Family court orders: what they look like, checking them and keeping track of directions

How long it takes, and what it would cost

On your own

An hour or so

With Wren

About 10 minutes

Solicitor for each order

£120 to £250half an hour to an hour

Times and hours are Wren’s estimates for a typical case, not quotes. Solicitor costs are those hours at £247 an hour, the courts’ guideline rate for a solicitor with over four years’ experience, outside London (GOV.UK, Solicitors' guideline hourly rates (in effect from 1 January 2026)). The guideline runs from £200 to £295 an hour outside London depending on experience, firms set their own rates, and VAT is added on top.

What an order looks like

Family court orders follow standard forms. The heading names the court, the case number and the law under which the court is acting.

The parties are named in the first paragraph. The applicant is called "the applicant" and the respondent "the respondent". Children are referred to by their first name and surname.

Every paragraph is numbered in one sequence from 1. This includes definitions, recitals, agreements, undertakings and the orders themselves.

Recitals and order paragraphs

Recitals record background matters. For example, an order made without notice must record why notice was not given. In current children orders, recitals usually appear at the end.

The order paragraphs are what the court has ordered. Something a person must do is written as "shall", for example "The respondent shall file". Something a person must not do is written as "must not".

Directions are order paragraphs about steps in the case, such as filing a statement. Where a step must be done within a time, the order should state the actual date and time.

Penal notice

Some orders carry a penal notice. This is a prominent warning on the front of the order.

It warns that if the person the order is made against disobeys it, they may be held in contempt of court. Punishment can include a fine, imprisonment or confiscation of assets.

For example, the court officer issues a non-molestation order with a penal notice for service.

Who draws it up and when it takes effect

The court usually draws up the order. A party draws it up instead if the court orders this, or if the party agrees with the court's permission.

A party who has to draw up an order must file it within 7 days of being told to. If they do not, another party may do it.

Every order must state the name and judicial title of the person who made it and the date. It must be sealed by the court.

An order takes effect on the day it is made, unless the court sets a later date.

Getting a copy

Unless the court directs otherwise, the court officer must serve a copy of the order on every party affected by it.

In children cases, Practice Direction 12B says the judge should give both parties a copy of a non-final order before they leave. The judge may go through it with you so it is understood.

Parties can inspect documents filed in their own proceedings. If you have not received your copy, contact the court office.

Checking the sealed order

When you receive the sealed order, compare it with your notes from the hearing. Check names, dates, times and who must do each step.

The court may at any time correct an accidental slip or omission in an order. This is often called the slip rule, and it is rule 29.16 of the Family Procedure Rules.

A party can apply for a correction without notice to the other side. If you think there is a slip, write to the court promptly, saying which paragraph and what you believe was said.

The slip rule is for accidental errors. It is not a way to change a decision you disagree with.

Keep a list of every direction

Orders often contain several directions with different dates and different people responsible. A simple list helps you keep track.

1. Write down each direction with its paragraph number.
2. Note the date and time by which it must be done.
3. Note who must do it: you, the other party, Cafcass or someone else.
4. Note who it must be sent to, such as the court and the other party.
5. Tick each step off when it is done, and keep proof of when you sent it.

If you cannot meet a date

Parties cannot always change a court deadline between themselves. Where an order sets a time and says what happens if it is missed, the time cannot be extended by agreement.

The court can extend time for doing something in an order. You ask using an application notice: form C2 in children cases or form D11 in financial cases. Attach a draft of the order you are asking for.

Apply as soon as you know there is a problem, and before the date passes. The court can extend time after it has passed, but a missed deadline may already have consequences.

Key dates

1. Before you leave courtIn children cases, the judge should give both parties a copy of a non-final order.Source: PD12B para 14.13 Order (other than a final order) ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
2. Within 7 days of being told to draw it upA party asked to draw up an order files it with the court.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
3. As soon as you know you cannot meet a dateApply to the court to extend time, using form C2 or D11 with a draft order attached.Source: rule 4.1(3)(a) ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab); r 18.7(1),(2) ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)
4. At least 7 days before the court deals with itServe a copy of the application notice on the other party, unless the rules or court say otherwise.Source: official page ↗ (external source, opens in a new tab)