Oxford Magistrates Court
Oxford Magistrates Court is a family court in Oxford that deals with children, adoption and domestic abuse cases. You're most likely to come here for a hearing about arrangements for your children, not for the divorce itself, which is handled centrally online.
What family cases does Oxford Magistrates Court deal with?
HM Courts and Tribunals Service lists this court for:
- Children cases, where parents or relatives ask the court to decide arrangements for a child, such as who they live with and when they see each parent. See how to apply for a child arrangements order without a solicitor and form C100.
- Adoption, including applications by step-parents.
- Protection from domestic abuse: non-molestation orders and occupation orders, which have no court fee. Our directory of domestic abuse support lists free helplines.
The building also deals with crime and single justice procedure cases, so you may share the waiting areas and security queue with people attending other kinds of case.
Do I need to go to Oxford Magistrates Court for my divorce?
Usually not. Divorce applications in England and Wales go to the HMCTS divorce service, which deals with them online or by post at HMCTS Divorce and Dissolution Service, PO Box 13226, Harlow, CM20 9UG. Its helpline is 0300 303 0642, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (GOV.UK). Most undefended divorces finish without anyone going to a court building.
You're more likely to come to a local court if you ask a judge to decide arrangements for your children, or if you apply for protection from domestic abuse. Our step-by-step guide to divorce explains each stage.
How long are children cases taking here?
Children cases between parents or relatives in the South East region took a median of 32.9 weeks from application to final order in April to June 2026, up from 32.1 weeks a year earlier. That is slower than the median of 24.7 weeks across England and Wales. 41% of cases finished within 26 weeks. At the end of June 2026, 11,882 children cases were still open in the South East region, and 18% of those had been open for more than a year.
| Area | Median | A year earlier | Within 26 weeks | Cases finished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South East | 32.9 weeks | 32.1 weeks | 41% | 1,984 |
| England and Wales | 24.7 weeks | 26.4 weeks | 52% | 12,005 |
Private law children cases finished in April to June 2026. Source: Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026, published 24 September 2026, "Children Act 26 Weeks" and "Open Caseload" data files.
The Ministry of Justice publishes waiting times for each Designated Family Judge area, the groups of courts each led by a senior family judge. We haven't been able to confirm which area Oxford Magistrates Court reports under, so these figures are for the South East region as a whole.
The Ministry of Justice doesn't publish waiting times by area for divorce or financial cases, because divorce applications are handled centrally. Our family court waiting times tracker has the national figures for every kind of case.
How do I contact Oxford Magistrates Court?
These are the family contacts HM Courts and Tribunals Service publishes for this court. Have your case number ready if you have one.
Phone
- 03308 084 407
Enquiries
Opening hours
- Court open: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
HM Courts and Tribunals Service warns that scammers are copying court phone numbers and email addresses to ask for payment. If you're not sure a call or email is genuine, don't pay anything, and report it to Action Fraud.
Accessibility and facilities
This is what HM Courts and Tribunals Service lists for the building. If you need an adjustment, such as a hearing loop, step-free access or a quiet room, contact the court before your hearing day.
- Hearing Loop: This Court has loop hearing facilities at the Reception, Information desk and in each Courtroom.
- Parking: There are no parking facilities at the Court. Use of the Park and Ride facilities around the city is recommended.
- Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Video facilities: Court/hearing room video conferencing facilities and prison to court video link facilities are available (by prior arrangement)
- Disabled access: Disabled access and disabled toilet
- Interview room: Six interview rooms are available at this court.
- Baby changing facility: Baby changing facilities are available in the disabled toilets on the ground floor
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network: Lanyards available on request.
- Witness service: www.witnessservice.org.uk
No separate waiting room is listed. If you're worried about seeing your ex at court, tell the court in advance: you can ask for measures such as separate waiting areas, different arrival times or a screen in the courtroom.
Where can I get help with a case at this court?
If you're going to court without a lawyer, free guides from Advicenow and Citizens Advice explain what happens at each hearing. For children cases in England, Cafcass advises the court on what is best for your child. You can also ask a family solicitor for a single fixed-fee appointment to prepare, or try mediation before or alongside court.
Family solicitors and mediators near Oxford
These professionals list an office in or near Oxford. Labels show whether a listing is paid; most are listed from public information. How we make money.
Guides that may help
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Court information from HM Courts and Tribunals Service, Find a court or tribunal, last checked 20 October 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Waiting times from the Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.