Your Divorce Act ISO matter may go directly to court (or may have to gone to ADR with no agreement reached). In these situations, you (the respondent) on a Divorce Act ISO matter do have to appear in court. The applicant does not have to appear in court, but they might be invited to attend by telephone or other electronic means.
If you do not appear in court, the judge may still make a decision and court order based only on the information given by the applicant. You will be given a certified copy of any order granted by the court.
It is strongly recommended that you speak to a lawyer for help and advice.