Court order templates

Official templates, not legal advice

These are the real templates the family courts work from, taken from the judiciary’s Standard Family Orders. They are technical, and most people will not draft them alone. They are here so you can see exactly what the court uses. This is information, not legal advice. Get a solicitor to draft or check anything that goes to court, especially a financial order.

These are the standard orders a judge can make, in two groups: orders about the children, and orders about the finances. Anything in [square brackets] or highlighted is for the court or the parties to complete. Always check the judiciary’s Standard Orders updates for the current version before relying on one.

Financial orders

From the Standard Family Orders, Volume 1 (Financial and Other Orders), version dated May 2026.

Note

A financial order is the highest-stakes document in a separation: property, pensions, maintenance and a clean break can all turn on the exact wording. If you have agreed everything, the usual route is a consent order drafted or checked by a solicitor. See the financial side of divorce for why this matters so much.

• Consent order: used when you have agreed your finances and want the court to make the deal binding and dismiss future claims (the accelerated paper procedure). This is the one most agreeing couples use. Download template
• Financial remedy order: the full order a court makes to divide finances at the end of financial remedy proceedings, covering property, pensions, lump sums and maintenance. Download template
• Financial directions order: what the court sets up to manage a contested financial case, the timetable, financial disclosure (Form E) and hearings. Download template

To apply to court for a financial order the route is Form A. See GOV.UK: money and property when you divorce.

Children orders

Looking for a child arrangements order template? These are the official templates the family courts use for orders about children, including the final order that sets out who a child lives with and spends time with. They are taken from the Standard Family Orders, Volume 2 (Children and Other Orders), version dated May 2026.

If you just want to see what an agreed order looks like in plain terms, start with the example draft child arrangements order on the templates overview, then use these official templates for the real thing.

• Child arrangements order (the final order): the order that sets out who a child lives with and spends time with at the end of a case. This is the child arrangements order the family courts actually use. Download template
• Precedent library: the full menu of standard wording a judge can put into an order. Download template
• First hearing directions (no domestic abuse alleged): what the court sets up at the first hearing, the FHDRA. Download template
• First hearing directions (domestic abuse alleged): the version used where there are allegations of domestic abuse. Download template
• Dispute resolution appointment directions: the later hearing (the DRA) aimed at settling the case. Download template
• Enforcement directions: used when a child arrangements order is not being followed. Download template
• Permission to remove a child temporarily: for taking a child abroad where consent is refused. Download template

To apply for a child arrangements order the route is Form C100. See GOV.UK: apply for a court order.

Where to get real help

• A family solicitor: particularly to draft or check a consent order or financial order. Many offer a low-cost first appointment.
• Family Mediation Council: find a registered mediator and book a MIAM.
• AdviceNow: clear, free guides on child arrangements and finances on divorce.
• Citizens Advice: free, independent help understanding your options.

Last reviewed: 18 June 2026. Standard Orders and court forms change, so check the official links above before you rely on anything here.