Advice & detail in one place

When family mediation is not suitable

Mediation is encouraged before many family applications — but it is not always safe or realistic. Here is when exemptions and alternatives apply.

• mediation
• MIAM
• domestic abuse

Domestic abuse and child arrangements

How the Family Court approaches child arrangements where domestic abuse is alleged or proven, including Practice Direction 12J.

• domestic abuse
• PD 12J
• child arrangements

What is a non-molestation order?

A non-molestation order is a type of injunction used to prohibit a person from molesting either the applicant or a relevant child. Molestation is not defined but in practice such orders can be used to protect someone fro

What does the new Cafcass Domestic Abuse Practice Policy mean for my family?

What is the new Cafcass Domestic Abuse Practice Policy? A link to the policy can be found here: Cafcass publishes new Domestic Abuse Practice Policy | Cafcass. It was published in October 2024 and further revised in Janu

What is an occupation order?

An occupation order is a type of injunction which regulates who can, or cannot, live in the home or certain parts of it. They are serious orders usually made in the context of domestic abuse as they may suspend a party’s