19 May 2008
An update on the work of the Family Procedure Rule Committee in March and April 2008.
March 2008
The committee continued its consideration of new draft Family Procedure Rules and its focus this month was on the procedures relating to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Council Regulation (EC) No.2201/2003.
The committee advised on the draft forms being developed to support new rules relating to matrimonial and civil partnership proceedings.
The committee also gave further consideration to draft amendments to the existing Family Proceedings Rules giving effect to those sections of Part 1 of the Children and Adoption Act 2006 that have yet to come into force.
A working party of the committee was established to work through comments made by members on a 'Master Document' of draft rules and practice directions ahead of the committee's public consultation on the rules. The working party began its work by examining comments on draft rules relating to:
- interpretation
- alternative dispute resolution
- general case management powers
- how to start proceedings
- miscellaneous applications
- applications for a financial remedy
April 2008
The committee gave preliminary approval to draft amendments to the Family Proceedings Rules giving effect to those sections of Part 1 of the Children and Adoption Act 2006 that have yet to come into force.
The committee also gave its views on a new draft form C1 that is intended to be introduced for private law Children Act applications, subject to consultation.
The working party that was established to work through comments made by members on the 'Master Document' of draft rules and practice directions met to consider comments made on draft rules relating to:
- Part IV Family Law Act 1996
- procedure for other applications in proceedings
- alternative procedure for applications
- interim remedies and security for costs
- miscellaneous rules about disclosure and inspection of documents and change of solicitor