If the Juvenile Division decides that it is necessary to remove a child from the home, several possibilities exist: in a foster or group home Where the child goes depends on the needs of the child. The court will order that the parents and the child protection agency work together to reunite the family as quickly as possible. Court hearings are held at least every six months if a child is removed from the home to make sure that efforts are being made to bring the child safely back home.

When you arrive in the Small Claims Court, it is a good idea to announce to the clerk that you are present. If the justice of the peace calls the "docket," that is each case scheduled to be heard at that time, you should answer "present" when your case is called. If you have demanded a jury, a jury panel will be available from which you will select six jurors to decide your case.

You will have to return to court to ask for your final order of protection. The respondent has the right to a hearing. You may see a different Judge from the one you saw the first time. The Judge you see on the next court date is the Judge likely to decide your case. If the respondent does not come to court: You will be asked to show the Judge that the respondent was properly served.

It is very important for you to come to court on your adjourn date. In case of a serious emergency, send someone in your place to explain your absence or notify the court by phone or in writing. It is up to the Judge to decide whether to grant you an adjournment. If you do not appear, your case may be dismissed and you will no longer have a temporary order of protection.

If you are the defendant, the judge may enter a judgment against you even if you are not present or the judge may continue the case. If you cannot be in court for some reason, you should immediately notify your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, you should file a motion to continue the case with the Clerk of Superior Court. (Last updated on 09/14/2001 )

If you are a petitioner in Family Court, your case will probably be thrown out and any temporary order of protection you had will be gone on that day. If you are a respondent in Family Court, the case can be done without you there (provided the petitioner gave you notice of the case) and an order of protection can be issued. As a respondent or defendant, a warrant may be issued for your arrest in either a Family Court or a Criminal Court if you don't show up.

For most appeals, a panel of three judges hears the appeal. In very exceptional situations the judges may determine that a panel of five judges will hear the appeal. There are no witnesses or juries in the Court of Appeal. The hearing of a new trial does not occur before judges of the Manitoba Court of Appeal. New evidence is not considered by the Court of Appeal except in rare cases and with the permission of the Court of Appeal.

Several thing happen if you fail to appear for a court date. For minor traffic violations where you have not paid the fine, your drivers license will automatically be suspended. Driving While Suspended for failing to appear in court is subject to a 60-day jail term and a $500 fine. For major traffic violations, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Superior and Municipal Court procedures differ slightly. In the Superior Court, Domestic Violence Unit you will be asked to fill out a domestic violence complaint. A domestic violence complaint is a civil complaint, not a criminal complaint. You will then appear before a judge who will review the complaint and ask you some questions. If the judge is satisfied, a Temporary Restraining order will be issued and a date will be set for a Final Restraining Order hearing.