Yes you should.
But more importantly, if you havent done so yet, try to draft up a 2 page summary of the issues in your case....and your arguements against each issue.
The judge is only human and has little time to prepare for the FDR. If you can provide him with a very nice summary to read you get brownie points.
Something like this:
Offers
I have made the following offers:
- XX to get 26237
- XX to get
pension share of 9923
- XX to get 323 per mth child support for 5 yrs
I have received the following counter offer:
- YY to pay 56237
- YY to give pension share of 19923
- YY to pay 423 per mth child support for 8 yrs
Issues
1) Petitioner thinks pension should be
offset against house at full
CETV value.
Based on Maskell vs Maskell i think pension should be treated for
offsetting purposes as being worth 25% of CETV
2) Petitioner believes i should pay child support until end of uni.
I believe it is more normal for child support to end after secondary education. If my child needs support at uni they can come to me directly plus take a student loan.
3) Petitioner states the my 26252 cerdit card debt is my responsibility.
I can show that it was all spent on reasonable incurred living expenses and so is a joint loan.
etc
etc
etc
My position
The judge will ask you what you want so be prepared to communicate this concisely.
This may be the same as you offer (if you made one)...
or you may now verbally be prepared to 'up' your offer a bit.
Just state what you are willing to settle for. Write this down so you can read it out in court without missing bits.
Cross exam Qs
You get a chance to Question your ex - prepare some targetted Qs and back up with case law and evidence. Target these Qs at the weak points in her position.
You should also by know have a copy of the court bundle that her sol is going to present.
If you havent then ring her sol and demand it.
Last but not least.....
Dont forget that the FDR is a structured form of negotiation, almost like
mediation.
You cannot be forced to accept a deal on the day. But many cases are concluded on the day of the FDR or very shortly after. So be prepared to make a deal.....and decide on your walk away position - which will lead you to a final hearing.
Good Luck.