Prep for First Directions Appointment FDA

Hi, I've got first directions appointmnet (FDA?) in around a months time and welcome any advice on what to expect/ prep etc.
We've voluntarily exchanged form Es a few months ago, just exchanging again to court directed dates.
I'm working away from home at the moment and using a solicitor who's two hours away from local court.
Shes giving me the choice of us both attending or additionally using a barrister, do I need this at FDA?
Its already going to be very costly due to several hours travelling by my solicitor, barristers costs will probably double the bill.
There are reasonable capital assets in the pot, but I'm just wondering if a barrister is needed at the first hearing (I've read somewhere that barrister is required for the final hearing).
Also, although I think my solicitor has been good so far, is it sensible to consider change to a more local solicitor at some stage, say after FDA, or could this cause more problems than its worth?
Also, what type of prep should I be doing, do I let my solicitor do all the talking or do I get prepared to talk around my form E and other issues. Never been to court before so don't know what to expect.I've read some old posts that are useful, but I welcome anyones experiences here. thanks jony

Hi There
I have had my first hearing and did not have a barrister present just a solicitor. When we first arrived at the court both solicitors had a discussion before going in then once in we were sat in front of a judge who discussed the contents of the form E's. once she was happy with the contents and it had been decided between both parties what was to be left in the form E's and what should be taken out it was all over . I never got a chance to talk and it was all over in about 20 minutes.
Hope that this helps you, thing it not sure if they are all the same but would think so.

Thanks niknac ,

very helpful, its only two weeks away now. I'm planning to be there with solicitor, as you say, it may turn out to be a short discussion over the main issues on form E.
I guess the judge may indicate how we move forward with these issues, with both sides expected to work on negotiating etc in time for the next hearing.
I'm not looking forward to it at all, but just got to get on with it and be as prepared as I can be.
Thanks again jony