A proof up hearing is where you have to provide evidence to the Court that will justify the Court in granting a Judgment to you. You need to demonstrate that you had a good reason for failing to respond.If the Plaintiff does not show up for the trial and the Defendant does appear, if the Defendant asks, the Court may dismiss the case without prejudice. At a prove-up hearing for child custody, you can expect a more relaxed atmosphere than what surrounds a contentious trial. To ask the judge to set aside your default judgment, you must file a "motion" (a formal written request) with the court. The plaintiff must show up for a brief court hearing to have the final custody order approved if the judge grants the plaintiff's request for a default ruling. If you are looking to get out of the default judgment, then you will need to file a motion to vacate or set aside judgment. The plaintiff must show up for a brief court hearing to have the final custody order approved if the judge grants the plaintiff's request for a default ruling. If the Defendant does not appear, the Judge may recommend that a Default Judgment be entered in the Plaintiff's favor. Merits as to the defaulting defendant.