The financial remedies court — what happens at each hearing

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

The stages of a financial remedy case

When a divorce or dissolution is under way and one of you applies for a financial order (Form A), the case goes through distinct court appointments. This page explains each one.

1. The application (Form A)

One party files Form A asking the court to resolve the finances. This triggers the process even if you're negotiating — you need the court's authority to vary some assets (see our Form A guide).

2. The First Appointment (FDA)

Held about 12–16 weeks after the application.

Before it:

Form E (full financial disclosure) is exchanged and filed (see our Form E guide)
A short catechism/questionnaire (Form F) may be raised about missing information

At it:

The judge checks both Forms E were exchanged
The issues are identified
Directions are given for the next steps (valuations, pension reports, questionnaires)
The judge encourages settlement

Most cases do not finalise at the FDA — it's a manage-the-case appointment.

3. The Financial Dispute Resolution hearing (FDR)

The key settlement stage, held a few months after the FDA once disclosure and valuations are complete.

What happens:

Both sides set out their proposals
The judge gives a non-binding indication of what they would likely order ("you should aim for something around X")
This is the strongest nudge to settle
If you settle, the judge approves a consent order and the case ends

Why it matters: most financial remedy cases settle at or shortly after the FDR. The judge's indication removes uncertainty.

4. The final hearing

If the case hasn't settled, it goes to a final contested hearing — a full trial.

Both parties give evidence
Your Form E, expert reports, and valuations are tested
The judge makes a binding decision on all assets
This is expensive and risky — both parties bear their own costs unless there's misconduct

Realistic timescales

| Stage | Typical timing | |-------|---------------| | Form A issued | Day 0 | | First appointment | ~12–16 weeks | | FDR | ~6–12 months | | Final hearing | ~12–24 months |

Practical tips for a self-representing party

Do your Form E properly and on time — it's the foundation of everything
Get valuations (property, pensions) early — they drive the settlement
Make a realistic WP offer after the FDA — it frames the FDR discussions
At the FDR, listen to the judge — their indication is a huge clue to what a trial would deliver
Bring a draft consent order to the FDR in case you settle that day

Official links

Money and property: https://www.gov.uk/money-property-when-relationship-ends
Form E: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-e-financial-statement

This page is general information, not legal advice. Timescales vary by court. YourFamilyCase .co.uk is an independent 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.