What Happens at a First Family Court Hearing.

Facing a family court hearing can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time.

The first hearing, known as the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA), sets the tone for how your case will proceed.

Knowing what to expect, who will be there, and what decisions might be made can help you feel more prepared and confident.

This guide breaks down the FHDRA step by step and explains why many people find self-representation beneficial in family court.

If you are a parent currently going through family court, it is important that you join PAPA Plus and make use of our courses and other resources, including PAPA AI.

If you require direct assistance with your case, you can also book a call or one of our family law workshops with PAPA as a 'Plus' member. 

What Is the FHDRA and Why Does It Matter?

The FHDRA is the first formal court hearing in many family law cases in the UK.

It usually happens within a few weeks (sometimes longer) after the court receives the application.

The main goal is to identify the issues in dispute, encourage agreement where possible, and plan the next steps in the case.

This hearing is not about making final decisions on complex matters like child arrangements or financial disputes.

Instead, it focuses on resolving smaller issues and setting a clear path forward.

The court aims to reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary delays.

Who Will Be Present at the FHDRA?

Understanding who will be in the courtroom helps reduce anxiety and prepares you for the interaction.

• Judge or Magistrate: The judge leads the hearing, listens to both sides, and makes decisions about how the case should proceed.

• Applicants and Respondents: These are the parties involved in the case. The applicant is the person who started the court process, and the respondent is the other party.

• Legal Representatives: If you have a solicitor or barrister, they will attend with you. However, many people represent themselves at this stage.

• Cafcass Officer: In cases involving children, a Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) officer may attend to provide reports and advice to the court.

• Court Staff: Clerks and ushers help manage the hearing and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the FHDRA Process

1. Arrival and Check-In

When you arrive at the court, you will check in with court staff. It’s important to arrive early to allow time for security checks and to find the correct courtroom.

2. Introduction by the Judge

The judge will start by explaining the purpose of the hearing and the process. They will ask each party to confirm their names and roles in the case.

3. Identifying the Issues

Each party will have the chance to briefly explain their position. The judge will ask questions to clarify what the main disagreements are. This helps focus the hearing on the key points.

4. Encouraging Agreement

The judge will encourage both parties to reach an agreement on any issues they can. This might involve discussing child arrangements, contact schedules, or financial matters. The judge may suggest mediation or other forms of dispute resolution.

5. Making Interim Orders

If agreement is not possible, the judge may make temporary orders to manage the situation until the case progresses. These could include arrangements for child contact or financial support.

6. Setting Timelines and Next Steps

The judge will set deadlines for submitting evidence, reports, or statements. They will also schedule the next hearing or case management appointment.

7. Closing the Hearing

The judge will summarise the decisions made and confirm the next steps. The hearing usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour.

What Decisions Can Be Made at the FHDRA?

The FHDRA is designed to resolve straightforward issues and plan the case.

Decisions may include:

• Temporary child arrangements, such as who the child will live with or visit.

• Orders to prevent one party from taking the child abroad.

• Directions for gathering evidence, like reports from Cafcass or experts.

• Timetables for filing documents and preparing for future hearings.

• Referrals to mediation or family dispute resolution services.

  
  

The judge avoids making final decisions on complex matters at this stage unless both parties agree.

Why Self-Representation Can Be the Best Choice in Family Court

Many people worry about representing themselves in family court.

While legal advice is valuable, self-representation has several advantages:

Greater Control Over Your Case

When you represent yourself, you control how your story is told. You can explain your situation directly to the judge without a filter.

Cost Savings

Legal fees can be expensive. Representing yourself reduces costs significantly, which is important for many families.

Better Understanding of the Process

Preparing your case helps you learn about family law and court procedures. This knowledge can improve your confidence and ability to communicate effectively.

Flexibility and Speed

You can respond quickly to developments without waiting for a lawyer’s schedule. This can help keep your case moving.

Access to Support Services

Courts provide resources for self-represented parties, including guides, advice lines, and court staff who can explain procedures.

PAPA members who join PAPA Plus and complete our courses report feeling way more confident self representing.

Tips for Preparing for Your FHDRA Hearing

• Read Your Court Documents Carefully: Know what you and the other party have asked for.

• Join PAPA Plus: Self litigants who use the PAPA Plus resources have way more control over their case.

• Prepare a Clear Statement: Write down the key points you want to make.

• Bring Relevant Evidence: Documents, messages, or reports that support your case.

• Practice Speaking Clearly: Explain your position calmly and respectfully.

• Arrive Early: Give yourself time to settle and find the courtroom.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear neat, respectful clothing to make a good impression.

• Stay Calm and Focused: Listen carefully and answer questions honestly.

  
  

Common Questions About the FHDRA

Can I bring a support person?

Yes, you can bring someone for emotional support, but they cannot speak on your behalf.

What if I miss the hearing?

Missing the hearing can harm your case. Contact the court immediately if you cannot attend.

Will the judge decide everything at the FHDRA?

No, the judge focuses on managing the case and resolving simple issues. More complex matters are dealt with later.

Is mediation mandatory?

The court encourages mediation but does not force it. It can be a useful way to reach agreement without court battles.

Moving Forward After the FHDRA

After the hearing, you will receive a court order summarising the decisions and next steps.

Follow these carefully to avoid delays or penalties.

If you agreed to mediation, attend the sessions prepared to negotiate in good faith.

Keep records of all communications and documents related to your case.

If you need to return to court, being organised will help you present your case clearly.

In need of help or support?

If you are an alienated parent reading this article and feel you are in need of help and support then please make sure to join PAPA today by signing up here on our website.

This will give you access to our community support forum as well as our Resource Centre, which includes downloadable guides and on-demand courses to help through the process of being alienated and regaining contact with your children.

We also have our Facebook support group that you can join here.

Our Facebook support group has several dedicated chat rooms where you can get immediate support.

If you are a member of PAPA you can also send us a message here on the website and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible but please bear in mind, we have hundreds of messages weekly so it may take us a while to get back to you.

We are currently prioritising PAPA Plus members due to high demand.

Regardless of circumstance you are not alone and at PAPA we are here to support you.

Become a PAPA Ambassador

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We would love for you to join us and help spread awareness for parental alienation and all of the dynamics involved so that we can continue to help parents and children towards a better future.

Our Ambassador Program allows you to grow your involvement with the cause by earning points on your membership.

To earn points we have created rewards for actions such as completing one of our courses, booking a case review, or ordering supply.

We will be adding new rewards and actions to our Ambassador Program as we continue to grow our awareness efforts.

We want our members to feel rewarded for their support as we continue to look for new ways to improve the lives of those impacted by parental alienation.

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Each PAPA Plus membership makes a huge difference to the cause as it really helps us to improve our services and our awareness campaigns.

Proceeds from memberships and supply allow us to push the cause much further towards raising awareness and improving our services and resources so that we can continue to help more and more parents and children.

Thank you for reading and for your continued support of PAPA and our mission to end parental alienation.