Directions hearings in family court

What is a directions hearing?

A directions hearing — sometimes called a case management hearing — is a short administrative hearing where the judge checks on the progress of your case and gives directions for what needs to happen next.

Unlike a final hearing or a dispute resolution appointment, a directions hearing is not the place where the judge decides the outcome of your case. It’s about procedure — making sure both parties are complying with their obligations, resolving any disputes about process, and keeping the case on track.

What happens at a directions hearing

The judge checks progress

The judge will review the current state of the case:

• Have both parties filed the documents they were ordered to?
• Are there any outstanding issues that need to be resolved before the next stage?
• Is the timetable on track?

Directions are made

The judge gives directions — instructions to both parties about what needs to happen next and by when. These might include:

• Deadlines for filing witness statements or other documents
• An order for a specific document or valuation to be obtained
• Permission for an expert witness
• Fixing the date and length of the next hearing
• Referral to mediation or a Separated Parents Information Programme

Disputes are resolved

If one party has applied to the court for a specific order — for example, that the other party disclose particular documents — the judge will hear arguments and decide.

Directions in financial remedy proceedings

In financial remedy proceedings, there are specific directions hearings at key stages:

After Form A is filed — a directions appointment is often listed to set the timetable for exchange of Form E and fix the First Appointment date.

At the First Appointment — the First Appointment itself involves significant directions-making: what further disclosure is needed, what experts are required, and the timetable to the FDR.

Between FDR and final hearing — if the case doesn’t settle at the FDR, the judge gives directions for the final hearing at the end of the FDR hearing.

Directions in children proceedings

In children proceedings, directions are primarily made at the FHDRA and DRA. But additional directions hearings may be listed where:

• There is a dispute about the scope of the Section 7 report
• A fact-finding hearing has been listed and needs preparation
• One party is not complying with previous directions
• New issues have arisen since the last hearing

How to prepare

Read the previous order

Before any directions hearing, re-read the last order made by the court. Have you done everything you were supposed to? Are there any deadlines you’ve missed?

Know what you want

If you’re asking for something specific at the directions hearing — more time, a particular order — be ready to explain why.

Have your diary

The judge may fix future hearing dates at a directions hearing. Have your calendar to hand — both your own and, if relevant, the other party’s (if you know there are dates they can’t do).

Keep it brief

Directions hearings are short. The judge doesn’t want to hear the history of your case. Focus on the procedural issues that need to be resolved.