first directions appointment what is it for?

could someone explain what a first direction appt will be for in case where x has refused to return draft Consent Order and now case will have to go to court even though up until this stage it has all been negotiated and agreed using sols only and had got to this final stage? x suddenly not returning copy of draft consent order etc.
will there be the need to have other days in court?
the settlement had been agreed on regarding division of house etc.a settlement offer was made and accepted.Any ideas what the first direction appt means in this case?

Hi Topaz,

The purpose of the First Directions Appointment is to define the isuues and save costs.

The judge's task is to decide what evidence or further evidence is required from the parties, eg to what extent questionnaires should be answered or any expert evidence needed.

If all the above is done and dusted then both parties can agree on Form G to treat the above appointment as a Financial Dispute Resolution appointment. In other words see if you can agree on the financial split there and then, if so then your sols could try and agree the terms of the consent order and an application for a consent order could be made there and then!

YA