Do I have to speak in court at the FDA?

Usually very little. The judge leads the hearing and asks questions. You may need to confirm your name, explain any gaps in your disclosure, or respond to specific points. You will not be cross-examined at this stage. If you are nervous, that is completely normal — the judge knows you are not a lawyer.

What should I bring to the FDA?

Bring your copy of Form E (yours and your ex's), any questionnaire you want to raise, a chronology if you have prepared one, a pen and paper for notes, and photo ID. Also bring any correspondence from the court. If you have specific requests (like a valuation of a property or business), have them written down so you do not forget.

How long does the FDA take?

Usually 30 minutes to an hour. It is a procedural hearing, not a full trial. The judge is working through a list of cases, so there may be a wait before your case is called.

What if I can't attend the FDA?

If you genuinely cannot attend, you must apply to the court in advance for an adjournment, with a good reason. Simply not turning up can result in orders being made in your absence. Many FDAs are now held by video (via CVP — Cloud Video Platform) or telephone, so check your court order to see if remote attendance is available.

What happens after the FDA?

The judge makes directions — a list of things each side must do before the next hearing. This typically includes answering questionnaires, getting valuations, or providing updated documents. The next hearing is usually the Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) appointment, which is the settlement hearing.

What to Expect at Your First Directions Appointment (FDA)

If you have applied for a financial order as part of your divorce, the First Directions Appointment (FDA) is your first time in front of a judge. It sounds intimidating, but it is mostly a procedural hearing — the judge is checking paperwork and setting a timetable, not making final decisions. This guide tells you what to expect so you can walk in feeling prepared.

What is the FDA?

The First Directions Appointment is the first court hearing in the financial remedy process. It happens after both you and your ex have filed your Form E financial statements.

The purpose is simple: the judge checks whether both sides have provided proper financial disclosure and decides what else needs to happen before the case can move forward. Think of it as a planning meeting with a judge rather than a trial.

The FDA usually takes place 12 to 16 weeks after the financial remedy application (Form A) is issued.

Why it matters

The FDA sets the direction for your entire case. The judge decides:

Whether the financial disclosure from both sides is complete
What additional information or documents are needed
Whether any valuations are required (property, pensions, businesses)
The timetable for the next steps
Whether the case should be listed for a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing

If you are well prepared, the FDA goes smoothly and your case stays on track. If you are not prepared, it can lead to delays, extra hearings, and wasted time.

What happens

Here is the typical flow of an FDA, step by step.

Before the hearing

About 14 days before the FDA, you should file and serve (send to the other side) a number of documents:

A concise statement of issues — A short document listing what is in dispute. What do you agree on? What do you disagree on?
A chronology — A timeline of key dates (marriage, children born, separation, property purchases, etc.)
A questionnaire — If you need more information from the other side that was not in their Form E, list your questions here. Keep it focused — the judge will not allow fishing expeditions.
Form G — A short form confirming whether you think the case is suitable for the next hearing (the FDR) or whether more work is needed first.

Check your court order for the exact deadline. It is usually 14 days before the hearing.

At court

When you arrive at court (or log into the video hearing), here is what happens:

Waiting. The judge will be hearing several cases. You may wait. Bring something to read.
Your case is called. You and your ex (or their solicitor) go before the judge.
The judge reviews the paperwork. They will have read both Form Es and the other documents filed.
Discussion of questionnaires. If either side has raised questions about the other's disclosure, the judge decides which questions must be answered and which are unnecessary.
Valuations and expert evidence. If there is a property, business, or pension that needs a formal valuation, the judge will give directions for that — who instructs the valuer, the deadline, and how costs are shared.
Directions order. The judge makes an order setting out what each side must do and by when. This order is legally binding.
Next hearing date. The FDR is usually listed, typically 10 to 14 weeks after the FDA.

The judge might also

Encourage you to try mediation or negotiation before the FDR
Make interim orders if urgent (for example, if one side needs maintenance while the case is ongoing)
Warn a party if their disclosure appears incomplete

What you need to do

In the weeks before the FDA:

Read your ex's Form E carefully. Make notes on anything that looks wrong, missing, or that you do not understand.
Prepare your questionnaire. Only ask for information that is genuinely needed. Courts limit questionnaires to what is proportionate. Focus on gaps in disclosure, unexplained transactions, or missing documents.
Fill in Form G. This is short — it asks whether you are ready for the FDR or need more time.
Prepare a chronology. A one-page timeline of key events. Keep it factual.
Write a concise statement of issues. What do you both agree on? What is in dispute?
File everything by the deadline — usually 14 days before the hearing.

On the day:

Arrive early (or log in early for video hearings). Give yourself time to find the right courtroom and settle your nerves.
Dress appropriately. Smart and respectful — you do not need a suit, but avoid casual wear.
Address the judge as "Sir" or "Madam" (for district judges) or "Your Honour" (for circuit judges).
Listen carefully and take notes. The judge will give directions. Write them down. You will receive a written order afterwards, but notes help in the moment.

What could go wrong

Not filing Form E on time. If your Form E is late, the judge may adjourn the hearing and order you to pay the other side's wasted costs.
Asking too many questions. An excessive questionnaire irritates judges and gets cut down. Focus on what matters.
Not reading your ex's Form E. If the judge asks you about a specific point and you clearly have not read the other side's disclosure, it reflects badly on you.
Expecting a decision on the finances. The FDA is not a decision hearing. The judge is not dividing the assets today. Managing your expectations helps reduce disappointment.
Not bringing the right documents. Bring your full Form E bundle, your ex's Form E, and every document you have filed.

Where to get help

Support Through Court — Free, in-person support at court on the day of your hearing. They cannot give legal advice but can explain procedures, help you find the right courtroom, and sit with you: supportthroughcourt.org
Bar Pro Bono Unit — May be able to provide a free barrister for your hearing: weareadvocate.org.uk
Citizens Advice — General advice on court proceedings: citizensadvice.org.uk
Advicenow — Guides specifically for litigants in person attending court: advicenow.org.uk

Official sources

This guide is legal information, not legal advice. If you are unsure about any aspect of your hearing, consider getting a one-off legal advice session before the FDA.