http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/27/section/48Family Law Act 1996An Act to make provision with respect to: divorce and separation; legal aid in connection with mediation in disputes relating to family matters; proceedings in cases where marriages have broken down; rights of occupation of certain domestic premises; prevention of molestation; the inclusion in certain orders under the Children Act 1989 of provisions about the occupation of a dwelling-house; the transfer of tenancies between spouses and persons who have lived together as husband and wife; and for connected purposes.1996-07-04texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-03-27Expert Participation2026-03-25 Part IV481If the relevant judicial authority has reason to consider that a medical report will be required, any power to remand a person under section 47(7)(b) or (10) may be exercised for the purpose of enabling a medical examination and report to be made.2If such a power is so exercised, the adjournment must not be for more than 4 weeks at a time unless the relevant judicial authority remands the accused in custody.3If the relevant judicial authority so remands the accused, the adjournment must not be for more than 3 weeks at a time.4If there is reason to suspect that a person who has been arrested—aunder section 47(6), orbunder a warrant issued on an application made under section 47(8),is suffering from mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983, the relevant judicial authority has the same power to make an order under section 35 of that Act(remand for report on accused’s mental condition) as the Crown Court has under that section in the case of an accused person within the meaning of that section.S. 48 extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 38A, 38B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)S. 48 extended (1.10.1998) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 44A, 44B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)Words in s. 48(4) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1(4), 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(2)(a); S.I. 2008/1900, arts. 1(1), 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)Words in s. 48(4) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1(4), 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(2)(b); S.I. 2008/1900, arts. 1(1), 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)Words in s. 48(4) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1(4), 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(2)(c); S.I. 2008/1900, arts. 1(1), 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)Pt. 4 modified (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 82, 263, Sch. 9 para. 25(2); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1