Assumption: "I can record my family court hearing on my phone — it is my case and I have a right to keep a record of what was said."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Family court proceedings are your own case, so you can record them for your personal records.
Court Reality
Recording family court proceedings without the judge's permission is a serious contempt of court. In August 2026, a barrister was disbarred for secretly recording family court hearings on at least three occasions. If a qualified barrister loses their career for this, a litigant recording could face fines, imprisonment, and serious damage to their case. Only the court can officially record proceedings.
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The Gap?
"I can record my family court hearing on my phone — it is my case and I have a right to keep a record of what was said."
Court Reality
Recording family court proceedings without the judge's permission is a serious contempt of court. In August 2026, a barrister was disbarred for secretly recording family court hearings on at least three occasions. If a qualified barrister loses their career for this, a litigant recording could face fines, imprisonment, and serious damage to their case. Only the court can officially record proceedings.
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