(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order is the seventh commencement order made under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10) (“the Act”).
This Order commences sections 49 to 54 of the Act on 1st April 2013. Sections 49 to 51 of the Act make provision for a general power, not limited to maintenance pending suit, for a court in divorce, nullity of marriage or judicial separation proceedings to order payment by one party to the other for the purpose of securing legal services; and sections 52 to 54 of the Act make corresponding provision in relation to proceedings for a dissolution, nullity or separation order in respect of a civil partnership.