This update includes amendments to the Family Procedure Rules contained in the Family Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2012 and to the Practice Directions contained in the Practice Direction Amendments.
Amendments to the Rules are found in:
Part 2 Application and Interpretation of the Rules
Part 4 General Case Management Powers
Part 5 Forms and Start of Proceedings
Part 6 Service
Part 7 Procedure for Applications in Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Proceedings
Part 8 Procedure for Miscellaneous Applications
Part 9 Applications for a Financial Remedy
Part 11 Applications under Part 4A of the Family Law Act 1996
Part 12 Proceedings Relating to Children Except Parental Order Proceedings and Proceedings for Applications in Adoption, Placement and Related Proceedings
Part 16 Representation of Children and Reports in Proceedings Involving Children
Part 20 Interim Remedies and Security for Costs
Part 29 Miscellaneous
Part 32 Registration and Enforcement of Orders
Part 34 Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders
Amendments to the Practice Directions are found in:
PD2A Functions of the Court in the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Practice Directions which may be Performed by a Single Justice of the Peace
PD5A Forms
PD6A Service within the Jurisdiction
PD7A Procedure for Applications in Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Proceedings
PD7B Medical Examinations on Applications for Annulment of a Marriage
PD9A Application for a Financial Remedy
PD12B The Revised Private Law Programme
PD14B The First Directions Hearing – Adoptions with a Foreign Element
PD27A Court Bundles
PD33A Enforcement of Undertakings
PD36A Transitional Arrangements
In addition to a number of minor miscellaneous matters, amendments are made to remove the requirement for applications for a matrimonial or civil partnership order to be supported by an affidavit; applications instead will be verified by a statement of truth.
Specific provision is made for the court to direct that a person or body be added as a party to proceedings for a financial remedy.
A new rule is substituted relating to the access and inspection of documents held by the court.
The Rules and Practice Directions come into force on 6 April 2012.
An html FPR index is available. Should you have any comments about the web index we'd appreciate your feedback.
Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for the provision of the FPR forms - if you have any comments or observations about the availability of court forms, please e-mail HMCTS.
HMCTS launched a new-look website which has resulted in changes to many of its links. If you bookmarked any forms prior to 30 January you will need to re-mark them.
Published by TSO on behalf of the Ministry of Justice
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