Can I Bring My Child to Court?

Practical guidance for parents who have a court date and childcare challenges

Going to Court When You’re a Parent

If you have a court date and you’re a single parent—or if childcare falls through at the last minute—you may be wondering whether you can bring your child with you to court. It’s a practical question that affects more people than you might think, and the answer isn’t always straightforward.

Court dates don’t care about school schedules, work conflicts, or babysitter availability. Courtrooms don’t accommodate children well, and bringing one creates challenges you’ll want to avoid if possible.

Why Bringing Your Child to Court Is Not Recommended

Some Judges Simply Don’t Allow It

Under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215(b)(7), the chief judge of each circuit regulates the use of all court facilities. Individual judges have broad authority to control the conduct of proceedings, ensure decorum, and prevent distractions. Some judges exercise this authority by prohibiting children in their courtrooms entirely.

If you show up with your child and the judge doesn’t allow minors, the judge will ask you to leave—and you may have to scramble to find alternative arrangements while your case waits or gets rescheduled.

Courtrooms Can Be Stressful and Confusing for Children

Even under the best circumstances, a courtroom stresses adults. For children, it can overwhelm them: unfamiliar surroundings, formal procedures, people in uniforms, and the anxiety they’ll pick up from you. Depending on your case, they may hear inappropriate or frightening things.

You Need to Focus on Your Case

When you’re in court, you need to listen carefully, respond to questions, and communicate with your attorney. Managing a child at the same time divides your attention at a moment when you need to be fully present. If your child becomes restless or disruptive, you’ll be distracted—and the judge will notice.

How to Find Out If Your Judge Allows Children

Judges’ policies on children vary. Here’s how to find out the rules before your court date:

• Check the judge’s profile page on the circuit court website. Under Rule 2.215(e), judges must publish their courtroom practices online. Look for the judge assigned to your case and review their posted procedures.
• Look for posted rules outside the courtroom. Some judges post their rules on or near the courtroom door.
• Ask your attorney. If you have a lawyer, they likely know the judge’s preferences and can tell you what to expect.
• Call the judicial assistant. If you’re unrepresented and can’t find the information online, call the judge’s judicial assistant and ask. They handle these questions regularly.

Practical Alternatives to Bringing Your Child

Going to court requires planning. If you have a court date coming up, start arranging childcare as soon as possible:

• Ask a trusted friend or family member to watch your child for a few hours.
• Hire a babysitter. Even if money is tight, a few hours of childcare is worth the peace of mind.
• Check if your child’s school offers before/after care that could cover the time you’ll be at court.
• Ask your attorney about timing. Your attorney may be able to schedule hearings at times that work better with your childcare availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my child to court in Florida?

It depends on the judge. Courthouses are public buildings, but individual judges control what happens in their courtrooms. Some judges prohibit children entirely; others allow them with conditions. Under Florida Rule 2.215(e), judges must publish their courtroom practices on the circuit court website—check there first, ask your attorney, or call the judicial assistant.

What happens if I bring my child and the judge doesn’t allow it?

The judge will likely ask you to leave the courtroom and make other arrangements. The court may delay your case, reschedule it, or call it later in the docket while you figure out what to do with your child. You may need to find someone to pick up your child immediately.

I’m a single parent with no one to help. What do I do?

This is a difficult situation, but you still have options. Look into drop-in daycare services, ask neighbors or coworkers, check if local churches or community organizations offer emergency childcare, or hire a babysitter for a few hours. If you have an attorney, let them know about your situation—they may be able to help with scheduling.

How do I find out a judge’s policy on children?

Under Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.215(e), judges must publish their courtroom practices on the circuit court’s website. Start there—look up the judge assigned to your case and check their posted procedures. You can also look for posted rules outside the courtroom door, ask your attorney if you have one, or call the judge’s judicial assistant directly.

What if I get taken into custody and my child is at the courthouse?

This is exactly why we don’t recommend bringing your child. If officers take you into custody and your child has no one to pick them up, you create an emergency involving court staff, law enforcement, and potentially child protective services. Always have a backup plan—someone who can pick up your child if the worst happens.

My child’s school is closed. Can I bring them to my court date?

School closures don’t change the judge’s policy on children in the courtroom. You’ll still need to arrange childcare. Plan ahead when you know school breaks or closures are coming, and arrange for someone to watch your child during your court appearance.

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