Reference Guide

Legal Terms Glossary

Plain-English explanations of the family court language you'll encounter — from court orders to procedural terms. Search, filter by category, and tap any term for the full definition.

Court Procedure4

Related Terms

First Appointment
Consent Order
Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR)
Directions

In Plain English

A way to skip the first court hearing if both sides have already agreed on what information needs to be shared, allowing the judge to simply sign off on the paperwork.

View full detail

Documents2

Finances8

These definitions are plain-English explanations to help you recognise the language of family court — they are observations, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, speak to a solicitor or a McKenzie Friend.

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Please note

Please note: Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice and we are not liable for any reliance on the information provided. Family court rules and procedures can change, and whilst this was correct at the time of writing, circumstances may have changed since publication. For up-to-date guidance, please refer to Gov.uk or consult a qualified legal professional.

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