The May 2026 Updates to Standard Family Court Orders in England and Wales

On 11 May 2026, further updates were approved to the standard family court orders used in England and Wales. These orders are the templates regularly used in financial remedy, children and other family proceedings. The updates reflect a continued emphasis on early case resolution, clearer drafting and stronger enforcement. For clients, this means greater clarity from the outset, increased encouragement to resolve matters outside court where appropriate, and less scope for dispute about the meaning of an order.

What do the new non-court dispute resolution requirements mean for family law clients?

A central feature of the amendments is the continuing emphasis on non-court dispute resolution. The revised wording reinforces the expectation that parties should consider mediation, arbitration and other appropriate forms of private resolution before treating court proceedings as the default course. This may reduce delay, expense and the strain of contested litigation. The financial remedy orders now also make clearer provision for proceedings to be stayed to allow arbitration to take place. 

Clients should therefore expect early advice on mediation, MIAM requirements and other available means of resolution. A failure to engage without good reason may be relevant to case management and, in some financial cases, to costs.

What has changed in financial remedy orders from May 2026?

The financial remedy orders have also been revised to improve clarity and reflect current practice. The amendments address filing through the contested portal, update references to first appointment documents and simplify wording relating to financial disclosure and evidence. Further amendments clarify the wording of orders for sale, child maintenance during a pre-tertiary education gap year and consent orders where one or both parties are unrepresented. These changes are intended to reduce uncertainty and make the orders easier to apply in practice.

The update also strengthens the procedural tools available where a financial order is not complied with. New orders relating to judgment summonses provide a clearer route in serious cases of non-payment and underline the court’s power to enforce final orders.

How do the May 2026 updates affect children proceedings?

In children proceedings, the amendments make standard orders more precise and consistent with current practice. They include revised wording concerning children’s guardians, non-court dispute resolution, participation directions and the provision of section 7 orders to Cafcass or the relevant local authority. The updated wording also addresses paternity testing and section 91(14) orders restricting further applications. 

What has changed for non-molestation orders and cross-border family cases?

Another notable change is the introduction of a short-form non-molestation order. This is intended to provide a more streamlined approach in urgent cases, while subsequent correction to the wording highlights the importance of precision where police enforcement may be required. The amendments also support a more consistent approach in cross-border children cases where assistance from foreign courts or authorities is required.

What do the May 2026 family court updates mean for you?

Overall, the May 2026 updates are intended to make family proceedings clearer, more efficient and easier to enforce. They do not alter the law, but they do affect how cases are managed and how orders are drafted and implemented. For clients, the principal effect is greater clarity as to the court’s expectations, a stronger emphasis on resolving disputes outside court where appropriate, and more effective procedural tools where an order is not followed.

If you are considering divorce, an initial conversation with a family lawyer can help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence. Contact us today.

Disclaimer: The content of this website blog is for general awareness and insight. This is not legal or professional advice and readers should not act upon the information provided, they should seek professional advice based on their own particular circumstances. The law may have changed since this article was published.