If your ex-partner asks the court for a Parenting Order or an Order to Settle a Dispute between Guardians, you’ll be given a copy of their application. You may get other documents by mail. You’ll then be able to respond (defend the application) and have your say before the court can make the Order.
If the court believes the situation is urgent, it can make an Interim Order straightaway. You’ll get to have your say after that - but before it becomes final.
On this page:
You don’t have to respond to an Interim Order, but if you don't the judge can make the final Order without hearing what you think.
It’s free to respond.
Note: When you print the forms it's important to print them single sided.
You have a set time to ask the court not to make the Parenting Order or Order to Settle a Dispute between Guardians.
The set time is usually:
The court will tell you how many days you have to respond. It’s important that you check this because a judge might choose a different timeframe to those mentioned above.
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