The Family Procedure Rules 2010

Keeping of registers, custody, inspection and disclosure of documents and information

13.18.—(1) Such part of the register kept in a family proceedings court in pursuance of rules made under the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 as relates to parental order proceedings, must be kept in a separate book and the book must not contain particulars of any other proceedings.

(2) All documents relating to parental order proceedings and related proceedings under the 2002 Act including, in a family proceedings court, the book kept in accordance with paragraph (1), must, while they are in the custody of the court, be kept in a place of special security.

(3) Any person who obtains any information in the course of, or relating to, parental order proceedings must treat that information as confidential and must only disclose it if—

(a) the disclosure is necessary for the proper exercise of that person’s duties; or

(b) the information is requested by—

(i) a court or public authority (whether in Great Britain or not) having power to determine parental order proceedings and related matters, for the purpose of that court or authority discharging its duties relating to those proceedings and matters; or

(ii) a person who is authorised in writing by the Secretary of State to obtain the information for the purposes of research.