Understanding Court proceedings is challenging enough but the experience can become even more confusing when unfamiliar legal terms are used.

In financial remedy proceedings – Court cases about your money and property following divorce - you may hear professionals use abbreviations in order to explain different words or phrases.

MIAM - Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting

This is the Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting and is the first appointment you have with a family mediator. Your spouse may not be present for this. The mediator will explain the mediation process to you. You will also have the opportunity to explain to the mediator why you are seeking their assistance and the issues that need to be resolved. The mediator will then determine whether they think your matter is suitable for mediation.

FM5 Form

This is also known as a Statement of Position on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (also known as NCDR) and sets out to the court, your position on mediation, arbitration, neutral evaluation and collaborative law. This form must be sent to the court seven days before the first hearing. It was introduced to encourage parties to attempt to resolve their matters out of Court.

FDA - First Directions Appointment

This takes place before a Judge who will look at the issues in your case and what information is needed to resolve those and how long this will take. That can be information from you or your spouse, or from experts such as property valuers, accountants or pension experts.

FDR - Financial Dispute Resolution

This is the abbreviation for the ‘Financial Dispute Resolution’ hearing. This takes place once both parties’ financial positions are known and involves the Judge indicating, based on that financial information, what settlement might be ordered if the case went to a Final Hearing. The parties are then encouraged to negotiate at this hearing and with the Judge’s help, to achieve an agreement and to avoid further costs being incurred and time being taken to take the case to a Final Hearing.

This is the abbreviation for ‘Pension on Divorce Expert’ who is a pension’s specialist, usually  instructed by both parties jointly. The expert will review and value the parties’ pensions, and provide a report to confirm how these should be divided fairly. This can then assist the parties and the Court in reaching a fair financial settlement.

How We Can Help

Financial remedy proceedings and going to Court can be stressful, especially when unfamiliar legal terms are used. At Timms, our aim is to always make communication as clear as possible. We recognise the emotional toll that proceedings can take, and we strive to approach them with clarity and the respect your matter deserves.

If you need any help and advise, please do get in touch on 01332 364436 or via email at legal@timms-law.com.