This update includes amendments to the Family Procedure Rules contained in the Family Procedure (Amendment) (No.4) Rules 2012.
Amendments to the Rules are found in:
Part 2 Application and Interpretation of the Rules
Part 5 Forms and Start of Proceedings
Part 9 Applications for a Financial Remedy
Part 17 Statements of Truth
Part 20 Interim Remedies and Security for Costs
Part 22 Evidence
Part 34 Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders
The amendments take account of the application of the Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and other forms of Family Maintenance done at The Hague on 23 November 2007 (“the 2007 Hague Convention”). The 2007 Hague Convention will be concluded by the European Union on behalf of all Member States at a date after the 10 December 2012 to be determined, and that conclusion will bind Member States (except for Denmark) to apply the Convention. The Convention will come into force on the 1st of the month three full months after the date of conclusion.
Further provision is also made in these Rules to applications though Central Authorities under Council Regulation (EC) No.4/2009 of 18 December 2008 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and co-operation in matters relating to maintenance obligations (“the Maintenance Regulation”).
This update also includes amendments to the following Practice Directions:
PD5A (Forms)
PD12G (Communication of Information)
PD14E (Communication of Information Relating to Proceedings)
PD34A (Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders)
PD5A contains an amendment of the title of a form following the implementation of the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children (“the 1996 Hague Convention”).
PD12G and 14E contain consequential amendments arising from the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Adoption Agencies (Panels and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2012 and the Adoption Agencies (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.
PD34A contains minor amendments which include taking account of the 2007 Hague Convention.
The Rule and Practice Directions amendments come into force on 20 December 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
Applications to reproduce the material in this value added publication should be addressed to Office of Public Sector Information, Information Policy Team, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU.
An application can be made via the OPSI website (opens in a new window) or by e-mailing: licensing@opsi.gov.uk