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: "The First Appointment (FDA) is where the court decides your case or tests the evidence."
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
The FDA is a case management hearing, not a trial. The judge looks at what is agreed and what is in dispute, and gives directions on anything still needed — further disclosure, questionnaire answers, valuations. No evidence is tested and no decision is made on the outcome. Treat it as a planning meeting, not a hearing to win or lose.
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Bridge The Gap
The FDA isn't a trial. It's a planning meeting.
The First Appointment (FDA) is where the court decides your case or tests the evidence.
Reality
The FDA is a case management hearing, not a trial. The judge looks at what is agreed and what is in dispute, and gives directions on anything still needed — further disclosure, questionnaire answers, valuations.
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