Family law proceedings in the UK often involve legal language, court forms, and
abbreviations that can be confusing for people dealing with separation, divorce,
or child arrangements for the first time.
Understanding key terms can make the process clearer and less stressful. Let us
explains some common family law terms and frequently used paperwork
abbreviations in simple language.
1. Common Family Law Terms
Child Arrangements Order (CAO)
A Child Arrangements Order is a court order explaining:
• where a child lives
• who they spend time with
• how contact takes place
This replaced the older terms “custody” and “access”.
Parental Responsibility (PR)
Parental responsibility refers to the legal rights and responsibilities a parent has for
a child.
This includes decisions about:
• education
• healthcare
• religion
• welfare
• living arrangements
Birth mothers automatically have parental responsibility. Fathers usually do too if
they are married to the mother or named on the birth certificate. Same-sex
partnerships can be more complex.
Consent Order
A Consent Order is a legally binding agreement approved by the court.
It is commonly used to formalise:
• divorce financial settlements
• property division
• maintenance agreements
Once approved, both parties must follow its terms.
Financial Remedy or Ancillary Relief Proceedings
A Financial Remedy or Ancillary Relief Proceeding refers to the legal process used
to resolve financial matters after separation or divorce.
This may include:
• division of assets
• property
• income
• pensions
• savings
• spousal maintenance
The court aims to achieve a fair outcome for both parties.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance is ongoing financial support paid by one former spouse to
another after separation or divorce.
Payments may be:
• temporary
• fixed-term
• long-term
The amount depends on income, needs, and circumstances.
Clean Break Order
A Clean Break Order ends financial ties between divorcing spouses.
Once granted, neither party can usually make future financial claims against the
other.
This is often used when both parties want financial independence after divorce.
Non-Molestation Order (NMO)
A Non-Molestation Order protects someone from:
• harassment
• threats
• intimidation
• domestic abuse
Breaching this order is a criminal offence in the UK.
Occupation Order
An Occupation Order determines who can live in the family home.
The court may:
• require one person to leave the property
• restrict access to the home
• protect someone experiencing domestic abuse
Mediation
Family mediation is a process where an independent mediator helps separating
couples resolve disputes without going to court.
Mediation is required before making court applications involving children or
finances.
Divorce Terminology
Under the old divorce system, courts issued a Decree Nisi followed by a Decree
Absolute.
In England and Wales, these terms have been replaced by:
• Conditional Order (was Decree Nisi)
• Final Order (was Decree Absolute)
The Final Order legally ends the marriage.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation means living together without being married or in a civil partnership.
Many people believe in “common law marriage”, but this does not legally exist in
the UK.
Unmarried couples often have fewer legal rights than married couples.
MIAM
A MIAM stands for Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting.
Before applying to court in many family law cases, individuals must usually attend
a MIAM to explore whether mediation could resolve the dispute.
Child Maintenance
Child maintenance is financial support paid towards a child’s upbringing.
Payments usually cover:
• food
• clothing
• housing
• everyday living costs
The amount may be agreed privately or calculated through the Child
Maintenance Service.
2. Common Family Law Paperwork Abbreviations
MIAM = Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting
A meeting required before many family court applications to consider whether
mediation could resolve the dispute.
CMS = Child Maintenance Service
The government body responsible for calculating and managing child
maintenance payments.
CAFCASS = Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service
An independent organisation that advises family courts about children’s welfare.
CAFCASS officers may:
• interview parents
• speak with children
• prepare court reports
C100 Form
The court application form used to apply for:
• child arrangements orders
• prohibited steps orders
• specific issue orders
This is one of the most common family court forms in England and Wales.
Form E
A detailed financial disclosure form completed during divorce financial
proceedings.
It includes information about:
• income
• debts
• pensions
• savings
• property
D81 Form
A statement of information form used when asking the court to approve a
financial Consent Order.
FL401
The application form used for:
• Non-Molestation Orders
• Occupation Orders
C79 Form
A form used to enforce a Child Arrangements Order if one parent believes the
order has been breached.
FDR = Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing
A court hearing aimed at helping divorcing couples reach a financial settlement
without a full trial.
FDA = First Directions Appointment
The first court hearing in financial remedy proceedings.
The court reviews:
• financial disclosure
• missing information
• next procedural steps
Conditional Order
The Conditional Order can only be granted 20 weeks after the Divorce Petition has
been issued. This is the first stage of divorce confirming the court sees no reason
why the divorce cannot proceed.
This replaced the term “Decree Nisi” in England and Wales.
Final Order
The document that legally ends a marriage following divorce proceedings.
This replaced the term “Decree Absolute” in England and Wales.
Parenting Agreement
A written agreement between parents setting out child arrangements outside
court.
Position Statement
A short written document prepared before a hearing summarising:
• the issues
• background
• what outcome a party wants the court to make
Understanding family law terminology and court abbreviations can help reduce
confusion during an already stressful time.
Although legal forms and court language may seem intimidating, knowing the
basics can help you communicate more confidently with solicitors, mediators, and
the court.
Here at Family Law Paralegal Services, we can help you to organise and prepare
yourselves for what is oftern an already stressful and difficult time. Contact us here for a free no obligation chat.
For specific legal advice, always speak with a qualified family law solicitor in the
UK.