What Happens If I Miss a Family Court Hearing?
This page provides general legal information, not legal advice. Court rules and procedures can change. A qualified attorney can advise you about your situation.
The court may proceed without you, postpone the matter, or take another action allowed by local rules. Contact the court promptly, check whether an order was entered, and ask what procedure is available to address the missed hearing.
Check what the court did
Do not assume the hearing was automatically rescheduled. California’s hearing guide, for example, says a judge may decide a request from the filed papers when the other person does not appear (California Courts — Prepare for your court date). Ask the clerk how to obtain the minute order or signed order and where current instructions for missed appearances are posted.
The consequences and any available request for relief depend on the state, court, case type, and reason for the absence. Find the court through the state directory and consider prompt advice from a lawyer when an order affects custody, support, safety, or another important right.
Read Representing Yourself in Family Court for help keeping court dates and orders together.