§ 725 Summons or warrant on failure to appear

If someone signs a written promise to bring a child to family court, but they don't show up with the child, the court has two options. The court can send out a summons, which is an official notice telling the person and the child to come to court at a specific time and place.

If a summons isn't enough or doesn't work, the court can instead issue a warrant. A warrant is a stronger legal order that directs law enforcement to physically bring the person, the child, or both of them to court at a set time.

This rule gives the court a way to make sure children and responsible adults actually show up when they're required to. It's meant to back up the promise made under section 724, so the court's process keeps moving even if someone fails to follow through on their word.