First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)

In private law proceedings, the first court hearing is called the ‘First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment’. This hearing should take place between 4-6 weeks of the date of the application being issued. The court will not make a final decision at the first hearing. It will give directions about how the case should be prepared for the final hearing. This will include what evidence and reports the court will need to make its decision. It may also make interim (temporary) decisions at this hearing as to where a child should live between that hearing and the final hearing.