23/11/2025
Going to Court for Child Arrangements: What Actually Happens After the First Hearing?
Many parents apply to the Family Court because they cannot agree on arrangements for their child.
This might be about where a child lives, how time is shared, holidays, communication, or specific issues like school or medical decisions.
When you apply to court, the process can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially if no one has explained what the steps look like.
Here is a clear, simple guide to what happens — in order — so you know what to expect.
The First Hearing (called the FHDRA). FHDRA stands for First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointment.
It is simply the starting point of the court process.
At this hearing the judge will:
listen to both parents
check for any safety or safeguarding concerns
help identify what the issues really are
decide what needs to happen next
You are not expected to prove your whole case at this hearing.
It is about planning the next steps, not deciding the final arrangements.
So what happens after the first hearing?
Here is the usual pathway most cases follow.
1️⃣ Directions from the Court
The judge may set out tasks that need to happen before the next stage, such as:
Family Mediation
providing more information
preparing statements
arranging safe or supported contact
gathering school or medical letters
This step is just about making sure the court has the information it needs.
2️⃣ Section 7 Report (if needed)
Sometimes the court asks CAFCASS or the local authority to write a Section 7 report.
This report looks at:
your child’s wishes and feelings
your child’s needs
each parent’s ability to meet those needs
any concerns about safety or well-being
This helps the court build a full picture of your child’s situation.
3️⃣ Fact Finding Hearing (only where necessary)
If there are serious allegations that could affect your child’s safety, the court may hold a fact-finding hearing.
This is where the judge decides what is true, based on evidence.
Not every case needs this, it is only used when essential for safety.
4️⃣ The DRA – Dispute Resolution Appointment
Once evidence or reports are completed, your case usually returns for a DRA.
At the DRA, the judge will:
look at everything gathered so far
narrow down the issues
encourage both parents to reach an agreement if it is safe to do so
Many cases settle here.
5️⃣ Final Hearing (only if no agreement is reached)
If things are still unresolved, the case goes to a final hearing.
Here, the judge listens to evidence from both sides and makes a decision about your child’s arrangements.
Most cases never reach this stage because agreements are normally reached earlier.
If risk or allegations must be resolved:
FHDRA → Fact Finding → Section 7 → DRA → Final Hearing
A Simple Pathway:
FHDRA→ Directions → (Section 7 report if needed) → DRA → Final Hearing
Or
FHDRA→ Directions → Mediation → optional order by consent
