Court Procedure

Return Date

1 min read

The date the court sets for the next hearing after making an order without notice (ex parte), so the respondent can attend and the court can decide whether to continue, vary or discharge the order.

In Plain English

A second hearing date set after an emergency order was made without you being there. It gives you the chance to tell your side of the story before the judge decides if the order should stay in place.

Related pages on Bridge The Gap

  • UK Family Court
  • Your Journey
Published19 August 2026Last reviewed23 September 2026

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