Looking for help in your family court proceedings?Bridge The Gap is a free, community-built guide to UK family court, written by litigants and McKenzie Friends, for litigants. Real observations, plain English, and people who can help.
Assumption: "You just turn up to court when summoned and the hearings all blend into one process."
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.
Court Reality
Financial remedy proceedings follow a set sequence: Form A (the application), then Form E exchange (both sides swap financial disclosure), then the FDA (First Appointment, a case management hearing), then the FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution, a without-prejudice settlement hearing), then a final hearing if you still haven't settled. Each stage has a different purpose, and knowing where you are in the sequence tells you what to prepare.
This insight was contributed by someone who has been through the family court system. Bridge The Gap is deeply grateful to everyone who shares their experience — your honesty helps bridge the gap for the next person still in it.
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The Gap?
"You just turn up to court when summoned and the hearings all blend into one process."
Court Reality
Financial remedy proceedings follow a set sequence: Form A (the application), then Form E exchange (both sides swap financial disclosure), then the FDA (First Appointment, a case management hearing), then the FDR (Financial Dispute...
Seen a gap between what you thought and the reality? Share yours.
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