The Serious Consequences of Ignoring Court Orders in Divorce and Family Law

When you’re going through a divorce or dealing with family law proceedings, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the paperwork and deadlines. However, one thing that should never be ignored is a Court Order. Failing to follow Court Orders can lead to serious consequences, including a finding of contempt of court.

A recent case, Ozturk v Ozturk (2025), serves as a clear reminder of the risks of non-compliance.

What Is Financial Disclosure in Divorce?

When separating couples go to court to resolve financial matters (known as Financial Remedy Proceedings), both parties are required to provide full and honest financial disclosure. This means each spouse must:

• Complete a Form E (a detailed statement of income, assets, debts, and expenses).
• Exchange this information with the other party and the Court by a set deadline.

This process ensures that the Court has an accurate picture of each party’s finances before making decisions about property, pensions, maintenance, or other financial issues.

The Case of Ozturk v Ozturk (2025)

In this case, heard earlier this year in the Family Court at Middlesborough, the husband repeatedly ignored his obligations. Specifically, he:

• Failed to file his completed Form E by the due date.
• Failed to attend Court for the first hearing.
• Failed to attend the adjourned first hearing.
• Failed to respond to communication from his wife’s solicitors, who were trying to resolve the matter.
• Failed to respond to his wife’s further application to commit him to prison, nor attend that Court hearing.

The Court had no choice but to proceed without his cooperation, and the outcome was far from favourable to him.

What Happens If You Ignore Court Orders?

Ignoring Court Orders is extremely serious. In family law cases, the Court can:

• Make decisions without your input, often to your disadvantage.
• Impose penalties for contempt of court, which may include fines or even imprisonment.
• Make adverse inferences which could damage your credibility, making it harder to argue your case later.

In Ozturk v Ozturk, the husband’s refusal to engage meant that the Court accepted the wife’s financial evidence in full. He lost the opportunity to put forward his side of the story.

Why Compliance Protects You

While deadlines and paperwork may feel stressful, complying with Court Orders ultimately protects your interests. By providing accurate financial disclosure:

• You ensure the Court has all the facts.
• You keep the process fair and transparent.
• You avoid penalties and unnecessary legal costs.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t ignore Court Orders. Compliance is not optional.
• Engage early. If you’re struggling with disclosure or deadlines, seek legal advice straight away.
• Protect your future. Failing to comply can have long-lasting financial and legal consequences.

How Our Family Law Team Can Help

At Hegarty, we understand that divorce and financial proceedings can be daunting. Our experienced family law solicitors will guide you through the process, ensuring you meet all Court requirements while protecting your rights.

If you’ve been served with a Court Order or are worried about financial disclosure, contact us today for clear, practical advice that you can rely on.