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Divorce & Financial Remedies

Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR) Guide

An FDR is a settlement-focused hearing in financial remedy proceedings. The judge considers the material and may give an indication to help the parties negotiate. The judge does not normally determine the final outcome at that hearing.

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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Comply with the FDA orderComplete disclosure, replies, valuations and other directed evidence.
  2. Update the financial pictureEnsure asset, income, debt and costs information is current and consistent.
  3. Prepare the required documentsFollow the order and current Financial Remedies Guide for schedules, offers, position statements and the bundle.
  4. Understand offers and confidentialityFDR negotiations and material may be without prejudice, subject to the rules and court directions. Obtain legal advice if unsure.
  5. Know the issues and range of positionsBe able to explain disputed facts and the practical effect of different proposals.
  6. Participate in negotiationsThe parties should use best endeavours to reach agreement, but a McKenzie Friend cannot negotiate or advocate on a client’s behalf as of right.
  7. If agreement is reachedA properly drafted consent order is needed; specialist legal drafting and advice are often important.
  8. If no agreement is reachedThe court gives directions towards a final hearing, including updated evidence and open proposals where required.

What you will need

  • Latest order
  • Updated asset and income schedule
  • Complete disclosure and replies
  • Valuations or expert material
  • Offers and proposals
  • Position statement if required
  • Costs documents
  • Hearing bundle

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using stale figures
  • Arriving without understanding the disputed issues
  • Treating the judge’s indication as a binding decision
  • Disclosing without-prejudice material incorrectly
  • Agreeing terms without understanding implementation

Practical paid support

How I can help

FDR Preparation Support

£199 preparation package

The hearing preparation package includes a 60-minute discussion, review of up to 20 pages, issue organisation, a personalised checklist or notes and a 30-minute follow-up. Additional financial paperwork is £60 per hour if separately agreed.

Included

  • Up to 20 pages reviewed
  • Issues and preparation tasks organised
  • Personal checklist or notes
  • One follow-up discussion

Not included

  • Legal advice on settlement
  • Negotiating or speaking for you
  • Drafting a consent order
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will the FDR judge hear the final hearing?

The rules provide that the FDR judge should have no further involvement except for a further FDR or making a consent or directions order.

Can you tell me what to settle for?

No. Individual settlement advice is regulated legal and financial work.

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.