What happens at a FHDRA (first hearing dispute resolution appointment)

How long it takes, and what it would cost

On your own

Several days

With Wren

A couple of hours

Solicitor for each hearing

£740 to £1,4803 to 6 hours

Times and hours are Wren’s estimates for a typical case, not quotes. Solicitor costs are those hours at £247 an hour, the courts’ guideline rate for a solicitor with over four years’ experience, outside London (GOV.UK, Solicitors' guideline hourly rates (in effect from 1 January 2026)). The guideline runs from £200 to £295 an hour outside London depending on experience, firms set their own rates, and VAT is added on top.

When it happens

The rules say the FHDRA should usually take place in week 5 after the application is issued, and at the latest in week 6. It can be sooner if the court shortened the time for service.

The respondent should get at least 14 days' notice of the hearing where practicable. The court can set a shorter time.

Some family courts use a different approach called the Child Focused Model. There, a Child Impact Report is prepared early and the steps differ from those described here. Cafcass says the model is being rolled out across England and Wales.

Before the hearing

The respondent sends Form C7, and Form C1A if relevant, to the court within 14 days of receiving the application. The court sends copies to Cafcass (Cafcass Cymru in Wales) and to the applicant.

Cafcass carries out safeguarding checks with the police and local authority. It usually phones each party. It then sends the court a safeguarding letter at least 3 working days before the hearing.

No evidence, such as witness statements, should be filed before the FHDRA unless the court has directed it. If the court asks, each party completes Form FM5 about non-court dispute resolution.

Who will be there

Every party must attend unless the court says otherwise. A Cafcass officer attends and, where practicable, speaks to each party separately before the hearing. A mediator may also attend.

You may bring a McKenzie friend. This is someone who can give moral support, take notes and quietly help you, following court guidance. Independent domestic violence advisers can attend without a court order.

If the respondent does not attend, the court will only go ahead if satisfied they had reasonable notice, or there is good reason.

What the judge does

The judge works through a set of questions. Not every case covers every point.

1. Tells you what is in the safeguarding letter, if Cafcass has not already shared it.
2. Checks whether any MIAM exemption was valid, and whether the respondent attended a MIAM.
3. Asks which non-court ways of agreeing you tried, and why they did not work.
4. Considers whether domestic abuse or other harm is raised, and records this on the order.
5. Decides whether a fact-finding hearing is needed about disputed allegations.
6. Considers the child's wishes and feelings and how they will be heard.
7. Decides whether a report is needed, such as a section 7 report from Cafcass.
8. Sets the next steps: interim arrangements, statements, a dispute resolution appointment (DRA) or a final hearing.

If you reach agreement

Where it is safe, there is time at every FHDRA for the Cafcass officer to help you try to agree. If you agree, the court can make an order, often a final one, reflecting it.

The court must still check the agreement before making an order. The FHDRA is not confidential like mediation. What is said can be referred to at later hearings.

If safeguarding checks are still outstanding, the court may delay a final order. It may adjourn for up to 28 days to a fixed date. It should not usually make interim orders without safeguarding information.

Before you leave court

If the case is not finished, the order must give the date, time and place of the next hearing. It also says whether the author of any section 7 report must attend.

The judge should, as far as possible, give both parties a copy of the order before they leave, and explain it if needed.

Safety at court

Where domestic abuse is raised, the court must make sure arrangements for waiting, entering and leaving the building are safe. The rules say the court should ask the alleged victim how they wish to take part. The court may also give participation directions, such as screens or a video link.

Where information shows relevant domestic abuse, parties should not be expected to try to agree directly with each other at the hearing.

If you or a child are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. You do not have to reveal your address or contact details to the other party. You can tell the court on Form C8 and they will not be shared unless the court directs.

Key dates

1. Within 14 days of receiving the applicationRespondent sends Form C7, and C1A where relevant, to the court.Source: PD12B para 8.11 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
2. At least 14 days before the hearing, where practicableRespondent should have notice of the FHDRA.Source: PD12B para 14.2 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
3. Within 17 working days of Cafcass receiving the application, and at least 3 working days before the hearingCafcass sends the safeguarding letter to the court (20 working days for Cafcass Cymru).Source: PD12B paras 13.5, 13.7, 22.3 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
4. Usually week 5 after issue, at the latest week 6The FHDRA takes place.Source: PD12B paras 14.1, 22.4 ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)