Legal language in plain English.
Family Court Glossary
Family Court comes with a language of its own.
This glossary breaks down common terms in clear, plain English, helping you understand the process and navigate it with greater confidence.
Browse terms
Child Arrangements Order
Determines where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.
Specific Issue Order
Used when parents cannot agree on a specific decision relating to a child, such as schooling or medical treatment.
Prohibited Steps Order
An order preventing a parent from taking a particular action relating to a child.
Cafcass
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, which advises the court on arrangements that are in a child’s best interests.
C100 application
The form used to apply to the Family Court in England and Wales when asking the court to make decisions about arrangements for a child.
MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting)
Usually takes place before applying to the Family Court to see whether parents can resolve their dispute through mediation.
Welfare Checklist
A set of factors the Family Court must consider under the Children Act 1989 when deciding what arrangements are in the best interests of a child.
