An alternative to litigation to resolving disputes

Document completed by the Respondent to a divorce indicating whether the divorce is defended or not.

Document filed by the Petitioner to seek Decree Nisi

The financial process that is linked to divorce

Form used to commence Children Act proceedings

Form used to make an application in already existing Children Act proceedings.

Child and Family Court Advisory Service.  A Government agency which assists the parties and Court in disputes involving the children.

Report prepared by a CAFCASS Officer (by order of the Court) in some cases where parents are in dispute about children issues.

Main piece of legislation dealing with children issues.

Document filed 14 days before the FDA setting out the history of the relationship and proceedings (in brief).

A legal status available to same sex couples.

Agreement entered into before parties cohabit setting out how assets should be divided on separation.

An alternative system of resolving family issues where the parties agree not to go to Court and where negotiation takes place in joint meetings between the parties and their lawyers.

A legal fallacy.  The concept does not exist and provides no protection to cohabitees.

A Court appointment within Children Act proceedings at which a CAFCASS Officer is present.

Court Order enshrining agreement reached between the parties

This is an Order which governs the amount of time a child who does not live with a particular parent sees that parent.

Order made that one side pays the other side’s costs, or part of them.

Child Support Agency. Government agency set up to deal with child maintenance payments.

Final decree of divorce

Orders made by the Court to provide guidance to the parties on the conduct of the case.

Request made in writing for the Court to consider whether Decree Nisi can be made in an undefended divorce.

Document filed at Court to start the divorce process

First hearing after issue of financial proceedings, usually used to obtain Directions from the Court.

Second hearing in financial proceedings. This is Without Prejudice and the Judge will give a view of the possible outcome.

The hearing at which the Court will impose a settlement on the parties.

Form filed to start financial proceedings

A financial affidavit which is used to provide disclosure in the Court process (and in voluntary disclosure)

Form filed 14 days before the FDA setting out whether the parties can use the FDA as an FDR.

Estimate of costs form in respect of finance proceedings.

Estimate of costs form produced before the final hearing on financial proceedings.

A Court order freezing the assets of a party to prevent those assets being dissipated or moved abroad.

An order for the payment of money on a regular basis between one party and another for the benefit of the receiving party or the children.

Main piece of legislation dealing with divorce and financial issues on divorce.

An alternative method of resolving disputes where the parties reach their own agreement with the guidance of a trained mediator.

Proposals made which can be considered by the Court at trial.

A legal concept governing the rights, duties and obligations a parent has in respect of a child.

Order dividing a pension either in full or in part.

Person who starts the divorce

An agreement entered into before marriage dealing with the way finances should be dealt with on separation.

This Order prevents parents taking a step, which they otherwise could take as a child’s parent. For example it can be used to prevent a parent taking a child abroad.

Order for transfer of property between one party and another.

Document filed 14 days before the FDA seeking further information from the other party based on the Statement of Issues and omissions in disclosure to date.

This Order governs with which parent a child will live.

Formerly known as the Solicitors Family Law Association. This is a professional organisation to which some 5,000 family lawyers belong.  It promotes a non confrontational approach to family law.

Person on receiving end of the divorce petition or any other Court process within family proceedings.

Certificate supplied by the Court prior to Decree Nisi certifying that the Court is happy that the parties have considered the children on divorce.(This is a formal part of the divorce process and not the same as the Court making an order regarding the residence or otherwise of the children when a dispute occurs.)

Agreement entered into on separation setting out how assets (and other matters) are to be dealt with.

These Orders deal with particular issues in a child’s life on which parents cannot agree. For example which school a child will attend.

Form filed at Court with the Divorce Petition to inform the Court that the parties are thinking about the children on divorce.

Document filed 14 days before the FDA setting out the issues between the parties.

Form filed with divorce Petition indicating whether the solicitor has given advice on reconciliation.

Material which is Without Prejudice cannot be referred to in open proceedings.

Proposals which can be considered by the parties and the Court at Without Prejudice Hearings eg FDR but not at trial.

Statement of evidence filed by a party or a witness within proceedings.