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Children & Child Arrangements

What Happens After the First Family Court Hearing?

There is no single route after a first hearing. The sealed court order is the practical roadmap: it records what has been decided, what information is required and the deadlines leading to the next hearing.

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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Read the order carefullyHighlight each direction, deadline, responsible person and hearing date.
  2. Identify the next hearing typeThe court may list a dispute resolution appointment, directions review, fact-finding hearing or final hearing. Names and purposes can vary.
  3. Complete directed evidenceStatements, schedules, police or medical disclosure and other material must be prepared only as directed and on time.
  4. Engage with any Section 7 assessmentIf ordered, Cafcass or a local authority may assess the questions specified by the court.
  5. Prepare for fact-finding where directedA fact-finding hearing may be used where disputed allegations need determination before welfare decisions. Specialist legal advice can be important.
  6. Keep arrangements and records child-focusedComply with interim orders and record relevant events proportionately.
  7. Prepare for the next decision pointUpdate your chronology, organise papers and identify what the court must decide next.

What you will need

  • Sealed order
  • Deadline and responsibility table
  • Next hearing notice
  • Directed forms or statements
  • Professional contact details
  • Updated child-focused proposals

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on memory instead of the written order
  • Missing a direction because it appears in a later paragraph
  • Sending unsolicited material to Cafcass
  • Assuming every case will have the same hearing sequence
  • Waiting until the last week to prepare evidence

Practical paid support

How I can help

Court Order Walkthrough & Paperwork Support

£60 per hour

Practical help turning the order into an action checklist, organising directed documents and preparing for the next hearing. This is not authoritative legal interpretation.

Included

  • Plain-English practical walkthrough
  • Deadline and task checklist
  • Document organisation
  • Signposting where specialist advice is needed

Not included

  • Legal advice on the meaning or effect of the order
  • Filing or serving for you
  • Conducting litigation
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

What if the order does not match what happened?

Act promptly. Contact the court or obtain legal advice about the correct procedure; do not simply ignore the written order.

What is a DRA?

A Dispute Resolution Appointment may review evidence and help narrow or resolve issues before a final hearing, but the precise purpose depends on the court’s directions.

Official sources

Guidance checked: 1 November 2026. Always check the latest court order and official source before acting.

Important: This page gives general procedural information for England and Wales. The Everyday McKenzie Friend provides independent, non-regulated practical support and is not a solicitor or barrister. I do not provide regulated legal advice, conduct litigation or have an automatic right to address the court. Court decisions and permission for McKenzie Friend assistance remain matters for the court.