What happens at the FHDRA — your first child arrangements hearing

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

What FHDRA stands for

First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment — the first hearing after a C100 application for a child arrangements order. It is not a trial — the court is trying to identify the issues, check safeguarding, and see if agreement is possible.

Who attends

Both parents (in person or remotely)
A Cafcass Family Court Adviser (usually attends)
A Magistrate, District Judge or Legal Adviser
Solicitors if you have them
Children do not attend

What happens

1. The court reads the Cafcass safeguarding letter (checks done before the hearing) 2. The court identifies the disputed issues (what can't you agree on?) 3. If there are abuse allegations, PD12J applies — the court decides whether a fact-finding hearing is needed 4. The court explores agreement through Cafcass and/or the judge 5. If no agreement, the court gives directions for the next hearing (statements, reports, bundles, etc.)

What to bring

Your position statement (1 page: what you want and why)
Copies of any existing orders
Any evidence you want to refer to (but the judge won't read the full bundle today)
A pen and paper for notes

What the court might order at FHDRA

Interim child arrangements (a temporary order pending the next hearing)
Attendance at a SPIP (Separated Parents Information Programme)
A section 7 report (deeper Cafcass investigation)
A fact-finding hearing (if abuse allegations need to be determined)
Contact at a contact centre as an interim measure
Directions for the next hearing

Practical tips for LiPs

Arrive 30 minutes early — security and finding the courtroom takes time
Speak to the Cafcass adviser before the hearing — they may help narrow the issues
Be child-focused and concise — the judge sees many cases that day
Ask for the order to be read back before you leave so you know exactly what was decided
Don't agree to anything you can't live with — but don't refuse reasonable proposals either

What happens next

If agreement was reached: the court makes a consent order (or no order if none is needed)
If not: directions for a DRA or final hearing, with a timetable

Official links

https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce
https://www.cafcass.gov.uk

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.

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