Types of hearings: The s.8 Case Stages
Each court case will travel through 3 key stages. There are other hearings that may be listed following each stage but these stages take place in almost every case. Each stage does have the potential to transform into a final hearing if the parties are able to reach agreement on disputed issues.
Who sits in this hearing?
Magistrates (plus Legal Adviser) or a Judge, You, Your ex-partner & a duty Cafcass officer.
Please note the picture is a physical layout of a hearing before Magistrates..
Stage 1
Stage 1, as we refer to it, is the first hearing in any application for a s.8 order. The first hearing has a formal title and this is First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment or FHDRA for short.
Who sits in this hearing?
Magistrate (plus Legal Adviser) or a Judge, You and Your ex-partner.
Please note the picture is a physical layout of a hearing before a District Judge or a Circuit Judge.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is usually the second hearing, and this is called the Despite Resolution Appointment or DRA for short.
Who sits in this hearing?
Magistrate (plus Legal Adviser) or a Judge, You and Your ex-partner.
Please note the picture is a physical layout of a hearing before a District Judge or a Circuit Judge.
Stage 3
Stage 3 is often the last hearing in a court case and this is known as the Final Hearing.