 Application |
 Hearing |
 Decision |
 Review |
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During the hearing
When you arrive for the hearing, you will be greeted by a Hearing Support Officer who will explain the process to you and escort you to the hearing room. If you are attending by telephone or videoconference, a Hearing Support Officer will contact you either the day before or the day of the hearing and explain the process to you.
At the hearing, the Tribunal Members will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself.
The hearing is conducted as simply and as quickly as possible allowing the opportunity for anyone with a genuine and continuing interest in the welfare of the adult concerned to put their views forward and have them considered.
Throughout the hearing, the Tribunal will make every effort to ensure those attending understand what is happening and participate in the hearing. Prior to the hearing, arrangements can be made with the Hearing Support Officer for a language interpreter or other communication assistance to be available, if necessary.
The length of the hearing depends on the complexity of the matter. Straightforward applications may only take an hour or so. Complex matters, such as those where there are disputes between family members or where the adult’s welfare or property is at risk, may take longer and could be up to several hours.
After the Tribunal has examined all documentation and heard from those attending the hearing, the Tribunal Members will leave the room to consider their decision and return shortly to announce their decision. After announcing their decision they will set out the terms of the order. This finalises the hearing.
If the Tribunal needs more time to consider the application, it may reserve its decision and this means parties will receive the Tribunal’s decision by mail.
A written copy of the order will be sent to everyone who received notice of the hearing. The order is usually sent within three days of the hearing being finalised.
Further information is available in - What to Expect at a Hearing.
Occasionally, the Tribunal will not complete the hearing and adjourn the hearing to a later date so that more information can be gathered or to allow evidence to be heard from parties not present.
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