Matrimonial Proceedings and Property Act 1970 (c. 45)

PART I Provisions with Respect to Ancillary and Other Relief in Matrimonial Causes and to Certain Other Matrimonial Proceedings

Miscellaneous and supplemental

27 Interpretation

(1) In this Part of this Act—

• " adopted " means adopted in pursuance of—

  (a)

  an adoption order made under the [1958 c. 5 (7 & 8 Eliz. 2.).] Adoption Act 1958, any previous enactment relating to the adoption of children, the [1968 c. 53.] Adoption Act 1968 or any corresponding enactment of the Parliament of Northern Ireland; or

  (b)

  an adoption order made in the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands; or

  (c)

  subject to sections 5 and 6 of the Adoption Act 1968, an overseas adoption within the meaning of section 4 of that Act;

• " child ", in relation to one or both of the parties to a marriage, includes an illegitimate or adopted child of that party or, as the case may be, of both parties;

• " child of the family ", in relation to the parties to a marriage, means—

  (a)

  a child of both of those parties ; and

  (b)

  any other child, not being a child who has been boarded-out with those parties by a local authority or voluntary organisation, who has been treated by both of those parties as a child of their family;

• " the court " (except where the context otherwise requires) means the High Court or, where a county court has jurisdiction by virtue of the [1967 c. 56.] Matrimonial Causes Act 1967, a county court;

• " custody ", in relation to a child, includes access to the child;

• " education " includes training.

(2) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that references in this Part of this Act to remarriage include references to a marriage which is by law void or voidable.

(3) Any reference in this Part of this Act to any enactment is a reference to that enactment as amended by or under any subsequent enactment, including this Act.