What is a Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing?

The Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) Hearing is usually the second court hearing that takes place in financial remedy proceedings - the overall process by which the court decides how to distribute assets between a divorcing couple.

During this hearing, focus is placed on encouraging the parties to reach an agreed financial settlement through judge-led negotiations. Each party has the opportunity to put forward their proposals for settlement on a Without Prejudice basis. This means that anything said cannot be referred to in future hearings, allowing you the freedom to present your best and lowest offers in the aim of reaching a quick settlement and avoiding the delay and legal costs of further hearings.

Once the Judge has heard the proposals from both sides, they will give an indication as to what a likely outcome could be if the case was to proceed to a final hearing. This will give you the opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses of both your case and that of the other party. Time for negotiation will then be provided and if an agreement is reached and approved by the Judge, this will be recorded within a Consent Order. If an agreement is not reached, the Judge will list a final hearing at which you will need to make new offers and give evidence.

This is the second in a series of articles about different stages within financial remedy proceedings. The others include:

First Directions Appointment (FDA)

Final Hearing

Our specialist Family Law solicitors are experienced in explaining your options, guiding you through the process and ensuring the most effective approach to securing the right outcome for you. 

Read more about more our specialist expertise in securing financial settlements as part of your divorce proceedings.