Divorce and family law

This is a type of order in divorce/dissolution financial proceedings that means a party can live in a property until certain conditions are met.

An undertaking is a promise to the court regulating an action. It could be a promise to do something, ie close a bank account, or a promise not to do something. A breach of an undertaking is a very serious matter and is contempt of court.

A Consent Order is an order agreed within divorce/dissolution financial proceedings which sets out the terms of the agreement for the financial separation dealing with sale/transfer of property; bank accounts; maintenance payments and so on.

A 'Clean Break' Consent Order is an order agreed within divorce/dissolution financial proceedings which severs all financial ties between the parties both now and in the future.

Collaborative law is a process where both parties use trained professionals to resolve their legal dispute without going to court.

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution like mediation, but it takes place with a qualified arbitrator and they can make decisions that are binding.

A MIAM is a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting and is the first meeting you have in mediation. It is mandatory to attend a MIAM before you make a court application except in certain circumstances when you may be exempt.

Mediation is an impartial independent service who can assist you and your ex-partner to make arrangements for your family upon separation.

This is the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment in children proceedings and will usually be the first hearing you attend at court in a children application.

Cafcass are the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service and they are professionals who help the courts in children proceedings.