Preparing for the final hearing
After the FDR appointment, both parties have to carry out the directions ordered by the court.
Fourteen days before the final hearing, the applicant must file with the court and serve on the respondent an open statement setting out the orders that he or she intends to ask the court to make.
Seven days after receiving the applicant’s statement of proposals, the respondent in turn has to set out details of the orders that he or she proposes to ask the court to make. Both parties must again supply a written statement of costs (form H).
The solicitors will agree the bundles of correspondence and financial documents to be delivered to the court.
What happens at the final hearing?
The judge will consider the evidence of each party in turn, together with any expert witnesses.
Only open offers to settle can be looked at by the court during the hearing.
The court will not make an order for costs against one party unless it considers it appropriate because of the conduct of that party in relation to the proceedings.
The court will make an order in detailed terms, having set out its reasons.