What Happens if I Miss Court?

If you are scheduled to go to Court, you should attend. However, if you can’t attend or just “miss” your court date, then this is what you should do.
If you have an attorney, then the first thing you should do is contact your attorney and tell your attorney that you cannot attend court. Your attorney will advise you on what to do.

  1. If you do not have an attorney, then as soon as possible, you need to contact the court and explain why you could not attend. This should typically be done by a letter to the Judge. In your explanation, you should explain that you are sorry that you missed court. Then you should explain why you did not attend.
  2. If you do not attend Court, then you could face the following penalties: (1) the Judge could issue a warrant for your arrest; (2) the Judge could hold you in contempt; and/or (3) the Judge could order you to pay your adversary’s legal fees to attend court (while you were not there).

You should do everything possible to make sure you attend Court. As stated above, if you miss Court, then you could face serious consequences. Furthermore, your absence will not bode well as to how the Judge handles your case.

David Badanes, Esq. and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. represents clients in their divorce and family court matters. To make an appointment or to learn more then contact David Badanes and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. today at 631-239-1702, email at david@dbnylaw.com or visit our web site: www.dbnylaw.com.
