# Family Court Hearing Types Explained: From FHDRA to Final Hearing

*Last reviewed: 31 August 2026. Informational only — not legal advice.*

## Why knowing the hearing type matters

Child arrangement cases follow a standard route under the Family Procedure Rules, and each hearing has a different purpose. Knowing what the next hearing is *for* tells you what to prepare — turning up to a directions hearing with a full trial bundle is wasted effort, and turning up to a fact-finding without evidence is a disaster.

## The typical route of a child arrangements case

### 1. First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)

Usually 6–10 weeks after the C100 is issued. Purpose: identify issues, consider the Cafcass safeguarding letter, and **encourage agreement**. Often a Cafcass officer will try to broker a settlement before you go before the judge. Many cases end here with a consent order or interim arrangements. If not, the judge gives **directions** — e.g. a Section 7 report, a fact-finding hearing, or course attendance.

**Prepare:** your short position summary, a realistic proposals document, a diary, and questions you want raised.

### 2. Directions hearings / review hearings

Short administrative hearings to check progress: has the S7 report been filed? Have courses been attended? No evidence is heard. Attend, be ready to confirm compliance, and be ready to explain (honestly) anything not done.

### 3. Fact-finding hearing

Where serious allegations (domestic abuse, violence, coercive control, alienating behaviour) are disputed and material to welfare, the court holds a dedicated hearing to decide **what actually happened** — not what arrangements to make. It resembles a mini-trial:

- Witness statements filed beforehand (see the [statement guide](writing-court-statements.md)).
- Oral evidence and cross-examination.
- The judge applies the **civil standard** — balance of probabilities — and gives written findings.

Findings then shape the welfare analysis. A fact-finding can add months to the case.

### 4. Issues resolution hearing (IRH)

After reports are in, the court narrows what remains in dispute and makes a final attempt at settlement. If it settles, a final order is made; if not, the case is listed for final hearing with a time estimate.

### 5. Final hearing

The full determination: evidence, cross-examination of parties and the Cafcass officer, submissions, and a judgment applying the **welfare checklist** (Children Act 1989 s.1(3)): the child's wishes and feelings, physical/emotional/educational needs, the effect of change, age/sex/background, any harm, and each parent's capability. Orders are typically "until the child is 16" and can be varied later if circumstances change.

## Other hearings you may encounter

- **Interim hearing / interim arrangements** — temporary contact or living arrangements while the case proceeds (now governed by the Re C (2018) principles: interim orders only where necessary for safety/welfare).
- **Urgent applications** — e.g. prohibited steps to prevent removal of a child; can be heard within days, sometimes without notice ("ex parte") with a full hearing shortly after.
- **Remote hearings** — many short hearings happen by video (Cloud Video Platform, Teams); check your notice for joining instructions.

## Practical tips for any hearing

- Arrive (or log in) 30 minutes early; expect security checks and long waits.
- Dress neatly; address the judge as "Sir/Madam" (or "Your Honour" in some courts).
- Take a folder: chronology, statements, orders, key exhibits, and a one-page position summary.
- Note the judge's directions verbatim before you leave — you must comply with them.
- Support Through Court volunteers can accompany you in many courts.

## How long does it all take?

Guideline aim is 26 weeks in public-law (care) cases; private-law cases typically take **6–12 months** to conclude if contested, longer with fact-finding or repeated reports. Delays usually come from report backlogs and listing pressure — not your own pace, so don't add to them by missing deadlines.

## Related guides

- [Applying for a C100](applying-for-child-arrangements-order.md)
- [Responding to a C100](responding-to-child-arrangements-application.md)
- [Cafcass reports explained](cafcass-reports-explained.md)
- [Writing court statements](writing-court-statements.md)

*Sources: FPR 2010 Part 12 and PD12B; Children Act 1989 s.1; President of the Family Division guidance on transparent/remote courts.*