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- Going through the court process
- Court staff that can help you
Overview
The court process can be overwhelming and confusing. You do not have to work it out on your own. Court Victim Advisors and other court staff can give you information and practical support. This page explains who can help and what they can do.
Legal assistance
If you are looking for legal assistance, you may need different support.
The court staff covered in this page give practical information and support. They do not provide counselling or legal advice.
For information about legal assistance, visit the page below.
Court Victim Advisors
If you are a victim of a crime, a Court Victim Advisor is usually your main contact at the court. This is a free and confidential service.
Your Court Victim Advisor will:
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explain what is happening in your case
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tell you what to expect at court
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explain your rights and options
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keep you updated about hearing dates and decisions
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give information about safety, support, and financial help.
They are based at the court and work alongside other court staff.
You will often be contacted by a Court Victim Advisor after a defendant has first appeared in court. If you have not been contacted, you can ask the court about this.
To find a court and its contact details, visit:
Kaiārahi - Family Court Navigator
Kaiārahi can provide support throughout the Family Court, including before you apply to go to court. They can help you explore options outside the court that may help resolve family and whānau matters. This is a free and confidential service. Kaiārahi do not provide counselling or legal advice.
Kaiārahi work collaboratively with other professionals who support victims such as, Court Victim Advisors, lawyers and other community support providers so everyone involved can work together to give you the support you need.
Kaiārahi can:
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explain Family Court processes and what to expect
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help you navigate hearings and court services
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help identify safety concerns for you, your family and whānau
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connect you with support services
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help you understand how criminal proceedings may affect Family Court matters
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provide in-court support during hearings if you are representing yourself
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connect you with other support providers such as social workers, counselling services and mediation services
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help you find a lawyer if you need legal representation
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guide you through applications, including feedback on affidavits and information about formatting requirements.
Kaiārahi are available to meet at any court, or in a community setting, depending on what suits your needs. They don't do home visits.
Other court staff
You might also come across other court staff that do not work directly with victims. They can still provide practical help, depending on what you need.
Court customer service staff
When you arrive at court, you will usually go to a front counter or reception area. These staff can tell you where your courtroom is and direct you to the right person, including a Court Victim Advisor.
If you are unsure who to talk to, the front counter is the best place to start.
Court security officers
Court security officers are responsible for safety in the courthouse.
They will be in uniform, and can manage entry into the building, carry out security checks and help direct people inside the court.
If you feel unsafe when you arrive, you can speak to a court security officer.
Registry staff
Registry staff (including registrars and court registry officers):
- manage your case paperwork
- process applications and documents
- organise court hearings and schedules
- help make sure the judge has the information needed for your case.
They work behind the scenes and in the courtroom.
You can speak to them at the court counter if you have questions about paperwork or court dates.
They do not give legal advice.