Family Law Microcredential (15 September 2025)

Dissolution of Marriage (by Polly Morgan)

This module looks at the legal processes to be followed in pursuing dissolution of a marriage or civil partnership, providing practical guidance on how to advise clients effectively in this area.

Financial Orders (by Polly Morgan)

This module looks at the various forms of financial provision that can be made on divorce, looking at how to identify matrimonial assets and orders for child maintenance.

Mediation in Family Law Cases (by Sarah-Jane Riddell)

This module sets out the main types of mediation, providing practical insights into how to determine the suitability of mediation for an individual client and the information about mediation that should be provided to clients by their lawyers.

Domestic Abuse (by Sarah Jane Lenihan)

This module provides insights into the legal definition of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, explaining the signs that domestic abuse is present and the steps that should be taken to address it.

Forced Marriage (by Alison Leivesley)

This module examines the area of forced marriage, explaining the legislative protection available and the processes to be followed in making an application for a forced marriage protection order.

Adoption (by Lucy Birch)

This module sets out the procedure to be followed in non-agency adoptions, looking at the eligibility requirements and issues of parental consent and post-adoption contact.

Modern Family (by Deborah Baxter)

This module explains the term modern family, looking at the legal frameworks associated with modern families and the particular considerations associated with assisted conception and surrogacy.

Dissolution of Marriage (by Polly Morgan)

This module looks at the legal processes to be followed in pursuing dissolution of a marriage or civil partnership, providing practical guidance on how to advise clients effectively in this area.

Financial Orders (by Polly Morgan)

This module looks at the various forms of financial provision that can be made on divorce, looking at how to identify matrimonial assets and orders for child maintenance.

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

• understand the legal basis for and the procedures to be followed in seeking the dissolution of a marriage or civil partnership 
• identify the various financial orders that are available in the event of divorce, as well as the risks and benefits associated with different courses of action 
• understand the different types of mediation and be able to advise clients appropriately on which forms of mediation are suitable in their situation 
• explain the legal definition of domestic abuse and advise clients appropriately on the most appropriate order(s) for their circumstances 
• understand how to recognise signs of forced marriage and the legal mechanisms and additional resources available to support those affected 
• explain the legal procedure to be followed in making an adoption order on a non-agency basis, including issues of parental consent and post-adoption contact 
• understand the meaning of the term ‘modern family’ and the associated legal frameworks, including the legal considerations related to assisted conception and surrogacy 

Course format 

The course consists of an interactive presentation for each module with knowledge checks, reflection points and scenarios (featuring four recurring characters) throughout the course. 

Knowledge checks feature throughout the course as an opportunity to test and apply your understanding. Please note, they do not form part of the assessment. 

Assessment 

There will be an open book assessment comprised of five essay-style questions. Your submission should total no more than 1,350 words. 

You will receive the questions at the beginning of the course to allow for reflective learning. The assessment is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the content and learning outcomes covered within the course. 

When the submission window opens, you will be able to enter your answer for each question onto the platform, review, and submit.  You’re only allowed one submission attempt. 

Key dates 

The assessment deadline is 5pm on 10 November 2025. You will receive final grades and personalised feedback on Monday 8 December 2025. 

Assessment feedback 

The personalised feedback will offer specific comments on your submission, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. It will help you to understand your progress and identify areas that might need further development. 

To pass the assessment, you must achieve a mark of 50%. 

On passing your assessment, you’ll be awarded a digital credential as evidence of your achievement that can accompany you wherever your career takes you – a quality mark you can add to your website or promote on social media to show clients that you’re competent and compliant in core legal, professional and personal skills. 

Online accessibility
Our modules conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1. However, some members may require an alternative version for accessibility purposes. This is available upon request via our contact us form. 

Also, if you need alternative arrangements for submitting your assessment, please get in touch.

Meet the Experts
This microcredential was developed by six industry experts.