Guides / Family court
Chapter 12 · 4 min read
Hearings and how to conduct yourself
In short
- 1Know what each hearing is for and prepare for that purpose.
- 2Arrive early, ask for special measuresSpecial measures. Practical arrangements to help someone take part in court, such as a screen or video link when giving evidence. if you need them and stay composed throughout.
- 3Read every order carefully and raise discrepancies quickly through the court office.
For many fathers, the first hearing is the first time they have been inside a family court. It's normal to feel nervous. Knowing what each hearing is for takes much of the mystery out of it.
The types of hearing
| Hearing | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| First Hearing Dispute Resolution AppointmentDispute Resolution Appointment (DRA). A hearing, usually after a report, to try to narrow or resolve the issues. (FHDRAFHDRA. First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment, the first hearing in most private children cases.) | The first hearing in most courts. | The judge or magistrates read the CafcassCafcass. The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, which advises the family court on children's welfare in England. Cafcass Cymru does the same in Wales. letter, identify the issues, explore whether you can agree and decide what happens next. Interim arrangements may be made, but final decisions usually aren't, unless you both agree. |
| Directions hearing | Whenever the case needs organising. | Short and practical. The court sets deadlines, orders reports and timetables the case. |
| Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA) | Usually after a section 7 reportSection 7 report. A welfare report ordered by the court and prepared by Cafcass or the local authority.. | A chance to narrow the issues, or agree. |
| Fact-finding hearingFact-finding hearing. A hearing where the court decides whether disputed allegations are proved on the balance of probabilities. | Where serious allegations are disputed. | The court decides whether the allegations happened. See Chapter 9. |
| Final hearing | At the end, if you still can't agree. | The court hears evidence from both of you and makes a final decision. |
In Child Focused Courts, much of the information gathering happens before the first hearing, and some cases need fewer hearings overall.
What to bring and wear
- Your position statementPosition statement. A short document setting out a parent's position and proposals before a hearing.. Printed copies: one for you, one for the judge and one for the other side, in case they're needed.
- Your timeline and the bundle. Bring the bundle, or your own copy of it, and your timeline, so you can find things quickly.
- The last order. The order or directions from the last hearing, so you can check what was meant to happen.
- The practical bits. A pen, a notebook and water. Bring photo ID too, as some courts ask for it.
- Dress smartly. Dress like someone who's taking the day seriously. A shirt and tie makes the best impression. If that's not you, smart and tidy is fine: a collared shirt, smart trousers and clean shoes. Avoid sportswear and clothes with slogans or logos.
On the day
Arrive at least thirty minutes early. Court buildings have security queues. Check in with the usher and wait in the waiting area. If you see the other parent, a nod is fine. Don't try to negotiate or argue in the corridor. If you need a separate waiting room, separate entrance or a screen, ask the court in advance. These special measuresSpecial measures. Practical arrangements to help someone take part in court, such as a screen or video link when giving evidence. are available to either parent and are much easier to arrange before the day.
In the room
- address a district judge or magistrates as "Sir" or "Madam", or follow how others address them
- wait to be invited to speak, and don't interrupt
- take your time. A measured answer is better than a quick one
- if you don't understand something, say so and ask for it to be explained
- keep what you say connected to your child
- don't react visibly when the other parent speaks: no sighing, head-shaking or smirking
- keep your phone silent and away
Many family hearings now take place by video or telephone. The same standards apply. Find a quiet private space, make sure your child isn't in earshot and test your connection beforehand.
Who else might be there
Family hearings are private. But since January 2025, journalists and legal bloggers can attend and report on cases in any family court in England and Wales. The court usually makes a transparency order to keep the family anonymous, so nobody can be identified, including you and your child.[19]
If a reporter is there, nothing changes in how you conduct yourself. You still must not share court documents or information about the case yourself, unless the rules allow it.[1]
A McKenzie friendMcKenzie friend. Someone who supports a litigant in person in court, taking notes and quietly helping, but who does not normally speak for them.
You can usually bring a McKenzie friend: someone who sits with you, takes notes and quietly helps. They can't normally speak for you. Tell the court in advance or when you arrive. Families Need Fathers and similar organisations can sometimes help you find one.
If you get emotional
It's a heavy situation, and it's normal. Take a breath. Ask for a moment if you need one. Take a sip of water. Judges have seen tears before and don't think less of you for them.
After the hearing
You will usually receive a written order within a few days. Read it carefully. If it doesn't match what you understood was decided, contact the court office promptly. Write a short note of what happened and update your timeline.