Legal Aid
Financial assistance provided by the government for those who cannot afford legal representation or court fees. Eligibility is based on your income, savings, and the nature of your case.
Child Arrangement Order
A court order outlining where a child will live, who they’ll spend time with, and how often. It ensures the child’s welfare remains the top priority during family disputes.
Parental Responsibility
Legal rights and duties that allow parents or guardians to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as education, religion, and medical care.
Non-Molestation Order
A court order designed to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, or violence by prohibiting certain behaviours. Breaching this order is a criminal offence.
Occupation Order
Determines who can live in the family home and may restrict or remove access for one party, often in cases of domestic abuse or severe conflict.
Prohibited Steps Order
An order preventing a parent or guardian from taking specific actions concerning a child, such as relocating them to another country or making major decisions without court approval.
Specific Issue Order
A court decision resolving a single dispute about a child’s upbringing, such as deciding on their schooling, medical treatment, or religious practices.
Financial Order
A legally binding court order dividing finances during divorce or separation, covering issues like property division, child support, and spousal maintenance.
Consent Order
An agreement between separating parties, made legally binding by the court, outlining the terms of financial settlements or other matters.
Financial Remedy Order
A general term for financial orders in family law cases, including lump sum payments, property adjustments, and pension sharing.
Mediation
An alternative dispute resolution method where a neutral mediator helps parties reach an agreement without going to court.
Litigation Friend
A person appointed to represent someone in court who cannot manage their own case due to age, mental capacity, or other factors.
Decree Absolute
The final order in divorce proceedings, officially ending the marriage.
Decree Nisi
A provisional court order confirming that the court considers there are sufficient grounds for divorce but allowing time for objections before making the divorce final.
Form C100
The application form used to request a Child Arrangements Order, Specific Issue Order, or Prohibited Steps Order.
Undertaking
A formal promise to the court to perform or refrain from specific actions. Often used as an alternative to more formal court orders.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Methods of resolving disputes without going to court, such as mediation or arbitration.
First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA)
The first court hearing in a child arrangements case, where the judge and CAFCASS help parents identify issues and work towards a resolution.
Fact-Finding Hearing
A court hearing to determine the truth of disputed allegations, often in cases involving domestic abuse or harm to children.
Pension Sharing Order
A financial order that divides pension assets between divorcing parties, ensuring a fair distribution of retirement funds.
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
An organisation that provides advice to family courts and assists in disputes involving children, focusing on their welfare.
Scott Schedule
A document used in court proceedings to outline allegations made by one party, with space for the other party to respond.
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
A meeting required before applying to court for certain family law matters, where parties learn about mediation as an alternative to litigation.
Annulment
A legal declaration that a marriage was not valid and is treated as if it never happened.
Ex Parte Application
A court application made without notifying the other party, often used in urgent cases like emergency protection orders.
Power of Attorney
A legal document allowing one person to make decisions on behalf of another, often used in cases involving financial or medical decisions.
Child Maintenance
Regular financial support payments made by one parent to the other to contribute to the child’s living costs.
Shared Care Order
An arrangement where a child splits their time between both parents, ensuring meaningful relationships with both.
Clean Break Order
A financial order in divorce cases ensuring that neither party can make future financial claims against the other.
Contact Centre
A neutral location where a parent can spend time with their child under supervised or supported conditions.
This comprehensive list ensures you have a solid understanding of the legal terminology you’re likely to encounter in family law. Familiarity with these terms will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Beginner’s Guide to Family Law:
6) Alternative Dispute Resolution