What is the difference?

[betterthanever]

between a final hearing and a contested final hearing in a contact case?

It looks like a case I am the respondent in is heading for a final hearing as the applicant has not complied with directions the court made and we have no other solution to take things forward and the court legal adviser agrees with my sol (they rang them) that the applicant maybe given a chance to do them again or it goes to a final hearing. But I have also heard of the term contested final hearing. We have the next hearing in a week.
Sorry if I am missing something obvious. Does it depend what the applicant `asks for next' or the original points of difference in the case or something else?

Nope. Contested final hearing is the final hearing. If it wasn't contested it wouldn't be a hearing (it would be dealt with by way of a consent order)

Thank you for clarifying that mumblechum.
Is legal aid still available for a final hearing?

If you already have Legal Aid then yes, usually, tho' I think your solicitor has to apply for an extension (I haven't done LA for years so not up to date with the current rules)

Thanks mumblechum.