Preparing for the first appointment
A form E has to be prepared and exchanged simultaneously, with the documents referred to in the form. Exchange has to take place at least 35 days before the first appointment.
At least 14 days before the first appointment, both parties have to file and serve on the other:
- a concise statement of issues;
- a chronology, setting out the key facts relating to the family;
- a questionnaire, referable to the statement of issues, seeking further information and documents; and
- a notice (form G) stating whether that party will be able to proceed to the financial dispute resolution (FDR) hearing at the first appointment.
In addition, the applicant – the person who has filed the form A – has served the other party.
At least 24 hours before the first appointment, both parties have to produce their costs estimate (form H).
What happens at the first appointment?
This is the first court appointment. Both parties and their legal representatives are required to attend.
A district judge will examine the issues and consider the financial evidence.
The court will also give directions on:
- whether the questions contained in each questionnaire are justified and whether they have to be answered;
- whether property valuations need to be carried out and, if so, on what basis; and
- what other experts need to be appointed, for example in analysing pensions or business valuations.
It is possible to combine the first appointment with the FDR appointment. Doing so helps to keep costs to a minimum as there is only one court attendance instead of two.
If there is no FDR appointment at the first appointment, then the district judge will list the matter for the second hearing – the FDR appointment.
If there has been an FDR appointment combined with the first appointment, then the judge will list it for a final hearing, unless the matter is agreed.