For divorcing parties | Private Fdr Hearings

Background information for divorcing parties

A clearer, faster way to resolve financial issues on divorce

Sorting out finances during a divorce can feel overwhelming. Our service gives you, your former partner and your lawyers, a structured opportunity to reach an agreement more quickly than using only the Family Court.

What are FDRs?

During financial remedy proceedings, the court will usually list a Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing. This is a settlement-focused hearing where a judge considers the case and gives a view on the likely outcome if the matter proceeds to trial. That indication from the judge is not binding, but it often helps the parties and their lawyers reach an agreement. Around 80% of cases settle at or shortly after the FDR stage.

Private FDRs follow the same structure, but can be arranged much sooner and conducted over a full dedicated day.

Our service

We offer 'private FDRs'. Our expert evaluator (they are not referred to as a 'judge' because they are acting in a private capacity) will provide the parties and their lawyers with a written indication. This short written summary, provided on the day, is used by the parties and their lawyers to guide negotiations.

Hearings are usually conducted with the parties and their lawyers meeting in person, while the evaluator may attend either remotely or in person depending on what is most appropriate for the case. This flexible approach allows the focus to remain on effective negotiation while keeping the process efficient and proportionate.

We can offer a private FDR quicker than the court can offer a standard FDR. This helps the parties resolve the financial side of their divorce more quickly, allowing them to move on sooner and save the legal expense of ongoing legal correspondence.

Our fees

Private FDR hearings are offered at clear and proportionate fixed fees. A full-day hearing typically starts from £1,950 + VAT.

This allows parties to access a high-quality, structured settlement process without the delay and uncertainty of waiting for a court-listed hearing.

What a private FDR hearing can help with

A private FDR hearing can assist in resolving all aspects of a financial dispute, including:

what the 'matrimonial assets' are
how property and assets should be divided
maintenance arrangements
pensions
any other financial matters linked to the end of the marriage or civil partnership

It is not a trial. Instead, it is a chance to reach a fair outcome without the stress, uncertainty or delay of a final hearing in court.

How the process works

1. Get permission from the Court for the private FDR hearing.

Your lawyers can do that.

2. Agree a date
Your solicitors contact us to confirm availability and book your private FDR.

3. Prepare the documents
Each side provides the necessary financial information in advance, usually the same documents required for a court FDR.

4. The pFDR day
You and your lawyers meet in person. The evaluator reviews the issues, hears submissions from the parties lawyers and gives an indication of the likely outcome if the case went to trial.

5. Negotiation
Guided by that indication, your legal teams work together to reach an agreement that feels fair and workable. You and your lawyers can return to the evaluator again later in the day, if that aids negotiation.

6. Recording the agreement
Once both sides are satisfied, your solicitors can draw up a consent order for approval by the court.

Is the outcome binding?

A private FDR does not produce a binding decision. However, if an agreement is reached, your solicitors can turn it into a consent order that is then submitted to the Financial Remedies Court (the part of the Family Court which deals with these cases) for formal approval. Most private FDRs lead to settlement because both parties have a clearer understanding of the likely outcome.

Why choose a private FDR hearing?

Timely resolution — avoid long court delays
Less stressful — the parties have more control of the negotiated outcome, rather than having an outcome imposed on them by a judge at trial
Practical guidance — including a written summary to support discussions
Supportive — your legal team stays with you throughout

Our goal is to create a calmer, more constructive environment where you can reach a fair and lasting agreement.

Next steps

If you think a private FDR might be right for your situation, please speak to your legal adviser. They can contact us to discuss availability and the practical arrangements. If you’d like to ask us a question directly, feel free to get in touch via the form below or via email.