Family Law
FHDRA Hearing Barristers
Representation and preparation for the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment in child arrangements proceedings.
Takes about 2 minutes. No obligation.
Barristers regulated by the Bar Standards Board
The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment, usually called the FHDRA, is the first court hearing after a C100 application is issued for a child arrangements order, a prohibited steps order or a specific issue order. It is governed by the Child Arrangements Programme in Practice Direction 12B of the Family Procedure Rules, which aims to help parents reach safe agreements early and, where they cannot, to narrow the issues and set a clear timetable for the rest of the case.
Before the hearing, the applicant must normally have attended a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), unless a valid exemption applies and is claimed in the C100 itself. Once the application is issued, Cafcass in England (or Cafcass Cymru in Wales) carries out safeguarding checks with the police and local authority and usually speaks to each parent by telephone. The outcome is set out in a safeguarding letter sent to the court before the FHDRA, which often shapes what the judge or magistrates decide on the day.
At the FHDRA itself, a Cafcass officer is usually available at court to speak to both parents and help them explore whether agreement is possible. If agreement is reached and it is safe, the court can make a final order that day. If not, the court will identify the issues in dispute, decide whether a fact-finding hearing is needed, consider whether a section 7 welfare report is required, and give directions for statements and further hearings. In some areas the court is piloting a different model, so the exact format can vary depending on where your case is heard.
A Direct Access Barrister can prepare you for the FHDRA, draft a focused position statement, and represent you at the hearing so that your proposals are put clearly and the directions made are realistic. You handle the administrative steps, such as filing and serving documents, with guidance throughout.
What FHDRA Hearing Barristers Do
Hearing Representation
Your Barrister can attend and:
- Present your proposals for the children
- Respond to the Cafcass safeguarding letter
- Negotiate with the other parent or their representative
- Record any agreement in a draft order
- Argue for appropriate directions if no agreement is reached
- Address interim contact arrangements
Advice Before the Hearing
Clear guidance on:
- Whether your C100 and any C1A are complete
- MIAM requirements and exemptions
- What to say in the Cafcass safeguarding call
- Realistic proposals for time with each parent
- Whether a fact-finding hearing may be needed
- Whether a section 7 report is likely
Document Drafting
Your Barrister can draft:
- Position statements for the FHDRA
- C100 applications and supporting details
- C1A forms where harm is alleged
- Proposed child arrangements
- Draft orders and directions
- Responses to the other parent's proposals
Your Barrister drafts these documents. You file them at court and serve them as the court directs.
What You Handle
With Direct Access you:
- Attend the MIAM or confirm an exemption
- File the C100 and pay the court fee or apply for help with fees
- Take part in the Cafcass safeguarding call
- Serve documents on the other parent where required
- Keep a record of contact and relevant events
- Attend court on the day with your Barrister
How Direct Access Works
- 1
Initial Consultation
Your Barrister reviews your situation, the children's current arrangements and any safety concerns, and advises on whether an application is appropriate and what to ask for.
- 2
MIAM and Application
You attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies. Your Barrister can help prepare the C100 and, where relevant, a C1A setting out allegations of harm. You file the application and pay the court fee.
- 3
Cafcass Safeguarding
Cafcass carries out police and local authority checks and usually telephones each parent. Your Barrister can advise you on how to prepare for that call. The safeguarding letter is then sent to the court.
- 4
Position Statement
Your Barrister reviews the safeguarding letter and drafts a concise position statement setting out your proposals, any concerns and the directions you invite the court to make.
- 5
The FHDRA
Your Barrister represents you at court, speaks to the other side and the Cafcass officer, and either records an agreement in an order or argues for the right next steps if the case continues.
- 6
After the Hearing
Your Barrister explains the order and the timetable it sets, such as dates for statements, any section 7 report, or a dispute resolution appointment, so you know exactly what to do next.
Does your case qualify for Direct Access?
Tell us about your matter and we'll confirm whether you can instruct a Barrister directly, then match you with the right specialist.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FHDRA?
The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment is the first hearing in private law children proceedings under the Child Arrangements Programme (Practice Direction 12B). Its purpose is to see whether the parents can reach a safe agreement and, if not, to identify the issues and set a timetable for the case.
What happens on the day of an FHDRA?
You usually arrive well before the listed time. A Cafcass officer may speak to each parent separately or together, depending on any safety concerns. There may be negotiation outside court before the parties go before the judge or magistrates, who will either approve an agreement or make directions for the next stage. Hearings can be in person, by video or by telephone.
What is a Cafcass safeguarding letter?
It is a short report to the court prepared before the FHDRA. It records the results of police and local authority checks, a summary of what each parent said in their telephone interview, and any risk issues Cafcass has identified. It may recommend further assessments or a section 7 report. The letter is not a final view on what is best for the children.
Do I need to attend a MIAM before applying?
In most cases, yes. The applicant must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting before issuing a C100 unless an exemption applies, for example certain evidence of domestic abuse or urgency. The exemption is claimed in the C100 and the court can check whether it was validly claimed.
Can the case finish at the FHDRA?
It can. If the parents agree and the court is satisfied there are no safeguarding concerns that need further investigation, a final order can be made at the first hearing. Where there are disputed allegations of harm or more information is needed, the case will continue to further hearings.
I am the respondent. Should I prepare anything?
Yes. You should complete and return the acknowledgement form (C7) within the time stated, and a C1A if you raise concerns about harm. A Barrister can help you prepare a position statement setting out your own proposals so the court hears your side from the start.
Can a Barrister represent me at the FHDRA without a Solicitor?
Yes. Through Direct Access you can instruct a family Barrister directly to advise you and attend the hearing. You remain responsible for filing documents, paying the court fee and handling correspondence, with your Barrister guiding you on what is needed.
How much does FHDRA representation cost?
Fixed fees, agreed up front. Advice starts from £250 and court representation from £850, with a clear quote before any work begins.
Prepare Properly for Your First Hearing
Get clear advice and representation for the FHDRA from a specialist family Barrister.
Or call us: 0800 302 9921. Lines open 8am to 8pm, same-day callback.