The First Appointment, also called the First Directions Appointment or FDA, is the first court hearing in financial remedy proceedings. It is a relatively short hearing, usually 30 to 45 minutes, and its purpose is administrative rather than decisive.
What is the purpose of the First Appointment?
The judge at the First Appointment will review both parties' Forms E, consider any queries or questionnaires raised, and set a timetable and directions for the case. They will also consider whether the case is suitable for immediate negotiation or needs further steps first.
What do you need to file before the First Appointment?
- Your completed Form E (filed and exchanged in advance)
- A Questionnaire, raising queries about the other party's Form E
- A Form G, confirming whether you are ready to negotiate at FDR
- A Chronology of the relationship
- A Schedule of Issues, the key points in dispute
What happens on the day?
The hearing is before a district judge, usually in a small court room. Both parties (and their solicitors if they have them) attend. The judge will work through the documents, address any issues with disclosure and set next steps.
The judge will not make a final decision at the First Appointment. They may make interim orders, for example, for maintenance pending suit, but the substantive financial issues are not decided here.