There is usually a total of three hearings which are as follows: 1. First appointment hearing; 2. Financial dispute resolution hearing ("FDR"); and 3. Final hearing. If you can reach an agreement with your spouse, you may not need to attend all three hearings. The court will assist you and your spouse to come to an agreement during the course of proceedings. At the FDR the judge will give an indication of a likely settlement in your matter, to enable you and your spouse to have an opportunity to negotiate an agreement, with the knowledge of the kind of final order that could be made in your matter. If you cannot reach an agreement with your spouse, a judge will make an order on your behalf at the final hearing.