Family Court Hearing Types Explained (England & Wales)
Confused about your upcoming Family Court hearing? Learn what each hearing type means and how to prepare effectively.
Family Court Hearing Types Explained (England & Wales)
Key takeaways for litigants in person
- Each hearing has a specific procedural purpose — know what the court is deciding that day.
- Most private children cases follow the Child Arrangements Programme under Practice Direction 12B.
- A hearing is rarely about telling your whole story — it is about resolving defined issues.
- If domestic abuse is raised, safeguarding principles under Practice Direction 12J may shape the structure of hearings.
- Your preparation should match the type of hearing listed.
Why Hearing Types Matter
The Family Court does not run one continuous trial. It progresses in stages. Each hearing exists for a reason under the Family Procedure Rules 2010.
If you prepare for the wrong objective, you weaken your credibility. Understanding the function of your next hearing is one of the most important things you can do as a litigant in person.
1. First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
This is usually the first hearing after a C100 application. It forms part of the Child Arrangements Programme under PD12B.
Purpose:
- Identify safeguarding concerns
- Explore settlement
- Decide interim arrangements (if safe)
- Give directions for next steps
It is not a final hearing.
2. Directions Hearing
A procedural hearing focused purely on case management.
Purpose:
- Timetables for statements
- Disclosure orders
- Police / medical record requests
- Listing of further hearings
These hearings are governed by active case management principles under the Family Procedure Rules 2010.
3. Fact-Finding Hearing
If serious allegations are disputed, particularly domestic abuse, the court may list a fact-finding hearing. The framework is guided by PD12J.
Purpose:
- Determine which allegations are proven
- Apply the civil standard (balance of probabilities)
- Assess risk and safeguarding impact
Evidence is tested through cross-examination. This is often one of the most significant hearings in private children proceedings.
4. Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
A DRA takes place after evidence has been gathered (for example, after a Section 7 report).
Purpose:
- Narrow the issues
- Encourage settlement
- Identify what remains in dispute
- Prepare for final hearing if needed
5. Final Hearing
This is where the judge hears all remaining evidence and makes a final decision. The welfare principle under section 1 Children Act 1989 applies.
Purpose:
- Hear oral evidence
- Consider reports
- Apply welfare checklist
- Make a final order
6. Enforcement Hearing
If a Child Arrangements Order is breached, the court may list an enforcement hearing following a C79 application.
Purpose:
- Determine whether breach occurred
- Assess reasonable excuse
- Consider enforcement powers
7. Urgent / Without Notice Hearing
In urgent safeguarding situations, the court may hear applications without the other party present initially.
These are exceptional and require strong evidence of immediate risk.
How to Prepare for Your Specific Hearing
- Read the order listing the hearing carefully.
- Identify what issues the judge must decide that day.
- Prepare a short, focused position statement.
- Bring an indexed bundle.
- Stay child-focused.
Critical mindset
The court is not revisiting everything at every hearing. It is progressing through stages. Match your preparation to the stage you are in.
Book a 15-minute consultation (phone)
If you are unsure what your upcoming hearing is for — or how to prepare strategically — you can book a 15-minute initial consultation below:
Useful links
-
Family Procedure Rules 2010
legislation.gov.uk -
Practice Direction 12B (Child Arrangements Programme)
justice.gov.uk -
Practice Direction 12J (Domestic Abuse)
justice.gov.uk -
Children Act 1989
legislation.gov.uk -
GOV.UK – Apply for a Child Arrangements Order
gov.uk -
Cafcass – What Happens in Private Law Proceedings
cafcass.gov.uk
