Family Court Glossary

The primary application form used to start proceedings under the Children Act 1989. It is used to apply for a Child Arrangements Order, Prohibited Steps Order, or Specific Issue Order.

A supplemental form submitted alongside a C100 if you need to raise allegations of domestic abuse, violence, or safeguarding concerns regarding the children.

Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. An independent body that advises the family courts on what is safe and in the best interests of children. They conduct safeguarding checks and write reports for the court.

A legally binding court order detailing where a child lives and when they spend time with each parent (formerly known as custody and access/contact).

A safe, neutral environment where children of separated families can spend time with a parent. Contact can be supported (volunteers present) or supervised (detailed notes taken by staff).

A hearing where the judge decides how the case will proceed, ordering specific actions (like Cafcass reports or drug testing) and setting timetables, rather than making final decisions about the children.

First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment. The first court hearing after submitting a C100. The judge and Cafcass officer attempt to help parents agree on arrangements without further litigation.

A specific hearing held when there are disputed allegations of abuse or harm that must be resolved before the court can decide what child arrangements are safe.

The last hearing in the court process where the judge hears all evidence (and cross-examination) before making a final, legally binding order.

Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. A mandatory meeting with a mediator to assess whether your dispute can be resolved out of court. You must normally attend a MIAM before filing a C100.

An individual who attends court with a litigant in person (someone without a solicitor) to provide moral support, take notes, and offer advice. They cannot speak directly to the judge on your behalf.

An injunction that protects a person from violence, harassment, or threats by an ex-partner or family member.

A court order that decides who has the right to live in, or return to, the family home, and can exclude someone from the surrounding area.

The legal rights, duties, powers, responsibilities, and authority a parent has for a child and their property. Mothers automatically have PR; fathers have it if married to the mother or listed on the birth certificate.

A brief, written summary (usually 2-3 pages) presented to the judge before a hearing, outlining your background, current situation, and what you are asking the court to order.

A court order preventing a parent from taking a specific action regarding the child, such as moving them to a different country or changing their school without permission.

A structured table used in family court to list specific allegations of abuse or bad behaviour, allowing the other party to admit or deny each specific claim.

A detailed welfare report ordered by the court and written by a Cafcass officer or local authority social worker. It investigates the child's circumstances and makes recommendations to the judge.

A court order resolving a specific dispute between parents, such as which school a child will attend, medical treatments, or religious upbringing.

A formal, legally binding promise made to the court to do, or not do, a specific action. Breaking an undertaking is treated similarly to breaching a court order.