Complying with court directions — the discipline that wins cases
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29
Directions are orders
Every direction in a court order is a requirement, not a suggestion: file by X date, serve by Y, produce a bundle, attend a programme. Missing directions is the most common way LiPs lose goodwill and hearings.
The discipline
1. Diarise every deadline the moment the order is made — calendar + written list 2. Work backwards — if a bundle is due Friday, assemble by Wednesday 3. Don't rely on the other side — comply with your own obligations regardless 4. Apply for an extension early if you can't meet one (short C2 with reasons); judges grant reasonable requests made in time 5. Keep proof — every filing stamped/dated; every service acknowledged
What happens if you miss a direction
- The court can strike out your application or debar you from relying on a document
- The other side can apply for costs
- The hearing may be adjourned (costs, and delay for the child)
- Repeated non-compliance can lead to the case being determined on the other side's evidence alone
The rules that give you room
Family Procedure Rules give courts discretion to relieve sanctions (r.4.6) where the failure was not deliberate and there's a good reason. Use that route promptly — applications made after the missed event are weaker.
The children-first principle
Every missed direction delays the child's outcome. Courts see compliance as evidence of the stability and organisation a child needs. Be the parent who files on time.
Official links
- FPR r.4.6 (relief from sanctions): https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
- https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.