Family Law Act 1996

Modifications of enactments etc.

2 (1) The Lord Chancellor may by order make such consequential modifications of any enactment or subordinate legislation as appear to him necessary or expedient in consequence of Part II in respect of any reference (in whatever terms) to—

(a) a petition;

(b) the presentation of a petition;

(c) the petitioner or respondent in proceedings on a petition;

(d) proceedings on a petition;

(e) proceedings in connection with any proceedings on a petition;

(f) any other matrimonial proceedings;

(g) a decree; or

(h) findings of adultery in any proceedings.

(2) An order under sub-paragraph (1) may, in particular—

(a) make provision applying generally in relation to enactments and subordinate legislation of a description specified in the order;

(b) modify the effect of sub-paragraph (3) in relation to documents and agreements of a description so specified.

(3) Otherwise a reference (in whatever terms) in any instrument or agreement to the presentation of a petition or to a decree has effect, in relation to any time after the coming into force of this paragraph—

(a) in the case of a reference to the presentation of a petition, as if it included a reference to the making of a statement; and

(b) in the case of a reference to a decree, as if it included a reference to a divorce order or (as the case may be) a separation order.

3 If an Act or subordinate legislation—

(a) refers to an enactment repealed or amended by or under this Act, and

(b) was passed or made before the repeal or amendment came into force,

the Lord Chancellor may by order make such consequential modifications of any provision contained in the Act or subordinate legislation as appears to him necessary or expedient in respect of the reference.