Directions Hearing — What Happens and How to Prepare

Plain‑English Briefing: Attending a Directions Hearing in the UK Family Court

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1. What is a Directions Hearing?

A directions hearing is a short court session where the judge decides what each side must do before the case moves forward. Think of it as a “to‑do list” meeting: the court tells you what papers you need to file, whether you need any expert reports, and by when each step has to be finished. The aim is to keep the case on track and avoid surprises later on.

2. Common Directions the Judge Might Give

While every case is different, the judge often orders things like:

| Direction | What it means in everyday language |

|-----------|--------------------------------------|

| File witness statements by a set date | You (and the other party) must write down what you want to say in court and give those statements to the court and the other side by the deadline. |

| Instruct an expert | If the judge thinks you need a specialist opinion (e.g., a child psychologist, a financial adviser, or a housing expert), you must hire that person and get their report. |

| Obtain a Section 7 (S7) report | In children‑related cases, the court may ask CAFCASS or a local authority to prepare a report about the child’s welfare. |

| Exchange documents (disclosure) | You must share certain papers (e.g., bank statements, emails, school reports) with the other side so everyone sees the same evidence. |

| Attend a mediation or a child‑focused meeting | The court may ask you to try to settle some issues outside of a full hearing. |

| Set a date for the next hearing | The judge will tell you when you need to come back to court. |

The judge will write these directions in an order (sometimes called a “directions order”) and send a copy to you and the other party.

3. How to Ask for the Directions You Need

Before the hearing, think about what you need to be ready for the next stage. When it’s your turn to speak:

1. Be polite and concise – start with “Thank you, your honour.”

2. State what you’re asking for – e.g., “I would like to request that I be given until [date] to obtain a report from an independent child psychologist, because I have not yet been able to secure one.”

3. Explain why it’s necessary – a short reason helps the judge see the fairness of your request (e.g., “Without this report I won’t be able to address the concerns raised about the child’s emotional wellbeing.”).

4. Keep it focused – stick to one or two key requests at a time; you can add more later if the judge allows.

4. What to Say If the Timetable Feels Unrealistic

If the judge proposes a deadline that you genuinely cannot meet, you can say something like:

• “I understand the court’s wish to move the case forward, but I am concerned that the date set for filing the witness statements ( [date] ) may be too soon for me to gather the necessary information, especially because I need to obtain records from [third party] which typically takes [time] weeks.”
• Then ask for a reasonable adjustment: “Would it be possible to extend that deadline to [alternative date] so I can prepare my evidence properly?”

The judge will consider your explanation and may adjust the timetable, or they may ask you to try to meet the original date. Being clear, respectful, and specific about why you need more time helps the court see your request as reasonable.

5. Why Bring a Written List of the Directions You Want

Having a short, written list (just a few bullet points) in front of you offers several practical benefits:

• Clarity for you – you won’t forget anything important while you’re nervous.
• Shows the judge you’re prepared – it signals that you’ve thought ahead about what you need.
• Makes it easier to refer to – you can point to the list when you speak, reducing the chance of mixing up dates or details.
• Helps the other side – if you give them a copy (or the judge asks you to share it), everyone sees exactly what you’re asking for, which can cut down on misunderstandings later.

A simple list might look like this:

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1. Extension to file witness statements: new deadline 15 Oct 2025 (need time to obtain school records).

2. Permission to instruct a independent financial expert: report due 30 Nov 2025.

3. Request for CAFCASS S7 report: to be completed by 20 Dec 2025.

4. Direction to exchange bank statements for the period Jan‑Jun 2025 by 5 Oct 2025.

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Print it on one side of a sheet of paper, bring a pen, and keep it handy while you wait for your turn.

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Final Reminder

This briefing explains the typical process and language you might encounter at a directions hearing. It is not legal advice tailored to your personal circumstances. If you feel unsure about any step, or if your case involves complex issues (e.g., serious safety concerns, substantial assets, or international elements), please consider speaking with a solicitor, a legal aid adviser, or a trusted advice service such as Citizens Advice or Law Centres Network. They can help you apply the general information here to your specific situation.

Good luck, and remember that the court is there to help the case move forward fairly—being clear, prepared, and respectful goes a long way. You’ve got this!