First Hearing (FHDRA) — What Happens and How to Prepare

Plain‑English Briefing for a Litigant in Person (LIP) – First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)

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1. What is the FHDRA?

The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (often called an FHDRA) is an early court meeting. Its main purpose is not to decide the whole case. Instead, the judge or magistrates will:

• See if you and the other party can agree on any issues (for example, where the child will live or how contact will work).
• Narrow down the points you disagree on, so later hearings can focus on what really needs sorting.
• Give the court directions – i.e., tell everyone what steps need to happen next (such as ordering a report, setting dates for more hearings, or asking for more information).

Think of it as a planning meeting that helps the case move forward smoothly.

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2. Who will be there

• The judge or a panel of magistrates – they run the hearing and make the procedural decisions.
• A CAFCASS officer (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) – they may be in the courtroom or join by phone/video. Their role is to talk to you (and sometimes the other party) about the children’s welfare and to feed back what they hear to the judge.
• You and the other party (the respondent).
• Any solicitors or legal representatives each side has (if you have one, they’ll sit with you; if not, you’ll be on your own).
• Occasionally a court clerk or usher who helps with paperwork and calling the case.

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3. What happens on the day

| Step | What you’ll experience | Tips |

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

| Arrive early | Aim to be at the court at least 15‑20 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you a chance to find the right room, sign in, and calm any nerves. | Bring a bottle of water and a snack if you think you’ll wait a while. |

| Waiting room | You’ll usually wait in a public area outside the courtroom. Your case will be called when it’s your turn. | Keep your paperwork handy; you may be asked to show it while you wait. |

| Going into court | When your name is called, you’ll go into the courtroom, take a seat at the table (usually facing the judge), and the other party will sit opposite. | Stand when the judge enters or leaves, and sit when they tell you to. |

| CAFCASS chat | Before or after the judge speaks, the CAFCASS officer will usually have a short, private conversation with each of you (sometimes together, sometimes separately). They’ll ask about the children’s wishes, feelings, and any safety concerns. | Be honest and calm; you can ask for a break if you feel upset. |

| The hearing itself | The judge will outline what they’ve heard from CAFCASS, ask you and the other party to summarise your positions, and explore whether any agreement can be reached. They may also set directions for the next steps. | Speak clearly, keep to the point, and refer to your notes if needed. |

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4. What documents to bring

• Any existing court orders (e.g., a temporary residence or contact order).
• The C100 form (the application you started) and, if you’ve filed one, the C7 (response).
• A position statement (a short, written summary of what you want, why you think it’s in the child’s best interests, and any key facts). It’s not compulsory, but having one helps you stay focused and shows the judge you’ve prepared.
• Any relevant evidence you already have (e.g., school reports, medical notes, text messages that show arrangements you’ve agreed on). Only bring what’s directly relevant – you don’t need a huge bundle.
• Your notes – a simple list of points you want to make or questions you have.

Keep everything in a clear folder or envelope so you can find it quickly.

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5. What the judge will ask and what decisions they make

Typical questions from the judge (they may phrase them differently, but the idea is the same):

• “What do you each want to happen regarding the child’s living arrangements and contact?”
• “Are there any points you already agree on?”
• “What are the main disagreements that need further work?”
• “Is there any concern about the child’s safety or welfare that needs investigating?”
• “Do you feel you have enough information to move forward, or should we order a report (e.g., a Section 7 welfare report)?”

What the judge can decide at this stage:

• Encourage you to reach an agreement on some or all issues and record that as a consent order (if you both agree).
• Order a CAFCASS Section 7 report (an in‑depth welfare report) if more information is needed.
• Set directions for the next steps – e.g., file further statements, exchange documents, or attend a mediation information and assessment meeting (MIAM).
• List a contested hearing (sometimes called a “final hearing”) if the issues cannot be resolved and the case needs a full hearing.
• Make any interim orders (temporary arrangements) that will stay in place until the next hearing, if they think it’s necessary for the child’s stability.

The judge will explain what they’re ordering and why, and they’ll give you a date for the next court appearance.

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6. What outcomes are possible

1. Consent order – you and the other party agree on some or all points; the judge turns that agreement into a court order.

2. Directions for a Section 7 report – the court asks CAFCASS to prepare a detailed welfare report to help decide later.

3. Further directions – you may be told to file additional statements, attend mediation, or exchange specific documents by a set date.

4. Interim/temporary order – short‑term arrangements for where the child lives or how contact works until the next hearing.

5. Contested hearing listed – if no agreement can be reached, the judge will set a date for a full hearing where evidence will be heard and a final decision made.

Whatever the outcome, the judge will explain what you need to do next and when you must return to court.

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7. How to address the judge

• In England and Wales, you call the judge “Sir” or “Ma’am” (or “Your Honour” if you prefer).
• If the bench is made up of magistrates, you still use “Sir/Ma’am” for each magistrate when you speak to them individually, or you can simply say “Sir/Ma’am” when addressing the bench as a whole.
• Speak politely, wait for the judge to finish before you start, and keep your tone calm and respectful.

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8. Three things NOT to do at a FHDRA

1. Don’t interrupt or talk over the judge or the other party. Wait for your turn; interrupting can frustrate the court and may harm your credibility.

2. Don’t bring unrelated paperwork or vent personal grievances that aren’t about the child’s welfare. Keep the focus on what’s best for the child and what the court needs to decide.

3. Don’t agree to something you’re not comfortable with just to “get it over with.” If you’re unsure, ask for a moment to think, request clarification, or say you’d like to take advice before committing.

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9. One reassuring closing message

Attending an FHDRA can feel intimidating, but remember: the court’s job at this stage is simply to help you and the other party sort out what’s needed for the child’s wellbeing and to keep the case moving forward. You’ve already taken the important step of showing up and preparing – that counts for a lot. Stay calm, speak honestly about what you believe is best for the child, and take things one step at a time. If anything feels unclear, you can always ask the judge to explain. And, as always, consider getting independent legal advice for your particular situation – this briefing is meant to guide you through the process, not replace professional counsel.

You’ve got this. Good luck!