First directions hearing preparation (FCFCOA)
The first return date in the FCFCOA sets the shape of the case. This checklist walks through the standard preparation steps so you arrive with a clean file and a clear plan.
This is a 12-step preparation checklist for a first directions hearing in the FCFCOA. It covers documents, orders sought, pre-action compliance, and a clear plan for the day of hearing.
The checklist
Confirm the listing details
Check the listing on the Commonwealth Courts Portal — judicial registrar, time, in person or virtual.
Review the pleadings bundle
Application, response, reply, financial statements and supporting affidavits.
Confirm pre-action compliance
Ensure the pre-action procedures have been followed — genuine steps, disclosure, correspondence.
Draft proposed orders
Prepare short minutes of proposed directions — disclosure timetable, valuations, family report.
Identify interim relief
Is any interim relief sought today — interim parenting, partial property, injunctions?
Complete disclosure review
Identify what disclosure has been exchanged and what is outstanding.
Consider valuation directions
Real property, businesses, superannuation — propose a single expert where possible.
Consider family report directions
Propose a family report or Child Impact Report if parenting is contested.
Prepare a case outline
A short outline covering the issues, key facts and orders sought. Give to the bench if requested.
Brief counsel
If counsel is appearing, brief with the bundle, outline and draft directions the night before.
Confirm client attendance
Confirm the client is available by phone and ready to give instructions during the hearing.
File the court book
Upload the court book to the Commonwealth Courts Portal before the deadline.
When this checklist applies
Use this checklist in the week before any first directions hearing in the FCFCOA. Leave time to serve draft directions on the other side.
Common pitfalls
- Turning up without draft directions
- Failing to identify outstanding disclosure
- Not proposing a single expert valuer where one is obviously needed
- Forgetting to file the court book on the Portal
- Being unreachable by the client during the hearing
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio drafts short minutes, case outlines and family law directions in current FCFCOA format. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers.
This checklist is a general guide. Adapt for parenting-only, property-only or combined matters.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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