I’ve Received Court Papers – What Do I Do?

You’ve received court papers. Here’s what you need to know right now.
Don’t ignore them. Don’t panic. But do act today.
Receiving court papers in a family law matter — whether for divorce, children arrangements, or financial proceedings — is serious. There are deadlines attached. Missing them has consequences. This page tells you what you’re dealing with, what you must do, and where to get help fast.

First – Take a Breath

This can be a lot for most people. Even people who expected this moment often describe the physical shock of holding court papers. That reaction is completely normal.
What matters now is that you read this carefully — and that you act quickly, not impulsively.

What Type Of Papers Have You Recieved?

The type of papers determines what you need to do and how quickly.
Divorce papers Your spouse has formally applied to the court to begin divorce proceedings. You will need to respond. Failing to respond does not stop the divorce. It removes your ability to have any say in the process.
Child arrangements order application Someone — usually the other parent — is asking the court to make a formal decision about where your child lives or how much time they spend with each parent. There will be a first hearing date. You may want to speak to a solicitor before that date.
Financial remedy application The court has been asked to decide how finances, property, or assets are divided. This process has strict disclosure requirements. Getting this wrong — even innocently — has serious consequences.
Non-molestation or occupation order This is an emergency protective order. If you have received this, you have very limited time to respond and you may wish to speak to a solicitor today.
Prohibited steps or specific issue order Usually related to children — preventing a specific action (such as relocation) or requiring one. Time-critical.

What Must You Do Now

1. Read the papers carefully Look for a response deadline — it will be stated clearly. Write it down. Do not miss it.
2. Do not ignore them Court papers do not go away. The court process will continue with or without your participation. Ignoring papers removes your voice from a process that is about your life.
3. Do not contact the other party impulsively Whatever your reaction — anger, fear, a desire to sort things out directly — now is not the time for unguided contact. Anything you say or write can be used in proceedings.
4. Do not sign anything If you receive any documents to sign alongside the court papers, do not sign them until you understand them fully, take advice from a trusted source, or speak to a solicitor.
5. Get legal advice before your deadline You don’t need to have all the answers. In some situations, you may need a solicitor to tell you what you’re dealing with, what your options are, and what to do in the next 48–72 hours.

What Happens If You Miss The Deadline?

Missing a response deadline does not mean the process stops. It means the court proceeds without your input. Depending on the type of order:

  • A divorce may be granted without your participation
  • A child arrangements order may be made in your absence
  • A financial order may be made based only on the other party’s account
  • An emergency order may be confirmed without your response
  • In some cases deadlines can be extended — but this requires court approval, costs time and money, and is not guaranteed.
  • The safest position is to respond on time.

How Can SKB Help Today

Our Urgent Strategy Session is designed specifically for situations like this.
In a focused session with a qualified family law solicitor, we will:

  • Identify exactly what type of proceedings you’re facing
  • Explain your legal position clearly
  • Tell you what you must do, and by when
  • Give you an action plan to stabilise your position
  • Provide a written summary you can refer back to

This is not a vague initial consultation. It is a rapid, structured legal assessment designed to give you solid ground to stand on — fast. Urgent Strategy Session — from £395 + VAT Available by video or in person. Prioritised booking for urgent matters.

If your papers involve a safeguarding concern for a child, or you are at risk of harm, please contact us by phone. We will prioritise your enquiry.

What Happens Next — Beyond the Immediate Situation

Once the immediate pressure is managed, you’ll be in a position to think about what comes next. Depending on your situation, that might include:

  • Responding formally to the court application
  • Attending a first directions hearing
  • Engaging in mediation or negotiation
  • Instructing a solicitor for ongoing representation

SKB Law offers a clear path from urgent assessment through to full representation — or fixed-fee defined services if your matter is suitable for that route. You don’t have to decide that now. First, let’s deal with what’s in front of you.

Common Questions

I’ve had the papers for a few days — is it too late? Probably not — but check your deadline immediately. If you are close to or past a deadline, call our office and a member of our team will discuss next steps. We will assess the position and advise you on whether and how it can be addressed.
Do I need a solicitor or can I handle this myself? If you feel comfortable with the process, you can respond to court papers without a solicitor. As experienced family law solicitors, we can guide you on procedure, strategy, and law, particularly under time pressure.
The papers are about my children. What should I know? The court’s decisions can have long-lasting consequences. If you have received an application relating to your child’s living arrangements, contact, or a safeguarding concern, we strongly recommend you take legal advice before your first hearing.
I can’t afford full representation. What are my options? An Urgent Strategy Session gives you professional legal guidance at a defined, fixed cost. It does not commit you to anything further. Many clients use the session to understand their position and then decide whether and how to proceed — including whether they can manage some steps themselves with guidance.

You have received court papers. That means something is already in motion.
The most important thing you can do right now is understand what you’re dealing with — clearly, quickly, and from someone qualified to tell you what happens next.


Not sure what type of papers you have? Send us a message and we’ll help you work it out.

SKB Law — family law solicitors supporting clients across England & Wales and internationally. Urgent enquiries prioritised.