This the first hearing that takes place when financial proceedings are started.
It is commonly referred to as the First Appointment or FDA.
The FDA is a housekeeping hearing.
It is there to agree the next steps required to prepare the case.
Necessary tasks such as obtaining valuations of assets and exchanging further financial disclosure will be timetabled to assist parties in reaching financial settlement.
The purpose and aim of the hearing is to narrow the issues. This will assist in negotiations and will prepare for the next hearing in the process: the Financial Dispute Resolution Appointment, a much more complicated and lengthy hearing.
The First Appointment can sometimes covert to an FDR.
The information that goes before the court matters. It is a good idea to have a discussion with a specialist family solicitor to discuss tactics and case management in advance.
For assistance with your first appointment, or any aspect of matrimonial finance, us our contact form or email gemma@familylawkent.co.uk to speak with a specialist family solicitor.