The Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing, is an important second stage of financial proceedings in the Family Courts.  The purpose of the FDR is to provide an opportunity for the parties to negotiate a final financial settlement with the input and assistance of a family judge.  It is an informal hearing before a Judge where the Judge hears a summary presentation of each side’s case. The Judge will express a view about the likely outcome of the dispute to assist the parties towards settlement but does not have the power to make an order if they cannot agree.