[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/what-happens-at-the-first-directions-appointment-and-how-do-i-prepare\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/what-happens-at-the-first-directions-appointment-and-how-do-i-prepare\/","headline":"What happens at the first directions appointment and how do I prepare?","name":"What happens at the first directions appointment and how do I prepare?","description":"Introduction The first directions appointment, often called the FDA, sets the procedural roadmap for a family law case in England and Wales. The judge uses this short hearing to clarify issues, set timetables and decide which experts or disclosure steps the parties must follow. Effective preparation at this stage reduces delay, controls costs and improves [...]","datePublished":"2025-12-01","dateModified":"2025-12-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/author\/peter-ajlo\/#Person","name":"Peter AJLO","url":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/author\/peter-ajlo\/","identifier":19,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/4e9ed8756d384157eb826e4bc67ffb46.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/4e9ed8756d384157eb826e4bc67ffb46.jpg","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"AlexanderJLO London Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/ajlo-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/ajlo-logo.png","width":460,"height":275}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OG-1200x1200-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OG-1200x1200-1.png","height":1200,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/what-happens-at-the-first-directions-appointment-and-how-do-i-prepare\/","about":["Family Law"],"wordCount":943,"articleBody":"IntroductionThe first directions appointment, often called the FDA, sets the procedural roadmap for a family law case in England and Wales. The judge uses this short hearing to clarify issues, set timetables and decide which experts or disclosure steps the parties must follow. Effective preparation at this stage reduces delay, controls costs and improves prospects of early settlement.Purpose of the first directions appointmentThe court identifies the issues in dispute and decides how the case will proceed. Typical aims are:– confirm the scope of the financial or children issues – set timetables for disclosure, expert evidence and witness statements – decide whether interim applications such as freezing orders or specific disclosure require urgent listing – determine whether mediation or alternative dispute resolution is suitable – make directions about costs management and case management conferencesWhat the judge expects from the partiesJudges expect realistic and collaborative proposals. The court values parties who have exchanged position statements and produced a draft timetable. The judge will expect:– a concise statement of the issues and what relief each party seeks – an outline of disclosure completed to date and outstanding searches required – proposals for which experts are necessary and their terms of reference – practical dates for witness statements, expert reports and a provisional trial windowDocuments to prepare for the FDAParties should prepare a tight bundle that the court can read quickly. Essential documents include:– a short chronology and executive summary of the case – a case summary or position statement limited to a few pages per party – Form E or a summary of financial disclosure where relevant – proposed directions and a drafted timetable with realistic deadlines – any urgent applications or evidence that justify expedited ordersHow solicitors and parties should conduct themselvesRepresentatives should present a pragmatic, proportionate plan. The court appreciates short oral submissions that focus on disputed directions rather than re\u2011arguing the merits. Lay clients should follow legal advice, speak succinctly when invited and avoid wide-ranging disclosure requests on the day.Common directions made at the FDAThe judge commonly issues directions on:– service and verification of disclosure including electronic search parameters – whether single joint experts or separate experts will provide valuation or forensic reports – deadlines for witness statements and expert reports and the trial estimate – attempts at mediation and ADR timetables before further contested hearings – costs budgeting and limits for expert engagement in high net worth casesPractical preparation tipsTo prepare effectively parties should:– exchange position statements and a draft timetable before the hearing – collate core documents and produce a short chronology and bundle for the court – instruct preliminary expert advice where this will clarify complexity or timelines – identify likely disclosure custodians and any third parties for Norwich Pharmacal relief – be ready to propose sensible deadlines that reflect commercial realities and expert availabilityChecklist for the first directions appointment– produce a 1\u20132 page position statement per party – prepare a 2\u20134 page chronology and list of core documents – draft a realistic timetable with milestones for disclosure, experts and trial – decide whether immediate interim relief is necessary and prepare supporting evidence – confirm counsel or representative attendance and contact details for remote hearingsConclusionThe first directions appointment shapes the case trajectory. Parties who prepare concise materials propose realistic timetables and engage early with experts increase the chance that the court will issue practical, proportionate directions. Careful preparation saves time and cost and creates the foundation for productive settlement or trial readiness.Alexander JLO Solicitors are well aware that going through divorce can be very difficult. Whilst the implementation of no-fault divorce back in 2022 has made the legal process much simpler, there are times, especially in relation to financial matters, when input from an experienced solicitor is vital. With that in mind we have developed a revolutionary new service which will ascertain whether or not it\u2019s wise to have legal advice on finances when going through divorce. Simply called Form Easy it will assess your level and type of assets and determine if you qualify for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with us and decide on the best ways forward for you. Simply click the Form Easy button, or visit the page here, answer a few short questions and we will let you have our input on whether we can help.\u00a0At Alexander JLO we have many years of experience of dealing with all aspects of family law and will be happy to discuss your case in a free no obligation consultation. Why not call us on\u00a0+44 (0)20 7537 7000, email us at info@london-law.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us button and see what we can do for you?This blog was prepared by Peter Johnson on 1st December 2025 and is correct at the time of going to press. With over forty years of experience in almost all areas of law Peter is happy to assist with any legal issue that you have. He is widely regarded as one of London\u2019s leading divorce lawyers. His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be found Here. To follow up on any of the above please contact Guy Wilton of our family department. Guy has wide experience of acting for the firm\u2019s clients, their family and their businesses. Guy\u2019s experience as a lawyer started in the Northern and Welsh Circuits, including the Liverpool Courts, where he represented numerous clients after being called to the Bar, before opting to join Alexander JLO in 2017 and qualifying as a solicitor in 2024. He is a highly experienced family lawyer with a particular interest in financial remedy proceedings and child contact disputes.Guy\u2019s profile on the independent Review Solicitor website can be viewed\u00a0here."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What happens at the first directions appointment and how do I prepare?","item":"https:\/\/www.london-law.co.uk\/what-happens-at-the-first-directions-appointment-and-how-do-i-prepare\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]