2nd FDR court and 3rd Final Court Experiences?

[2hearts1970]

Hi there, I'd just like to ask about the 2nd and 3rd Court dates for a divorce.
I have been to the first FDA, at court (long day but few minutes in court!) and now have a looming FDR to come to some financial resolution. I have been given a barrister for this by my solicitor, to fight my case.
I just wanted to know what to expect exactly? as its always nerve wracking in court and nobody's idea of fun.
Then if this then goes to the 3rd and final hearing, i believe myself and my stbx are cross examined personally in court, which I am not excited about.
Does anyone have any tips on what this entails, and how to go about getting through it?
Thank you for any help.
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[MrsBertBibby]

You will have a lot of time waiting while the advocates go to and fro trying to get a deal. At some point you will go to see the judge for a slightly longer hearing at which both advocates will set out their respective stalls, and the judge will (usually) give indications about how it might settle. Followed by more negotiating. If you get a deal, the advocates should get an order drawn up (or heads of terms if time runs out). The judge will have you back in to approve the deal, or, if there is no deal, to give directions for trial.

That often takes all day so take water and snacks, and something to read. A friend is also good to keep you sane as it is incredibly dull and stressful and exhausting.

Fingers crossed for a good deal.

[bakerstreet101]

We were in court for 7.5 hours at my FDR, and did luckily manage to settle - we got the heads of agreement signed and they are only now being drafted into a consent order (2 months later) as we don’t have the Nisi yet, and without that the consent order can’t be approved by the court.

It was intense, nerve wracking and exhausting, but also exhilarating and interesting. Ex had a friend with him as well as his barrister, I had my barrister and a trainee solicitor from my solicitor’s firm - they were both lovely.

Going to a third hearing would massively increase costs so it would have to be worth it money / asset wise. In my case it really would not have been, so luckily we did come to a resolution.