Case management hearings and directions — what happens and what you must do

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-30

Most family hearings are not trials — they are case management hearings (CMHs), where a judge sets the timetable and tells the parties exactly what to do next. The orders they make are called directions. Understanding CMHs takes much of the fear out of family litigation. This guide explains the mechanics. It is general information, not legal advice.

What a CMH is for

At a case management hearing the judge:

Identifies the real issues in dispute (often narrower than the parties think)
Sets the timetable: dates for disclosure, statements, reports, and the next hearing
Allocates the case to the right track and, in children cases, decides what evidence is genuinely needed
Controls evidence: whether a fact-finding hearing is needed, whether a Cafcass report (section 7) or other expert input is necessary
Manages costs and proportionality — judges are required to further the overriding objective: dealing with cases justly, efficiently, and at proportionate cost

Directions — the judge's instructions

A directions order is a numbered list of tasks with deadlines. Typical directions in a private law children case:

1. Each party files and serves a statement by a set date 2. Cafcass files a section 7 report by a set date 3. The parties file positions statements before each hearing 4. The parties file a bundle complying with PD27A by the deadline 5. The case is listed for a final hearing of a set length on a set date 6. A without prejudice meeting or DRA (dispute resolution appointment) is scheduled

In financial remedy cases, directions track the standard route: Form E exchange, questionnaires, ES1/ES2 summaries, FM5, FDR, final hearing.

Your obligations once directions are made

Comply exactly and on time. Late or missing statements, bundles and reports are the leading cause of adjournments — which cost everyone money and delay the case
If you cannot comply, apply in time — a short application (form D11 in some courts) asking for an extension, before the deadline passes, is usually treated far more kindly than silence followed by failure
Serve what you file — filing with the court is not the same as serving the other party; the order usually requires both
Keep proof of service and filing — dates, reference numbers, PDF receipts

Position statements

Most CMHs expect a short position statement (typically 1–2 pages, filed a day or two before the hearing) setting out: what you agree, what you disagree with, what you're asking for, and why. Judges read these first — a clear, calm, numbered position statement is the highest-value document a litigant in person can produce. See our dedicated guide.

What happens on the day

Arrive early; check the court list for your courtroom
The judge works through the issues, usually with the parties (or their counsel) addressing them briefly
Speak when invited; address the judge as "Sir/Madam" (or "Judge"); stand if the court stands
The judge pronounces directions verbally first, and the written order follows — ask for clarification at the hearing if anything is unclear; afterwards is far harder
Agree the wording of the order before you leave if asked — read it carefully

If the other side doesn't comply

Tell the court — usually in your next position statement, with dates and evidence
The court can strike out their evidence, draw adverse inferences, or make a costs order (in financial cases)
Persistent non-compliance can lead to the case being decided on what evidence exists — which can favour the compliant party

Special measures and participation directions

At any CMH you can ask for participation directions — separate waiting rooms, screens in court, remote attendance, support workers — where domestic abuse or vulnerability makes face-to-face participation difficult. Vulnerable witnesses can also give evidence with special measures under the relevant practice directions.

Official links

YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory — we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS or gov.uk. This page is general information and is not legal advice.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.