The court generally speaking is keen for the parties to reach an agreement, because the court is aware that reaching an agreement will save the parties a considerable amount of money in legal fees, and it also saves court time. There are generally three court hearings if the case proceeds to a final hearing. The first hearing is called a First Directions Appointment, which is largely procedural and the court will decide what further evidence needs to be called in the case (for example valuation evidence, further documentary evidence etc.) The next hearing is the financial dispute resolution hearing when the case has to be properly prepared by both parties or their representatives, and the respective positions of the parties are put to the Judge who will then give an input as to his or her views as to the likely outcome of the case.
It is hoped at this stage that the case will settle. The Judge who deals with the FDR hearing will not then be able to deal with the final hearing, if one is necessary. If however an agreement cannot be reached, the court will at the FDR hearing then make further directions for the listing of the case for a final hearing.