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Divorce & Financial Remedies

First Directions Appointment (FDA): What to Expect

The First Directions Appointment is usually the first court hearing in the standard financial remedy process. Its objective is to define the issues and give proportionate directions so the case can move towards negotiation and an FDR.

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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Review exchanged Form E disclosureIdentify genuine gaps and issues relevant to the financial claims.
  2. Prepare the required preliminary documentsThese may include a questionnaire, statement of issues, chronology, asset schedule and costs estimate. Follow current guidance and the order.
  3. Keep questions proportionateA questionnaire should seek information needed to understand or test disclosure, not repeat every grievance.
  4. Identify expert or valuation needsThe court controls expert evidence and may direct joint valuation or pension evidence where appropriate.
  5. Know what the court decidesThe court determines which questions must be answered, which documents produced and what further evidence is necessary.
  6. Attend ready to narrow issuesBoth parties generally attend unless directed otherwise.
  7. Record the directionsAfter the hearing, create a task list for replies, valuations, disclosure and the FDR timetable.

What you will need

  • Forms E and attachments
  • Draft questionnaire
  • Statement of issues
  • Chronology
  • Asset and income schedule
  • Costs estimate
  • Proposed directions
  • Hearing bundle details

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Overlong or argumentative questionnaires
  • Requesting documents unrelated to an issue
  • Out-of-date asset figures
  • Missing preliminary document deadlines
  • Attending without proposed directions

Practical paid support

How I can help

FDA Paperwork & Hearing Preparation

From £99 / £60 per hour

A focused online hearing preparation session is £99. Practical financial paperwork organisation is £60 per hour, with the scope agreed before work begins.

Included

  • Hearing purpose and checklist
  • Document and deadline organisation
  • Issues arranged clearly
  • Administrative formatting support

Not included

  • Drafting legal arguments
  • Advising which questions the law permits
  • Advocacy or negotiation
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Does the court decide the final division at the FDA?

Usually no. The FDA is primarily for case management and directions, although cases can take different routes.

Must I attend?

The rules generally require both parties to attend unless the court directs otherwise. Check your order.

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.