Part 7

Procedure rules and practice directions

Family Procedure Rules and practice directions

Family Procedure Rules
75
1
There are to be rules of court (to be called “Family Procedure Rules”) governing the practice and procedure to be followed in family proceedings in—
a
the High Court,
b
county courts, and
c
magistrates' courts.
2
Family Procedure Rules are to be made by a committee known as the Family Procedure Rule Committee.
3
“Family proceedings”, in relation to a court, means proceedings in that court which are family proceedings as defined by either—
a
section 65 of the 1980 Act, or
b
section 32 of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (c. 42).
4
The power to make Family Procedure Rules includes power to make different provision for different areas, including different provision—
a
for a specified court or description of courts, or
b
for specified descriptions of proceedings or a specified jurisdiction.
5
Any power to make or alter Family Procedure Rules is to be exercised with a view to securing that—
a
the family justice system is accessible, fair and efficient, and
b
the rules are both simple and simply expressed.