I have been asked to be a witness

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Can I refuse to be a witness?

Yes, if you are asked to be an expert witness. You must decide whether you can spare the time from your work or business to prepare a report and, perhaps, go to a court hearing.

If you are asked to be a witness of fact, you can also refuse. But the party who asks you can take steps to make you come to court to act as their witness.

Tell the party (or the party's solicitor) as soon as possible if you have something arranged, such as a holiday or hospital appointment, that may affect the dates that you can come to court.