The Family Court sessions and listing — how hearings are arranged
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31
How family hearings get listed
Family cases are heard in sessions — the court organises hearings across the week. You will get a notice of hearing telling you the date, time, court, and the type of hearing.
The main hearing types
| Type | What happens | |------|--------------| | FHDRA | First hearing / dispute resolution — identifies issues, safeguarding, explores agreement | | Case Management Hearing (CMH) | Fixes the timetable: disclosure, statements, reports, bundles | | Issues Resolution Hearing (IRH) | Tries to narrow/settle before final hearing | | Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) | Settlement indicator in financial cases | | Final hearing | The contested trial where witnesses give evidence | | Enforcement / variation | Deals with breach or change of an order |
How to prepare for your hearing
1. Read the notice of hearing — note the date, time, court room, and type 2. Check the directions in any recent order — they tell you what to file by when 3. Arrive early — 30 minutes, give time for security and finding the room 4. Bring your bundle and position statement (see our bundle and position-statement guides) 5. If you can't attend — apply to adjourn or for a remote hearing well in advance, with a good reason, or attend by video if offered
If you miss a hearing
- Contact the court immediately
- A hearing can go ahead in your absence (which can hurt you) if no adjournment is granted
- If a direction says you must attend (with a penal notice), missing it can be serious
- Apply promptly for a re-listing with the reason explained
Remote vs in-person
Many family hearings now run remotely (video) — especially preliminary/appointment types. Check your notice: some say "remote," some "in person." If you need a screen or other special measure, tell the court (see our special-measures and remote-hearings guides).
Official links
- What to expect in court: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-to-expect-coming-to-a-court-or-tribunal
- Family court: https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/family-court
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.
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.