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 judge at the FDR will also decide your case at the final hearing if you don't settle."
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 FDR is without prejudice, which means the judge who hears it cannot hear the final hearing if the case doesn't settle. That judge gives an indication of the likely outcome to help you settle, but they are taken out of the final hearing precisely so their indication can't prejudice the trial judge. This is designed to make the indication safe to listen to without fear it locks you in.
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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Bridge The Gap
The FDR judge can't judge your final hearing. That's the point.
The judge at the FDR will also decide your case at the final hearing if you don't settle.
Reality
The FDR is without prejudice, which means the judge who hears it cannot hear the final hearing if the case doesn't settle.
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