Attendance at directions appointment and hearing
6.—(1) The resident party shall attend a directions appointment of which he has been given notice in accordance with paragraph 4 above unless the justices' clerk or the court otherwise directs.
(2) Where at the time and place appointed for a hearing or directions appointment the resident party does not appear the justices' clerk or the court shall not proceed with the hearing or appointment unless—
(a)the proceedings relate to an application filed by the resident party, or
(b)the court is satisfied that the resident party has received reasonable notice of the hearing or appointment.
(3) Where at the time and place appointed for a hearing or directions appointment the non-resident party does not appear the court may proceed with the hearing or appointment where the proceedings relate to an order or application sent by the Lord Chancellor to the court under the Act.
(4) Nothing in this Schedule shall be taken as preventing either party from appearing at any hearing or directions appointment.