Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.
My documents are ready to file before the court deadline. The other side keeps missing deadlines — always last minute. Should I file mine on time, or hold back to see what they file first?
This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Some litigants in person find themselves tempted to delay their own filing until the other party has submitted theirs, hoping to better understand the other side's position before committing to their own response.
Court directions apply to everyone equally — including you. Filing late puts you in breach of the order, even if the other side is behaving badly. They will be quick to point out your non-compliance while ignoring their own. Your compliance is your credibility.
Court directions apply to everyone equally. Filing on time establishes compliance, which protects credibility. Many litigants observe that staying ahead of deadlines — rather than matching the other side's behaviour — strengthens their position.
Guide your client to follow the court directions — not to play tactical games. Their compliance protects them.
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
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