Family Court directions are instructions from the Court about what needs to be done and when.

They can include requirements such as:

• Filing documents by a certain date
• Attending mediation or a procedural hearing
• Providing disclosure (financial documents, bank statements, valuations)
• Completing parenting courses
• Following interim parenting arrangements

These directions keep the case on track and help the Court make informed decisions.

Failing to follow directions can lead to a range of outcomes, depending on how serious the breach is and how often it occurs.

One of the most common consequences is a cost order.

This means you may be required to pay:

• The other party’s legal costs for wasted time
• Costs of additional hearings that were only required because you didn’t comply

This can add up quickly and is often avoidable.

If you continue to ignore directions:

• Your matter may be adjourned
• The Court may refuse to hear your application until you comply
• In some situations, the Court may dismiss your application entirely

This can significantly set back your case or put you at a legal disadvantage.

If you fail to attend a hearing or ignore essential requirements, the Court can:

• Proceed without you
• Make binding orders based on the information provided by the other party

This can lead to outcomes that are far from favourable.

Continued non-compliance can damage your credibility. The Court may view you as:

• Uncooperative
• Unreliable
• Not acting in good faith

In parenting matters, this can be especially impactful because the Court prioritises the child’s best interests and cooperation is a key consideration.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in:

• Fines
• Enforcement orders
• Orders requiring you to complete certain tasks
• In extreme cases, community service or imprisonment (usually only for severe, intentional breaches of parenting orders)

While rare, these consequences are real and reflect how seriously the Court treats compliance.

Ignoring Family Court directions can seriously damage your case. The consequences range from cost penalties to unfavourable orders, delays, and even dismissal of your application. The good news is that these issues are avoidable with timely action and clear communication. If you’re struggling to meet a deadline or don’t understand what the Court is asking of you, getting legal advice early can make all the difference.