Need info on whether i can choose the date for the hearing

Me and my wife have decided to get a mutual concent divorce. We have spent one year seperately . We will be applying for a divorce petition this month. I understand that it takes 6 months (cooling period) for the next hearing during which a divorce will be granted. My question is , Can i choose a date for the next hearing (after the cooling period) or will it have to be the date given by the court ? What happens if i am not able to make it to the court on the date given be court ?