What to Expect at a Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA)
24th November 2025
For separating parents: if your case could not be resolved at the first hearing, here’s what to
expect at the second stage — the Dispute Resolution Appointment (DRA).
If you were unable to resolve child arrangements at the First Hearing Dispute Resolution
Appointment (the FHDRA), the court will typically list a Dispute Resolution Appointment
(DRA).
The DRA is a key opportunity to resolve matters without proceeding to a Final Hearing. It is
still part of the court’s case management process — but with greater focus on reaching an
agreement based on the evidence now available.
What happens at the Dispute Resolution Appointments?
At the DRA:
- The judge will identify the remaining issues and consider any updates since the FHDRA;
- If Cafcass has prepared a section 7 report, the court may ask whether both parties accept its recommendations;
- The judge may allow short oral evidence if this helps to clarify the key points;
- If agreement is reached, a final order can be made there and then;
- If no agreement is reached, the judge will give final directions for the Final Hearing.
These directions might include:
- Permission to file further evidence or responses to Cafcass recommendations;
- Confirming whether the Cafcass officer or any other witnesses need to attend the Final Hearing.
- Fixing the Final Hearing date;
How Long Are Dispute Resolution Appointments?
DRA hearings are usually listed for around one hour. However, parties are typically expected to arrive at court at least an hour beforehand to allow time for discussions outside the courtroom, which may help narrow or resolve the remaining issues.
This guidance assumes that your case does not involve safeguarding or domestic abuse allegations. If your case does involve such issues, the court may have listed or concluded a Fact-Finding Hearing before reaching this stage.
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Written by: Yasmin Kahn-Gunns, Family Lawyer