Directions hearings and mentions are procedural court events that occur between the first return hearing and the final hearing in family law proceedings. Their purpose is to manage the progress of a case, ensure the parties are complying with court orders, and move the matter towards resolution as efficiently as possible.
What Is a Directions Hearing?
A directions hearing is a court appearance where the judicial officer reviews the progress of a matter and makes orders (known as directions) about what steps must be taken next. Directions hearings are not about deciding the substantive issues in dispute. Instead, they focus on the procedural aspects of the case.
Common directions made at these hearings include:
- Timetables for filing and serving affidavits, financial statements, and other documents
- Orders for disclosure of specific documents or information
- Orders for a family report, expert valuation, or other professional assessment
- Referral to dispute resolution or a family consultant
- Setting dates for future hearings, including interim hearings or the final hearing
- Orders regarding subpoenas or notices to produce
What Is a Mention?
A mention is a brief court appearance, often shorter than a directions hearing, used to check on the status of a case. Mentions may be used to:
- Confirm that parties have complied with previous directions
- Adjourn a matter to a new date if further time is needed
- Deal with minor procedural issues or consent matters
- Update the court on settlement negotiations or mediation outcomes
In many cases, your lawyer can attend a mention or directions hearing on your behalf, so you may not need to be present in court. However, this depends on the nature of the hearing and the court's requirements.
Why Directions Hearings Matter
While directions hearings may seem like administrative steps, they play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of your case. The timetable set at these hearings determines when evidence must be filed, when expert reports are due, and when your matter will be ready for trial. Failing to comply with directions can result in:
- Adverse costs orders against the non-complying party
- Evidence being excluded from the final hearing
- The matter being dismissed or struck out in extreme cases
- The court drawing negative inferences about a party's conduct
"Every procedural hearing is an opportunity to advance your case. A strategic approach to directions can shorten the timeline and reduce the overall cost of proceedings."
Our Approach to Procedural Hearings
At Reid+Alexander Lawyers, we take a proactive approach to case management. We prepare for each directions hearing and mention with the same care and attention as a substantive hearing. Our team monitors compliance deadlines, prepares draft directions in advance, and ensures your matter progresses as efficiently as possible.
If you have a directions hearing or mention approaching, contact us to discuss your matter and ensure you are properly prepared.