With the intention of minimizing parties inactivity, legislators are taking a series of measures, thus seeking an appropriate balance between the principle of economy and the adversarial principle. The paper clarifies concepts that are relevant for understanding the problem of parties' non-appearance in the proceedings. It analyzes various legal consequences of party passivity in the proceedings and demonstrates how the occurrence of a specific legal consequence affects the procedural position of both parties in the proceedings. The importance of well-prepared motions that a party can submit to the court, such as motions for adjournment of hearings or motions for restitution in integrum, are analyzed with reference to relevant case law. It also provides insight into how the court assesses the justification (or lack thereof) for the non-appearance. Finally, the legal remedies against court decisions containing legal consequences in the event of a party's non-appearance, are also analyzed and connected to the legal position of the parties.