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.
Assumption: "Refusing the other side's proposal counts as unreasonable conduct that could trigger a costs order against you."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Court Reality
Turning down a proposal is not poor conduct in itself. The conduct that justifies a costs order is about how you run the case — missing deadlines, ignoring court orders, not giving full disclosure, running up costs on points that don't matter, or unreasonably refusing to engage with the process. Rejecting an offer you genuinely believe is unfair is your right, not misconduct. Send your proposal when you are ready, keep your replies factual and polite, and keep a copy of everything.
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The Gap?
"Refusing the other side's proposal counts as unreasonable conduct that could trigger a costs order against you."
Court Reality
Turning down a proposal is not poor conduct in itself.
Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.
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