Failing to attend hearing

[Pumpkinpie11]

I was just wondering if anyone can tell me what the penalties are for failing to attend a court hearing?
I've got the first hearing for my divorce tomorrow and 3 of my children have got a sickness bug. There is no way I can send them to school this unwell so I won't be going.
I was going to represent myself so I don't even have a solicitor to go on my behalf.
Thanks

[Yambabe]

Did you not ring the court today? If you just don't turn up they might proceed without you which will not necessarily be in your best interests.

[MooseBeTimeForSpring]

What hearing is it? You don't usually have to attend divorce hearings, just financial ones. Is the judge not happy with the arrangements for the children?

[Pumpkinpie11]

It's a financial hearing and I emailed them last night.
I'm trying to get through to the GP first and will phone the court as soon as I've asked if I can get a doctors letter.
I'm just curious what the punishment will be.

[traviata]

no punishment.

the court may go ahead without you, but this is unlikely on the first appointment. It will be rescheduled, and you and your ex will have to wait longer to get the case over with.

if the court thought you were messing about and delaying on purpose, it could order you to pay costs to your ex, but this is highly unlikely as you have a proper reason for not going to court, especially if you do get a GP note.