An order to appear is a court directive requiring a specific person to attend a hearing or proceeding. In Arizona family law orders to appear are issued in contempt proceedings, enforcement hearings, and other situations where the court needs a party or witness to be present.

An order to appear is not optional. Failing to appear after receiving an order to appear can result in a bench warrant, additional contempt findings, or other sanctions.

If you receive an order to appear that you believe is improper or that creates genuine hardship address it with your attorney immediately. Do not simply ignore it. The remedy for a problematic order to appear is to challenge it through the proper legal process.