Private Financial Resolution Day
A private financial dispute resolution hearing (often called a private FDR), in one day. Both parties put their case to a senior barrister in complete confidence and receive a reasoned indication of what a Hong Kong court would likely order, then negotiate to signed heads of agreement the same day.
One fixed fee covers everything: Caroline's preparation before the day, the full eight-hour hearing day, and the drafting of the heads of agreement afterwards. The alternative is up to two years on the court list, in a public building, at many times the cost. Solicitors welcome but not required. Cases with unusually complex assets, such as pensions, trusts and cross-border holdings, are quoted before booking.
How the Day Works
- 01
Before the Day
Each side sends a short position statement and a summary of the finances, and both parties sign the appointment agreement: everything is confidential, without prejudice, and the indication is non-binding. Caroline reads everything before the day begins, and the preparation is included in the fee.
- 02
Morning
Caroline hears both sides, together or in separate rooms, as suits the case. No robes, no public list, no waiting for a court date.
- 03
Early Afternoon
Caroline gives a clear, reasoned indication of the outcome a Hong Kong court would likely order, drawing on more than 30 years of family practice across four jurisdictions.
- 04
Afternoon
The parties negotiate in light of that indication, with Caroline facilitating. Most cases that settle do so here.
- 05
After the Day
Caroline drafts the heads of agreement recording the agreed terms, also included in the fee, ready for the parties, or their solicitors, to turn into a consent order.
The Day: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a private FDR in Hong Kong?
A Private Financial Resolution Day is a confidential, one day alternative to a court financial dispute resolution hearing. Both parties put their case to Caroline Langley, a barrister of more than thirty years, who gives a reasoned indication of what a Hong Kong court would likely order. The parties then negotiate to signed heads of agreement the same day.
How much does a private FDR cost in Hong Kong?
The fixed fee is HK$36,000 per party. It covers Caroline's preparation before the day, the full eight hour hearing day, and the drafting of the heads of agreement afterwards. A day is reserved online with a HK$5,000 deposit per party. Cases with unusually complex assets, such as pensions, trusts and cross border holdings, are quoted before booking.
Is the indication binding?
No. The indication is non binding, and the whole day is confidential and without prejudice. Both parties sign an appointment agreement confirming this before the day.
Do we need solicitors?
Solicitors are welcome but not required. After the day, the signed heads of agreement are ready for the parties, or their solicitors, to turn into a consent order.
How is it different from a court FDR hearing?
It is private, it happens in one day, and it does not wait for a court date. The alternative can be up to two years on the court list, in a public building, at many times the cost. There are no robes and no public list.
What happens before the day?
Each side sends a short position statement and a summary of the finances, and both parties sign the appointment agreement. Caroline reads everything before the day begins. That preparation is included in the fee.