Fact Finding Hearings.

Family Court Hearings: FHDRA, DRA and Fact Finding Hearings.

Facing court proceedings of any sort can be stressful but when the matter involves your family, we understand your emotions may be heightened and that the worry can feel more acute.

Lanyon Bowdler are a team of supportive and experienced legal professionals who can help you to navigate the family courts and find the very best and most positive solution for everyone involved.

From First Hearing and Dispute Resolution Appointments through to Final Hearings, our first-class family lawyers will provide you with the representation, assistance and reassurance that you need.

Family Court Hearings Explained

If you are involved in a family law case, you may be required to attend the family court, which primarily makes decisions about children and financial issues affecting the family, particularly in the event of a separation, divorce or civil partnership dissolution.

Although every effort is made to settle all the issues away from court through negotiation and discussion, where a resolution is not found court proceedings will be initiated.

First Hearing And Dispute Resolution Appointments (FHDRA)

If mediation has not resulted in a solution for the issue you are facing, it is up to the family court to make a decision in the interests of all parties, particularly any children involved. The first hearing is designed to try and resolve any disputes at an early stage, allowing you to present your case.

Along with the judge and your legal representative, a CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) officer may also be present, to make recommendations to the court.
If an agreement is reached, a court order will be issued setting out the details, but if matters are not settled, further hearings will be held.

Dispute Resolution Appointment

This subsequent hearing will once again attempt to resolve the ongoing issues and will examine any new or additional information, such as a report from the CAFCASS officer. If a solution is still not found, a final hearing will be scheduled by the judge where the court will make a decision and issue the appropriate order detailing the arrangements that need to be made.

Fact Finding Hearing

A Fact Finding Hearing is held when allegations are made that could affect the court’s decision with regards to the arrangements for the children. A Fact Finding Hearing will gather all the background information about a family’s particular circumstances and the issues waiting to be resolved.

The court will examine the evidence and cross-examine all parties to determine the truth behind the accusations.

At this point statements will be presented and any witnesses can be brought before the court.

Our Fact Finding Hearings Expertise

Among our lawyers you will find members of the Law Society Family Panel and accredited specialists of Resolution, a national organisation of leading family lawyers.

Our family law team are highly accomplished and experienced in dealing with sensitive and difficult cases and have the expertise required to bring matters to a swift and effective close.

Why we care

At Lanyon Bowdler, we understand just how important your family is to you and we are dedicated to helping you resolve the issues you are facing as quickly as possible. We know that you just want to move on with your life and provide stability for your children, so we aim to conclude cases at the earliest stage and can utilise our expertise in collaborative law.

We pride ourselves on consistently delivering the outstanding customer service you deserve and are the legal firm of choice for all areas of family and child law.

How we can help

We will take our time to get to know you and your family so that we are able to provide you with the very best bespoke legal service. We will provide you with clear and straightforward advice at all times, without the confusing legal jargon too often used by legal professionals.

We will be extremely thorough in our examination of the evidence and preparation of your case, including calling witnesses and gathering statements and will effectively represent and support you in all hearings.

Your Fact Finding Hearings Questions Answered

I am worried about going to court. Do I have to attend?

While we always aim to resolve everything before court proceedings are required, it is important you attend any family court hearings, so that you are able to put your case forward. Your legal representative from Lanyon Bowdler will be by your side throughout, and will present your case professionally and effectively and will aim to bring proceedings to a swift conclusion through discussion and negotiation.

If you are unable to attend a hearing for any reason, it can be possible to adjourn at the judge’s discretion, but it is usual that the court want to avoid delays wherever possible, to minimise the pressure and upset felt by all involved, particularly any children.

How much will a Fact Finding Hearing cost?

At Lanyon Bowdler, we believe that our expert, legal representation should be available to everyone and we offer a choice of flexible payment plans, such as pay as you go and fixed fee arrangements, to make this possible. We provide a service of the highest quality that represents real value for money so to discuss our costs in more detail feel free to call and speak to a member of our team.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael

via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston

Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones

via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric

via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins

via ReviewSolicitors

Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.

Samantha

via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson

Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.

Timothy

via ReviewSolicitors

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather

via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker

Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer

UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett

via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim

via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd

Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown

via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe

via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne

Llanfyllin

Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s Family Law Solicitors

By choosing to work with Lanyon Bowdler, you are guaranteed leading representation for your family law case. We are a highly experienced and knowledgeable team of family law solicitors, who will use our expertise to help you and your family, providing not only legal representation but understanding and support as well.

We are one of the leading full-service law firms in the region. We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry and Telford but your location is no barrier to the help we can offer, as we regularly represent clients throughout England and Wales. We would encourage you to get in touch with us as soon as possible to find out more about how we can help.

Our people

Meet the team.

Sue Hodgson

Partner

Family Law

Family Court Hearings: FHDRA, DRA and Fact Finding Hearings.

Family Court Hearings Explained

First Hearing And Dispute Resolution Appointments (FHDRA)

Dispute Resolution Appointment

Fact Finding Hearing

Our Fact Finding Hearings Expertise

Your Fact Finding Hearings Questions Answered

What our clients say.

Related services.

Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s Family Law Solicitors

Meet the team.

Case studies.

Latest knowledge.

Our awards and accolades.

Get in touch.