What happens if you have to turn up at two or more courts at once?
<p>I was wondering, when a court sends out "invitations" for persons to appear at a court session, it usually includes a "you have to appear if not sick (or else)" clause.</p>

<p>Now naturally it can happen that two such court sessions intersect, especially if there are two different courts involved.</p>

<p><strong>Question:</strong> Do I have a legal right to have one session be moved, or am I at least excused in such a case?</p>

<p>Common sense dictates yes, and I'm sure in most cases one can reason with the judges, but court doesn't always stick to common sense as I know. I want to know the legal right, not if it should work out in practice.</p>

<p>Note that I'm not seeking legal advice here, I'm just curious. Also, for the scope of the question, I had to restrict it to Germany (where I come from), but please feel free to add the situation in other countries in the comments.</p>

<p>This is one situation where I suspect that Germany doesn't differ too much from the United States.</p>

<p>Ordinarily, you would contact both courts to explain the situation and ask how to obtain a rescheduling of one or both of the court dates. Sometimes, it would be necessary to make a written request to do so in advance of the hearing. Depending upon the nature of the request, it might also be possible to file something in lieu of a physical appearance (often with a lawyer's help), or to have a lawyer appear on your behalf instead of you.</p>

<p>Fortunately, failing to appear will probably have less severe consequences in Germany than in the United States, where it would be routine for a warrant for your arrest to issue immediately if you do not appear without permission from the court in advance to not appear. Germany tends to be less punitive with regard to trivial non-compliance with court demands.</p>

germany court legal-representation