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Children & Child Arrangements

Your First Family Court Hearing: FHDRA Guide

FHDRA means First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment. It is usually the first court hearing in a private children case. The court considers safeguarding information, identifies the issues, explores whether safe agreement is possible and decides what needs to happen next.

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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Read the notice and existing directionsCheck the date, time, format, attendance requirements and any filing deadline.
  2. Review the application and responseIdentify what is agreed, what is disputed and the immediate decisions being requested.
  3. Prepare for Cafcass contactGive an accurate, concise account of welfare and safeguarding matters.
  4. Organise key documentsHave the application, response, safeguarding letter if available, earlier orders and any document required by a direction.
  5. Prepare a short position summarySet out the key issues, current arrangements and practical proposals. Follow any page limit or filing direction.
  6. At the hearingThe judge or magistrates may discuss safeguarding, narrow issues, consider safe agreement and hear Cafcass advice.
  7. Understand possible outcomesThe court may make an agreed or interim order, request a Section 7 report, list another hearing, direct statements or consider whether fact-finding is needed.
  8. Leave with an action listRecord every deadline, who must do what and the next hearing date. Check the sealed order when received.

What you will need

  • Hearing notice and case number
  • Application and response
  • Cafcass safeguarding letter if received
  • Existing orders
  • Short issue list and child-focused proposals
  • Notebook and practical arrangements for attendance

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Arriving without reading the latest order
  • Trying to argue the whole case at a case-management hearing
  • Interrupting or speaking over others
  • Relying on documents the court has not directed or seen
  • Leaving without noting the next steps

Practical paid support

How I can help

Hearing Preparation & Support

From £99

A focused online preparation session is £99. The wider hearing preparation package is £199. Position statement and attendance services are priced separately on the Fees page.

Included

  • Purpose and likely structure of the hearing
  • Issue organisation and practical checklist
  • Preparation of your own notes
  • Clear scope agreed before work starts

Not included

  • Speaking for you as of right
  • Legal advice
  • Guaranteed court outcome
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will the case finish at the FHDRA?

It may if safe agreement is reached and the court considers the arrangements appropriate. Otherwise the court usually gives directions for the next stage.

Can a McKenzie Friend attend?

Attendance and the assistance permitted are subject to the court’s control. A McKenzie Friend has no automatic right to address the court.

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.