The Family Proceedings Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996

Contents of answer and subsequent pleadings

2.17.—(1) Where an answer, reply or subsequent pleading contains more than a simple denial of the facts stated in the petition, answer or reply, as the case may be, the pleading shall set out with sufficient particularity the facts relied on but not the evidence by which they are to be proved and, if the pleading is filed by the husband or wife, it shall in relation to those facts, contain the information required in the case of a petition by paragraph 1(m) of Appendix 2.

(2) Unless the court otherwise directs, an answer by a husband or wife who disputes any statement required by paragraph 1(f), (g) and (h) of Appendix 2 to be included in the petition shall contain full particulars of the facts relied on.

(3) Paragraph 4(a) of Appendix 2 shall, where appropriate, apply, with the necessary modifications, to a respondent’s answer as it applies to a petition.

Provided that it shall not be necessary to include in the answer any claim for costs against the petitioner.

(4) Where an answer to any petition contains a prayer for relief, it shall contain the information required by paragraph 1(1) of Appendix 2 in the case of the petition insofar as it has not been given by the petitioner.

(5) Rule 2.4(2) shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to a pleading other than a petition as it applies to a petition.

(6) Where a party’s pleading includes such a statement as is mentioned in rule 2.4(2), then if the opposite party—

(a) denies the conviction, finding or adjudication to which the statement relates, or

(b) alleges that the conviction, finding or adjudication was erroneous, or

(c) denies that the conviction, finding or adjudication is relevant to any issue in the proceedings,

he must make the denial or allegation in his pleading.

(7) Rule 2.5 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to a pleading other than a petition as it applies to a petition.