solicitor/court specifically instructs you to.
  • You do not need to contact multiple agencies at once—start by verifying the hearing with the court, then speak to the solicitor.

Important reassurance

Short-notice messages about custody hearings can feel urgent and intimidating. Taking a few minutes to verify details is a protective step that prevents scams, wrong-venue mistakes, and avoidable stress.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for handling a sudden request. Anything about what to say in court, legal strategy, bail packages, or evidence should be handled with the person’s solicitor.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Court processes vary across the UK and by case type, and some hearings have special rules (including restrictions on attendance or reporting). When in doubt, confirm directly with the relevant court and/or the person’s solicitor.

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