Assumption: "When I apply to court, I'll get to attend the first hearing and tell the judge what's been happening."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Litigants believe the first hearing is their chance to speak directly to the judge and explain their situation. Many also assume the new Child-Focused Courts approach already applies in every court.
Court Reality
On 17 March 2026 the Ministry of Justice announced that the Child-Focused Courts model — tested since 2022 in the Pathfinder pilots — will be rolled out across family courts in England and Wales over the next three years. It is still a pilot (Practice Direction 36Z, currently extended to 31 March 2027), and in March 2026 it was running in 10 of 43 court areas. Outside those areas, the first hearing is usually a FHDRA. In Child-Focused Courts areas, your case is assessed using a CAFCASS Child Impact Report before any hearing. A decision may be made about your case without you being in the room. Your voice reaches the court through that report — not through turning up and explaining yourself.
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The Gap?
"When I apply to court, I'll get to attend the first hearing and tell the judge what's been happening."
Court Reality
On 17 March 2026 the Ministry of Justice announced that the Child-Focused Courts model — tested since 2022 in the Pathfinder pilots — will be rolled out across family courts in England and Wales over the next three years. It is still a pilot (Practice Direction 36Z, currently extended to 31 March 2027), and in March 2026 it was running in 10 of 43 court areas. Outside those areas, the first hearing is usually a FHDRA. In Child-Focused Courts areas, your case is assessed using a CAFCASS Child Impact Report before any hearing. A decision may be made about your case without you being in the room. Your voice reaches the court through that report — not through turning up and explaining yourself.
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