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Family Court Glossary

Confused by legal jargon? Use the search bar below to understand common terms used by Cafcass and the Family Courts.
Cafcass
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. An independent body that advises the family court about the welfare of children.
More info: Visit Official Website →
C100 Form
The application form used to ask the court to make arrangements for a child (e.g., where they live or who they spend time with).
Action: Download Form C100 (GOV.UK) →
Section 7 Report
A welfare report ordered by the court under Section 7 of the Children Act 1989. Cafcass investigates and reports on the child’s welfare and wishes.
Read guide: Cafcass: What is a Section 7 Report? →
FHDRA
First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment. The first court hearing where the judge checks if an agreement can be reached and identifies safety issues.
Read guide: What happens at court (Cafcass) →
Child Arrangements Order (CAO)
A court order setting out who a child lives with and who they spend time with. It replaces the old terms "custody" and "access."
Government Guide: Types of Court Order (GOV.UK) →
Prohibited Steps Order
A court order preventing a parent from doing something specific with the child, such as taking them abroad or changing their school.
More info: Prohibited Steps explained →
Specific Issue Order
An order to decide a specific question about the child’s upbringing, such as which school they should attend or what religion they should be raised in.
More info: Specific Issue Orders explained →
Safeguarding Letter (Schedule 2)
A preliminary letter written by Cafcass before the first hearing. It summarizes police and social services checks and brief phone interviews with parents.
Read guide: Cafcass: The Safeguarding Letter →
Finding of Fact Hearing
A specific hearing held to decide if allegations (e.g., domestic abuse) are true or false before the court decides on child arrangements.
Legal Guide: Guide to Fact Finding Hearings →
MIAM
Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting. A mandatory meeting to check if mediation could solve the dispute before applying to court.
Action: Find a Mediator (FMC) →
Litigant in Person
Someone who represents themselves in court without a solicitor or barrister.
Support: Represent yourself in court (GOV.UK) →
McKenzie Friend
A layperson who can support you in court by taking notes and giving quiet advice, but usually cannot speak to the judge for you.
Official Guidance: McKenzie Friend Practice Guidance →
FCA
Family Court Adviser. The official job title of the Cafcass officer assigned to your case.
Read more: The role of an FCA →
Parental Responsibility (PR)
All the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities, and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and their property.
Government Guide: Parental rights and responsibilities →
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