The respondent wants to dispute the application in court.

Will the case go straight to court?

If the respondent decides to dispute your application in court, the matter will be set down for a 10 minute directions appointment. In this hearing, the Deemster will order any documentation he/she wishes either party to submit. This will usually include asking the respondent to file an 'affidavit of means' to prove his income and outgoings.

Disclosure of documents

If the matter proceeds to a full hearing, the Deemster may then order full disclosure. Here, the respondent and applicant will be required to submit details of what was recorded in their 'affidavits of means'. This may include bank statements, wage slips, mortgage repayment forms, educational bills and any other monthly outgoings from both parties.

The Deemster may also order that any new spouse/co-habitants of either party be required to submit evidence of their contributions to the household and upbringing costs of the children.

What if the respondent refuses to disclose all his financial documents?

If the Deemster orders full disclosure, the respondent must disclose all of his documents with regards to his financial situation and dealings. If he refuses to disclose, the Deemster may make an order in the absence of these documents to his disadvantage and the respondent could be held in contempt of court for refusing to obey a court order.

What happens if the respondent fails to attend court?

If the respondent fails to turn up to court for a hearing, the Deemster will usually adjourn the matter to a later date to give them a chance to attend. However if the respondent fails to turn up again, the Deemster may proceed to make an order in his/her absence.