The Court of Protection Rules 2017

Statutory Instruments

2017 No. 1035 (L. 16)

Mental Capacity, England And Wales

The Court of Protection Rules 2017

Made

26th October 2017

Laid before Parliament

30th October 2017

Coming into force

1st December 2017

The President of the Family Division (the judicial office holder nominated by the Lord Chief Justice), being President of the Court of Protection, makes the following Rules in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 49(5), 50(2), 51, 53(2) and (4), 55, 56 and 65(1) of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 M1 , and in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 M2 .

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Rules continued in part (6.4.2020) by The Courts and Tribunals (Judiciary and Functions of Staff) Act 2018 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provision) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/100), regs. 1(2), 3

Marginal Citations

M1 2005 c.9. Section 51 was amended by article 2 of and paragraphs 30 and 34 of Schedule 1 to S.I. 2006/1016. Section 53 was amended by section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2). Section 65(1) was amended by article 2 of and paragraphs 30 and 37(1) and (2) of Schedule 1 to S.I. 2006/1016.

M2 2005 c. 4.

PART 1 E+W THE OVERRIDING OBJECTIVE

Contents of this Part

The overriding objective	Rule 1.1
Participation of P	Rule 1.2
Duties to further the overriding objective
Court's duty to manage cases	Rule 1.3
The duty of the parties	Rule 1.4
The duty of legal representatives	Rule 1.5
The duty of unrepresented litigants	Rule 1.6

Overriding objective E+W

1.1.—(1) These Rules have the overriding objective of enabling the court to deal with a case justly and at proportionate cost, having regard to the principles contained in the Act.

(2) The court will seek to give effect to the overriding objective when it—

(a) exercises any power under the Rules; or

(b) interprets any rule or practice direction.

(3) Dealing with a case justly and at proportionate cost includes, so far as is practicable—

(a) ensuring that it is dealt with expeditiously and fairly;

(b) ensuring that P's interests and position are properly considered;

(c) dealing with the case in ways which are proportionate to the nature, importance and complexity of the issues;

(d) ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing;

(e) saving expense;

(f) allotting to it an appropriate share of the court's resources, while taking account of the need to allot resources to other cases; and

(g) enforcing compliance with rules, practice directions and orders.

Participation of P  E+W

1.2.—(1) The court must in each case, on its own initiative or on the application of any person, consider whether it should make one or more of the directions in paragraph (2), having regard to—

(a) the nature and extent of the information before the court;

(b) the issues raised in the case;

(c) whether a matter is contentious; and

(d) whether P has been notified in accordance with the provisions of Part 7 and what, if anything, P has said or done in response to such notification.

(2) The directions are that—

(a) P should be joined as a party;

(b) P's participation should be secured by the appointment of an accredited legal representative to represent P in the proceedings and to discharge such other functions as the court may direct;

(c) P's participation should be secured by the appointment of a representative whose function shall be to provide the court with information as to the matters set out in section 4(6) of the Act and to discharge such other functions as the court may direct;

(d) P should have the opportunity to address (directly or indirectly) the judge determining the application and, if so directed, the circumstances in which that should occur;

(e) P's interests and position can properly be secured without any direction under sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) being made or by the making of an alternative direction meeting the overriding objective.

(3) Any appointment or directions made pursuant to paragraph (2)(b) to (e) may be made for such period or periods as the court thinks fit.

(4) Unless P has capacity to conduct the proceedings, an order joining P as a party shall only take effect—

(a) on the appointment of a litigation friend on P's behalf; or

(b) if the court so directs, on or after the appointment of an accredited legal representative.

(5) If the court has directed that P should be joined as a party but such joinder does not occur because no litigation friend or accredited legal representative is appointed, the court shall record in a judgment or order—

(a) the fact that no such appointment was made; and

(b) the reasons given for that appointment not being made.

(6) A practice direction may make additional or supplementary provision in respect of any of the matters set out in this rule.

(The appointment of litigation friends, accredited legal representatives and representatives under paragraph (2)(c) is dealt with under Part 17.) (“Accredited legal representative” is defined in rule 2.1.)

Duties to further the overriding objective E+W

Court's duty to manage cases E+W

1.3.—(1) The court must further the overriding objective by actively managing cases.

(2) The court must manage a case at all times and in particular—

(a) when a case is referred to a judge;

(b) at every hearing, whether listed by the court on its own initiative or on application by a party;

(c) at all stages of a final hearing; and

(d) when considering enforcement measures including committal.

(3) Active case management includes—

(a) considering the appropriate case pathway for the case;

(b) ensuring—

(i) that the appropriate judge is allocated to the case;

(ii) judicial continuity, so far as practicable;

(c) avoiding delay and keeping costs down;

(d) encouraging the parties to co-operate with each other in the conduct of the proceedings;

(e) identifying at an early stage—

(i) the issues; and

(ii) who should be a party to the proceedings;

(f) deciding promptly—

(i) which issues need a full investigation and hearing and which do not; and

(ii) the procedure to be followed in the case;

(g) deciding the order in which issues are to be resolved;

(h) encouraging the parties to use an alternative dispute resolution procedure if the court considers that appropriate;

(i) fixing timetables or otherwise controlling the progress of the case;

(j) considering whether the likely benefits of taking a particular step justify the cost of taking it;

(k) dealing with as many aspects of the case as the court can on the same occasion;

(l) dealing with the case without the parties needing to attend at court;

(m) making use of technology;

(n) giving directions to ensure that the case proceeds quickly and efficiently;

(o) considering whether any hearing should be heard in public; and

(p) considering whether any document relating to proceedings should be a public document and, if so, whether and to what extent it should be redacted.

(Rules 4.2 to 4.4 make provision about the court's powers to authorise publication of information about proceedings and to order that a hearing be held in public.)

The duty of the parties  E+W

1.4.—(1) The parties are required to help the court to further the overriding objective.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), each party is required to—

(a) ask the court to take steps to manage the case if—

(i) an order or direction of the court appears not to deal with an issue; or

(ii) if a matter including any new circumstances, issue or dispute arises of which the court is unaware;

(b) identify before issue if the case is within the scope of one of the case pathways and comply with the requirements of the applicable case pathway;

(c) co-operate with the other parties and with the court in identifying and narrowing the issues that need to be determined by the court, and the timetable for that determination;

(d) adhere to the timetable set by these Rules and by the court;

(e) comply with all directions and orders of the court;

(f) be full and frank in the disclosure of information and evidence to the court (including any disclosure ordered under Part 16);

(g) co-operate with the other parties in all aspects of the conduct of the proceedings, including in the preparation of bundles.

(3) If the court determines that any party has failed without reasonable excuse to satisfy the requirements of this rule, it may under rule 19.5 depart from the general rules about costs in so far as they apply to that party.

(Rule 16.2(2) deals with the requirements of general disclosure.)

The duty of legal representatives  E+W

1.5.—(1) Legal representatives of parties are required to help the court to further the overriding objective.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), a legal representative of a party must—

(a) comply with any applicable rules, practice directions or orders of the court;

(b) follow (where appropriate) the applicable case pathway; and

(c) address whether the case can be swiftly resolved.

The duty of unrepresented litigants  E+W

1.6.—(1) Without prejudice to the generality of rule 1.4, unrepresented litigants are required to help the court to further the overriding objective.

(2) This includes—

(a) engaging with the process applicable in the case and co-operating with the court and the other parties;

(b) seeking the court's direction if an issue or dispute arises in the case;

(c) presenting their case fairly; and

(d) seeking early resolution of any dispute where practicable.

PART 2 E+W INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

Contents of this Part

Interpretation	Rule 2.1
Court officers	Rule 2.2
Court officers – authorisation	Rule 2.3
Computation of time	Rule 2.4
Application of the Civil Procedure Rules and Family Procedure Rules	Rule 2.5
Pilot schemes	Rule 2.6

Interpretation E+W

2.1.  In these Rules—

“the Act” means the Mental Capacity Act 2005;

“accredited legal representative” means a legal representative authorised pursuant to a scheme of accreditation approved by the President to represent persons meeting the definition of “P” in this rule in proceedings before the court;

“applicant” means a person who makes, or who seeks permission to make, an application to the court;

“application form” means the document that is to be used to begin proceedings in accordance with Part 9 of these Rules or any other provision of these Rules or the practice directions which requires the use of an application form;

“application notice” means the document that is to be used to make an application in accordance with Part 10 of these Rules or any other provision of these Rules or the practice directions which requires the use of an application notice;

“attorney” means the person appointed as such by an enduring power of attorney created, or purporting to have been created, in accordance with the regulations mentioned in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Act;

“business day” means a day other than—

(a)

a Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Day or Good Friday; or

(b)

a bank holiday in England and Wales, under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 M3 ;

“child” means a person under 18;

“civil restraint order” means an order restraining a party—

(a)

from making any further applications in current proceedings (a limited civil restraint order);

(b)

from making certain applications in the Court of Protection (an extended civil restraint order); or

(c)

from making any application in the Court of Protection (a general civil restraint order);

“court” means the Court of Protection;

“deputy” means a deputy appointed under the Act;

“donee” means the donee of a lasting power of attorney;

“donor” means the donor of a lasting power of attorney, except where the expression is used in rule 9.8 or 24.4(5) (where it means the donor of an enduring power of attorney);

“enduring power of attorney” means an instrument created in accordance with such of the regulations mentioned in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the Act as applied when it was executed;

“filing” in relation to a document means delivering it, by post or otherwise, to the court office;

“hearing” includes a hearing conducted by telephone, video link, or any other method permitted or directed by the court;

“judge” means a judge nominated to be a judge of the court under the Act;

“lasting power of attorney” has the meaning given in section 9 of the Act;

“legal representative” means a—

(a)

barrister;

(b)

solicitor;

(c)

solicitor's employee;

(d)

manager of a body recognised under section 9 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985 M4 ; or

(e)

person who, for the purposes of the Legal Services Act 2007 M5 , is an authorised person in relation to an activity which constitutes the conduct of litigation (within the meaning of that Act),

who has been instructed to act for a party in relation to any application;

“legally aided person” means a person to whom civil legal services (within the meaning of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 M6 ) have been made available under arrangements made for the purposes of Part 1 of that Act;

“order” includes a declaration made by the court;

“P” means—

(a)

any person (other than a protected party) who lacks or, so far as consistent with the context, is alleged to lack capacity to make a decision or decisions in relation to any matter that is the subject of an application to the court; and

(b)

a relevant person as defined by paragraph 7 of Schedule A1 to the Act,

and references to a person who lacks capacity are to be construed in accordance with the Act;

“party” is to be construed in accordance with rule 9.13;

“personal welfare” is to be construed in accordance with section 17 of the Act;

“President” and “Vice-President” refer to those judges appointed as such under section 46(3)(a) and (b) of the Act;

“property and affairs” is to be construed in accordance with section 18 of the Act;

“protected party” means a party or an intended party (other than P or a child) who lacks capacity to conduct the proceedings;

“representative” means a person appointed under rule 1.2(2)(c), except where the context otherwise requires;

“respondent” means a person who is named as a respondent in the application form or notice, as the case may be;

“rule 1.2 representative” means a representative or an accredited legal representative;

“Senior Judge” means the judge who has been nominated to be Senior Judge under section 46(4) of the Act, and references in these Rules to a circuit judge include the Senior Judge;

“Tier 1 Judge” means any judge nominated to act as a judge of the Court of Protection under section 46 of the Act who is neither a Tier 2 Judge nor a Tier 3 Judge;

“Tier 2 Judge” means—

(a)

the Senior Judge; and

(b)

such other judges nominated to act as a judge of the Court of Protection under section 46 of the Act as may be set out in the relevant practice direction;

“Tier 3 Judge” means—

(a)

the President;

(b)

the Vice-President; and

(c)

such other judges nominated to act as a judge of the Court of Protection under section 46 of the Act as may be set out in the relevant practice direction;

“Visitor” means a person appointed as such by the Lord Chancellor under section 61 of the Act.

Marginal Citations

M3 1971 c. 80.

M4 1985 c. 61.

M5 2007 c. 29.

M6 2012 c. 10.

Court officers E+W

2.2.—(1) Where these Rules permit or require the court to perform an act of a purely formal or administrative character, that act may be performed by a court officer.

(2) A requirement that a court officer carry out any act at the request of any person is subject to the payment of any fee required by a fees order for the carrying out of that act.

Court officers – authorisation E+W

2.3.—(1) The Senior Judge or the President or the Vice-President may authorise a court officer to exercise the jurisdiction of the court in such circumstances as may be set out in the relevant practice direction.

(2) A court officer who has been authorised under paragraph (1)—

(a) must refer to a judge any application, proceedings or any question arising in any application or proceedings which ought, in the officer's opinion, to be considered by a judge;

(b) may not deal with any application or proceedings or any question arising in any application or proceedings by way of a hearing; and

(c) may not deal with an application for the reconsideration of an order made by that court officer or another court officer.

Computation of time E+W

2.4.—(1) This rule shows how to calculate any period of time which is specified—

(a) by these Rules;

(b) by a practice direction; or

(c) in an order or direction of the court.

(2) A period of time expressed as a number of days must be computed as clear days.

(3) In this rule, “clear days” means that in computing the number of days—

(a) the day on which the period begins; and

(b) if the end of the period is defined by reference to an event, the day on which that event occurs,

are not included.

(4) Where the specified period is 7 days or less, and would include a day which is not a business day, that day does not count.

(5) When the specified period for doing any act at the court office ends on a day on which the office is closed, that act will be done in time if done on the next day on which the court office is open.

Application of the Civil Procedure Rules and Family Procedure Rules E+W

2.5.—(1) In any case not expressly provided for by these Rules or the practice directions made under them, the court may apply either the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 M7 or the Family Procedure Rules 2010 M8 (including in either case the practice directions made under them) with any necessary modifications, in so far as is necessary to further the overriding objective.

(2) A reference in these Rules to the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 or to the Family Procedure Rules 2010 is to the version of those rules in force at the date specified for the purpose of that reference in the relevant practice direction.

Marginal Citations

M7 S.I. 1998/3132 (as amended).

M8 S.I. 2010/2955 (as amended).

Pilot schemes E+W

2.6.—(1) Practice directions may make provision for the operation of pilot schemes for assessing the use of new practices and procedures in connection with proceedings—

(a) for specified periods; and

(b) in relation to proceedings—

(i) in specified parts of the country; or

(ii) relating to specified types of application.

(2) Practice directions may modify or disapply any provision of these Rules during the operation of such pilot schemes.

PART 3 E+W MANAGING THE CASE

Contents of this Part

The court's general powers of case management	Rule 3.1
Case management – unrepresented parties	Rule 3.2
Court's power to dispense with requirement of any rule	Rule 3.3
Exercise of powers on the court's own initiative	Rule 3.4
General power of the court to rectify matters where there has been an error of procedure	Rule 3.5
Dealing with the application	Rule 3.6
Directions	Rule 3.7
Allocation of proceedings
Court's jurisdiction in certain kinds of cases to be exercised by certain judges	Rule 3.8
Allocation of cases to case pathways	Rule 3.9

The court's general powers of case management E+W

3.1.—(1) The list of powers in this rule is in addition to any powers given to the court by any other rule or practice direction or by any other enactment or any powers it may otherwise have.

(2) The court may—

(a) extend or shorten the time for compliance with any rule, practice direction, or court order or direction (even if an application for extension is made after the time for compliance has expired);

(b) adjourn or bring forward a hearing;

(c) require P, a party, a party's legal representative or litigation friend, or P's rule 1.2 representative, to attend court;

(d) hold a hearing and receive evidence by telephone or any other method of direct oral communication;

(e) stay the whole or part of any proceedings or judgment either generally or until a specified date or event;

(f) consolidate proceedings;

(g) hear two or more applications on the same occasion;

(h) direct a separate hearing of any issue;

(i) decide the order in which issues are to be heard;

(j) exclude an issue from consideration;

(k) dismiss or give judgment on an application after a decision is made on a preliminary basis;

(l) direct any party to file and serve an estimate of costs;

(m) direct or limit the means of communication to be used by the parties; and

(n) take any step or give any direction for the purpose of managing the case and furthering the overriding objective.

(3) A judge to whom a matter is allocated may, if the judge considers that the matter is one which ought properly to be dealt with by another judge, transfer the matter to such a judge.

(4) Where the court gives directions it may take into account whether or not a party has complied with any rule or practice direction.

(5) The court may make any order it considers appropriate even if a party has not sought that order.

(6) A power of the court under these Rules to make an order includes a power to vary or revoke the order.

(Rules 1.3 to 1.6 concern the duty of the court to further the overriding objective by actively managing cases, and the duty of parties, legal representatives and unrepresented litigants to assist the court in furthering the overriding objective.)

Case management – unrepresented parties E+W

3.2.—(1) This rule applies in any proceedings where at least one party is unrepresented.

(2) When the court is exercising any powers of case management, it must have regard to the fact that at least one party is unrepresented.

(3) The court must adopt such procedure at any hearing as it considers appropriate to further the overriding objective.

(4) At any hearing when the court is taking evidence, this may include—

(a) ascertaining from an unrepresented party the matters about which the witness may be able to give evidence or on which the witness ought to be cross-examined; and

(b) putting or causing to be put to the witness such questions as may appear to the court to be proper.

Court's power to dispense with requirement of any rule E+W

3.3.  In addition to its general powers and the powers listed in rule 3.1, the court may dispense with the requirements of any rule.

Exercise of powers on the court's own initiative E+W

3.4.—(1) Except where these Rules or another enactment make different provision, the court may exercise its powers on its own initiative.

(2) The court may make an order on its own initiative without hearing the parties or giving them the opportunity to make representations.

(3) Where the court proposes to make an order on its own initiative it may give the parties and any other person it thinks fit an opportunity to make representations and, where it does so, must specify the time by which, and the manner in which, the representations must be made.

(4) Where the court proposes—

(a) to make an order on its own initiative; and

(b) to hold a hearing to decide whether to make the order,

it must give the parties and may give any person it thinks likely to be affected by the order at least 3 days' notice of the hearing.

General power of the court to rectify matters where there has been an error of procedure E+W

3.5.  Where there has been an error of procedure, such as a failure to comply with a rule or practice direction—

(a) the error does not invalidate any step taken in the proceedings unless the court so orders; and

(b) the court may waive the error or require it to be remedied or may make such other order as appears to the court to be just.

Dealing with the application E+W

3.6.—(1) This rule and rule 3.7 are subject to any provision made by a practice direction in respect of the case pathway to which the case is allocated.

(2) As soon as practicable after any application has been issued the court shall consider how to deal with it.

(3) Where permission to start proceedings is required, and whether or not it has been applied for, the court's consideration under paragraph (2) shall include whether to grant or refuse permission without a hearing, or to direct a hearing to consider whether permission should be granted.

(4) The court may deal with an application or any part of an application at a hearing or without a hearing.

(5) In considering whether it is necessary to hold a hearing, the court shall, as appropriate, have regard to—

(a) the nature of the proceedings and the orders sought;

(b) whether the application is opposed by a person who appears to the court to have an interest in matters relating to P's best interests;

(c) whether the application involves a substantial dispute of fact;

(d) the complexity of the facts and the law;

(e) any wider public interest in the proceedings;

(f) the circumstances of P and of any party, in particular as to whether their rights would be adequately protected if a hearing were not held;

(g) whether the parties agree that the court should dispose of the application without a hearing; and

(h) any other matter specified in the relevant practice direction.

(6) Where the court considers that a hearing is necessary it shall—

(a) give notice of the hearing date to the parties and to any other person it directs;

(b) state what is to be dealt with at the hearing, including whether the matter is to be disposed of at that hearing; and

(c) consider whether it is appropriate—

(i) for the hearing or any part of it to be in public; and

(ii) to make any order under rule 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3.

(Rule 3.9 and Practice Direction 3B make provision about the case pathways.)

Directions E+W

3.7.—(1) The court may—

(a) give directions in writing; or

(b) set a date for a directions hearing; and

(c) do anything else that may be set out in a practice direction.

(2) When giving directions, the court may do any of the following—

(a) require a report under section 49 of the Act and give directions as to any such report;

(b) give directions as to any requirements contained in these Rules or a practice direction for the giving of notification to any person or for that person to do anything in response to a notification;

(c) if the court considers that any other person or persons should be a party to the proceedings, give directions joining them as a party;

(d) if the court considers that any party to the proceedings should not be a party, give directions for that person's removal as a party;

(e) give directions for the management of the case and set a timetable for the steps to be taken between the giving of directions and the hearing;

(f) subject to rule 3.8, give directions as to the type of judge who is to hear the case;

(g) give directions as to whether the proceedings or any part of them are to be heard in public, or as to whether any particular person should be permitted to attend the hearing, or as to whether any publication of the proceedings is to be permitted;

(h) give directions as to the disclosure of documents, service of witness statements and any expert evidence;

(i) give directions as to the attendance of witnesses and as to whether, and the extent to which, cross-examination will be permitted at any hearing; and

(j) give such other directions as the court may think fit.

(3) The court may give directions at any time—

(a) on its own initiative; or

(b) on the application of a party.

(4) Subject to paragraphs (5) and (6) and unless these Rules or a practice direction provide otherwise or the court directs otherwise, the time specified by a rule or by the court for a person to do any act may be varied by the written agreement of the parties.

(5) A party must apply to the court if that party wishes to vary—

(a) the date the court has fixed for the final hearing; or

(b) the period within which the final hearing is to take place.

(6) The time specified by a rule or practice direction or by the court may not be varied by the parties if the variation would make it necessary to vary the date the court has fixed for any hearing or the period within which the final hearing is to take place.

(Participation of P in proceedings is addressed in rule 1.2 (participation of P) and Part 17 (litigation friends and rule 1.2 representatives).)

Allocation of proceedings E+W

Court's jurisdiction in certain kinds of cases to be exercised by certain judges E+W

3.8.—(1) A practice direction made under this rule may specify certain categories of case to be dealt with by a specific judge or a specific class of judges.

(2) Applications in any matter other than those specified in the practice direction referred to in paragraph (1) may be dealt with by any judge.

Allocation of cases to case pathways E+W

3.9.—(1) This rule provides for the allocation of cases to case pathways.

(2) There are three case pathways—

(a) the Personal Welfare Pathway;

(b) the Property and Affairs Pathway;

(c) the Mixed Welfare and Property Pathway.

(3) Each case shall on issue be allocated to one of the three case pathways unless (subject to paragraph (5)) it is in an excepted class of case.

(4) Excepted classes of case may be specified in a practice direction.

(5) The court may direct that a case shall be allocated to a case pathway notwithstanding that it is in an excepted class of cases.

(6) A practice direction may make provision for—

(a) the scope of each case pathway; and

(b) how cases in each case pathway are to be managed.

(Practice Direction 3B makes provision in relation to the case pathways and excepted classes of case.)

PART 4 E+W HEARINGS

Contents of this Part

Private hearings
General rule – hearing to be held in private	Rule 4.1
Court's general power to authorise publication of information about proceedings	Rule 4.2
Power to order a public hearing
Court's power to order that a hearing be held in public	Rule 4.3
Supplementary provisions relating to public or private hearings	Rule 4.4

Private hearings E+W

General rule – hearing to be held in private E+W

4.1.—(1) The general rule is that a hearing is to be held in private.

(2) A private hearing is a hearing which only the following persons are entitled to attend—

(a) the parties;

(b) P (whether or not a party);

(c) any person acting in the proceedings as a litigation friend or rule 1.2 representative;

(d) any legal representative of a person specified in any of sub-paragraphs (a) or (b); and

(e) any court officer.

(3) In relation to a private hearing, the court may make an order—

(a) authorising any person, or class of persons, to attend the hearing or a part of it; or

(b) excluding any person, or class of persons, from attending the hearing or a part of it.

(4) The general rule in paragraph (1) does not apply to a hearing for a committal order or writ of sequestration (in respect of which rule 21.27 makes provision).

Court's general power to authorise publication of information about proceedings E+W

4.2.—(1) For the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, information relating to proceedings held in private (whether or not contained in a document filed with the court) may be communicated in accordance with paragraph (2) or (3).

(2) The court may make an order authorising—

(a) the publication or communication of such information or material relating to the proceedings as it may specify; or

(b) the publication of the text or a summary of the whole or part of a judgment or order made by the court.

(3) Subject to any direction of the court, information referred to in paragraph (1) may be communicated in accordance with Practice Direction 4A.

(4) Where the court makes an order under paragraph (2) it may do so on such terms as it thinks fit, and in particular may—

(a) impose restrictions on the publication of the identity of—

(i) any party;

(ii) P (whether or not a party);

(iii) any witness; or

(iv) any other person;

(b) prohibit the publication of any information that may lead to any such person being identified;

(c) prohibit the further publication of any information relating to the proceedings from such date as the court may specify; or

(d) impose such other restrictions on the publication of information relating to the proceedings as the court may specify.

(5) The court may on its own initiative or upon request authorise communication—

(a) for the purposes set out in Practice Direction 4A; or

(b) for such other purposes as it considers appropriate,

of information held by it.

Power to order a public hearing E+W

Court's power to order that a hearing be held in public E+W

4.3.—(1) The court may make an order—

(a) for a hearing to be held in public;

(b) for a part of a hearing to be held in public; or

(c) excluding any person, or class of persons, from attending a public hearing or a part of it.

(2) Where the court makes an order under paragraph (1), it may in the same order or by a subsequent order—

(a) impose restrictions on the publication of the identity of—

(i) any party;

(ii) P (whether or not a party);

(iii) any witness; or

(iv) any other person;

(b) prohibit the publication of any information that may lead to any such person being identified;

(c) prohibit the further publication of any information relating to the proceedings from such date as the court may specify; or

(d) impose such other restrictions on the publication of information relating to the proceedings as the court may specify.

(3) A practice direction may provide for circumstances in which the court will ordinarily make an order under paragraph (1), and for the terms of the order under paragraph (2) which the court will ordinarily make in such circumstances.

Supplementary E+W

Supplementary provisions relating to public or private hearings E+W

4.4.—(1) Subject to provision in a practice direction made under rule 4.3(3), an order under rule 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 may be made—

(a) only where it appears to the court that there is good reason for making the order;

(b) at any time; and

(c) either on the court's own initiative or on an application made by any person in accordance with Part 10.

(2) A practice direction may make further provision in connection with—

(a) private hearings;

(b) public hearings; or

(c) the publication of information about any proceedings.

PART 5 E+W COURT DOCUMENTS

Contents of this Part

Documents used in court proceedings	Rule 5.1
Documents required to be verified by a statement of truth	Rule 5.2
Position statement not required to be verified by statement of truth	Rule 5.3
Failure to verify a document	Rule 5.4
Failure to verify a witness statement	Rule 5.5
False statements	Rule 5.6
Personal details	Rule 5.7
Supply of documents to a party from court records	Rule 5.8
Supply of documents to a non-party from court records	Rule 5.9
Subsequent use of court documents	Rule 5.10
Editing information in court documents	Rule 5.11
Public Guardian to be supplied with court documents relevant to supervision of deputies	Rule 5.12
Provision of court order to Public Guardian	Rule 5.13
Amendment of application	Rule 5.14
Clerical mistakes or slips	Rule 5.15
Endorsement of amendment	Rule 5.16

Documents used in court proceedings E+W

5.1.—(1) The court will seal or otherwise authenticate with the stamp of the court the following documents on issue—

(a) an application form;

(b) an application notice;

(c) an order; and

(d) any other document which a rule or practice direction requires to be sealed or stamped.

(2) Where the Rules or any practice direction require a document to be signed, that requirement is satisfied if the signature is printed by computer or other mechanical means.

(3) A practice direction may make provision for documents to be filed or sent to the court by—

(a) facsimile; or

(b) other means.

Documents required to be verified by a statement of truth E+W

5.2.—(1) The following documents must be verified by a statement of truth—

(a) an application form, an application notice, an appellant's notice or a respondent's notice, where the applicant (or appellant or respondent as the case may be) seeks to rely upon matters set out in the document as evidence;

(b) a witness statement;

(c) a certificate of—

(i) service or non-service; or

(ii) notification or non-notification;

(d) a deputy's declaration; and

(e) any other document required by a rule or practice direction to be so verified.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), a statement of truth is a statement that—

(a) the party putting forward the document;

(b) in the case of a witness statement, the maker of the witness statement; or

(c) in the case of a certificate referred to in paragraph (1)(c), the person who signs the certificate,

believes that the facts stated in the document being verified are true.

(3) If a party is conducting proceedings with a litigation friend, the statement of truth in—

(a) an application form;

(b) an application notice; or

(c) an appellant's notice or a respondent's notice,

is a statement that the litigation friend believes that the facts stated in the document being verified are true.

(4) The statement of truth must be signed—

(a) in the case of an application form, an application notice, an appellant's notice or a respondent's notice—

(i) by the party or litigation friend; or

(ii) by the legal representative on behalf of the party or litigation friend; and

(b) in the case of a witness statement, by the maker of the statement.

(5) A statement of truth which is not contained in the document which it verifies must clearly identify that document.

(6) A statement of truth in an application form, an application notice, an appellant's notice or a respondent's notice may be made by—

(a) a person who is not a party; or

(b) two or three parties jointly,

where this is permitted by a relevant practice direction.

Position statement not required to be verified by statement of truth E+W

5.3.  Nothing in these Rules requires a position statement to be verified by a statement of truth.

Failure to verify a document E+W

5.4.  If an application form, an application notice, an appellant's notice or a respondent's notice is not verified by a statement of truth, the applicant (or appellant or respondent as the case may be) may not rely upon the document as evidence of any of the matters set out in it unless the court permits.

Failure to verify a witness statement E+W

5.5.  If a witness statement is not verified by a statement of truth, it shall not be admissible in evidence unless the court permits.

False statements E+W

5.6.—(1) Proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against a person if that person makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.

(2) Proceedings under this rule may be brought only—

(i) by the Attorney General; or

(ii) with the permission of the court.

Personal details E+W

5.7.—(1) Where a party does not wish to reveal—

(a) his or her home address or telephone number;

(b) P's home address or telephone number;

(c) the name of the person with whom P is living (if that person is not the applicant); or

(d) the address or telephone number of his or her place of business, or the place of business of any of the persons mentioned in sub-paragraphs (b) or (c),

that party must provide those particulars to the court.

(2) Where paragraph (1) applies, the particulars given must not be given to any person unless the court so directs.

(3) Where a party changes home address during the course of the proceedings, that party must give notice in writing of the change to the court.

(4) Where a party does not reveal his or her home address, that party must nonetheless provide an address for service which must be within the jurisdiction of the court.

Supply of documents to a party from court records E+W

5.8.  Unless the court orders otherwise, a party to proceedings may inspect or obtain from the records of the court a copy of—

(a) any document filed by a party to the proceedings; or

(b) any communication in the proceedings between the court and—

(i) a party to the proceedings; or

(ii) another person.

Supply of documents to a non-party from court records E+W

5.9.—(1) Subject to rules 5.12 and 4.3(2), a person who is not a party to proceedings may inspect or obtain from the court records a copy of any judgment or order given or made in public.

(2) The court may, on an application made to it, authorise a person who is not a party to proceedings to—

(a) inspect any other documents in the court records; or

(b) obtain a copy of any such documents, or extracts from such documents.

(3) A person making an application for an authorisation under paragraph (2) must do so in accordance with Part 10.

(4) Before giving an authorisation under paragraph (2), the court will consider whether any document is to be provided on an edited basis.

Subsequent use of court documents E+W

5.10.—(1) Where a document has been filed or disclosed, a party to whom it was provided may use the document only for the purpose of the proceedings in which it was filed or disclosed, except where—

(a) the document has been read to or by the court or referred to at a public hearing; or

(b) the court otherwise permits.

(2) Paragraph (1)(a) is subject to any order of the court made under rule 4.3(2).

Editing information in court documents E+W

5.11.—(1) A party may apply to the court for an order that a specified part of a document is to be edited prior to the document's service or disclosure.

(2) An order under paragraph (1) may be made at any time.

(3) Where the court makes an order under this rule any subsequent use of that document in the proceedings shall be of the document as edited, unless the court directs otherwise.

(4) An application under this rule must be made in accordance with Part 10.

Public Guardian to be supplied with court documents relevant to supervision of deputies E+W

5.12.—(1) This rule applies in any case where the court makes an order—

(a) appointing a person to act as a deputy; or

(b) varying an order under which a deputy has been appointed.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (6), the Public Guardian is entitled to be supplied with a copy of qualifying documents if the Public Guardian reasonably considers that it is necessary to have regard to them in connection with the discharge of the Public Guardian's functions under section 58 of the Act in relation to supervision of deputies.

(3) The court may direct that the right to be supplied with documents under paragraph (2) does not apply in relation to such one or more documents, or descriptions of documents, as the court may specify.

(4) A direction under paragraph (3) or (6) may be given—

(a) either on the court's own initiative or on an application made to it; and

(b) either—

(i) at the same time as the court makes the order which appoints the deputy, or which varies it; or

(ii) subsequently.

(5) “Qualifying documents” means documents which—

(a) are filed in court in connection with the proceedings in which the court makes the order referred to in paragraph (1); and

(b) are relevant to—

(i) the decision to appoint the deputy;

(ii) any powers conferred on the deputy;

(iii) any duties imposed on the deputy; or

(iv) any other terms applying to those powers and duties which are contained in the order.

(6) The court may direct that any document is to be provided to the Public Guardian on an edited basis.

Provision of court order to Public Guardian E+W

5.13.  Any order of the court requiring the Public Guardian to do something, or not to do something, must be served on the Public Guardian as soon as practicable and in any event not later than 7 days after the order was made.

Amendment of application E+W

5.14.—(1) The court may allow or direct an applicant, at any stage of the proceedings, to amend the application form or notice.

(2) The amendment may be effected by making in writing the necessary alterations to the application form or notice, but if the amendments are so numerous or of such a nature or length that written alteration would make it difficult or inconvenient to read, a fresh document amended as allowed or directed may be required.

Clerical mistakes or slips E+W

5.15.  The court may at any time correct any clerical mistakes in an order or direction or any error arising in an order or direction from any accidental slip or omission.

Endorsement of amendment E+W

5.16.  Where an application form or notice, order or direction has been amended under this Part, a note shall be placed on it showing the date on which it was amended, and the alteration shall be sealed.

PART 6 E+W SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS

Contents of this Part

Service generally
Scope	Rule 6.1
Who is to serve	Rule 6.2
Methods of service	Rule 6.3
Service of documents on children and protected parties	Rule 6.4
Service of documents on P if P becomes a party	Rule 6.5
Substituted service	Rule 6.6
Deemed service	Rule 6.7
Certificate of service	Rule 6.8
Certificate of non-service	Rule 6.9
Power of court to dispense with service	Rule 6.10
Service out of the jurisdiction
Scope and interpretation	Rule 6.11
Service of application form and other documents out of the jurisdiction	Rule 6.12
Period for acknowledging service or responding to application where application is served out of the jurisdiction	Rule 6.13
Method of service – general provisions	Rule 6.14
F1 . . .	F1 . . .
Service through foreign governments, judicial authorities and British Consular authorities	Rule 6.16
Procedure where service is to be through foreign governments, judicial authorities and British Consular authorities	Rule 6.17
Translation of application form or other document	Rule 6.18
Undertaking to be responsible for expenses of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office	Rule 6.19

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Pt. 6 Table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 30(2) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Service generally E+W

Scope E+W

6.1.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Rules in this Part apply to—

(a) the service of documents; and

(b) the requirements under rule 9.10 for a person to be notified of the issue of an application form,

and references to “serve”, “service”, “notice” and “notify”, and kindred expressions, shall be construed accordingly.

(2) The rules in this Part do not apply where—

(a) any other enactment, a rule in another Part or a practice direction makes different provision; or

(b) the court directs otherwise.

Who is to serve E+W

6.2.—(1) The general rule is that the following documents are to be served by the court—

(a) an order or judgment of the court;

(b) an acknowledgment of service or notification; and

(c) except where the application is for an order for committal, a notice of hearing.

(2) Any other document is to be served by the party seeking to rely upon it, except where—

(a) a rule or practice direction provides otherwise; or

(b) the court directs otherwise.

(3) Where the court is to serve a document—

(a) it is for the court to decide which of the methods of service specified in rule 6.3 is to be used; and

(b) if the document is being served on behalf of a party, that party must provide sufficient copies.

Methods of service E+W

6.3.—(1) A document may be served by any of the methods specified in this rule.

(2) Where it is not known whether a solicitor is acting on behalf of a person, the document may be served by—

(a) delivering it to the person personally;

(b) delivering it to the person's home address or last known home address; or

(c) sending it to that address, or last known address, by first class post (or by an alternative method of service which provides for delivery on the next working day).

(3) Where a solicitor—

(a) is authorised to accept service on behalf of a person; and

(b) has informed the person serving the document in writing that the solicitor is so authorised,

the document must be served on the solicitor unless personal service is required by an enactment, rule, practice direction or court order.

(4) Where it appears to the court that there is a good reason to authorise service by a method other than those specified in paragraphs [F2 (2), (3) and (6)], the court may direct that service is to be effected by that method.

(5) A direction that service is to be effected by an alternative method must specify—

(a) the method of service; and

(b) the date on which the document will be deemed to be served.

[F3 (6) Documents may be served by document exchange or electronic communication in accordance with the relevant practice direction.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in rule 6.3(4) substituted (1.1.2023) by The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1192), rules 1(1), 3(a)

F3 Rule 6.3(6) substituted (1.1.2023) by The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1192), rules 1(1), 3(b)

Service of documents on children and protected parties E+W

6.4.—(1) The following table shows the person on whom a document must be served if it is a document which would otherwise be served on—

(a) a child; or

(b) a protected party.

Type of document	Nature of party	Person to be served
Application form	Child	—A person who has parental responsibility for the child within the meaning of the Children Act 1989 M9 ; or —if there is no such person, a person with whom the child resides or in whose care the child is.
Application form	Protected party	—The person who is authorised to conduct the proceedings in the protected party's name or on the protected party's behalf; or —a person who is a duly appointed attorney, donee or deputy of the protected party; or —if there is no such person, a person with whom the protected party lives or in whose care the protected party is.
Application for an order appointing a litigation friend, where a child or protected party has no litigation friend	Child or protected party	—See rule 17.6 (appointment of litigation friend by court order – supplementary).
Any other document	Child or protected party	—The litigation friend or other duly authorised person who is conducting the proceedings on behalf of the child or protected party.

(2) The court may make an order for service on a child or a protected party by permitting the document to be served on some person other than the person specified in the table in paragraph (1) (which may include service on the child or the protected party).

(3) An application for an order under paragraph (2) may be made without notice.

(4) The court may order that, although a document has been served on someone other than the person specified in the table in paragraph (1), the document is to be treated as if it had been properly served.

(5) This rule does not apply in relation to the service of documents on a child in any case where the court has made an order under rule 17.2(4) permitting the child to conduct proceedings without a litigation friend.

Marginal Citations

M9 1989 c. 41.

Service of documents on P if P becomes a party E+W

6.5.—(1) If P becomes a party to the proceedings, all documents to be served on P must be served on P's litigation friend or as directed by the court on P's behalf.

(2) The court may make an order for service on P by permitting the document to be served on some person other than the person specified in paragraph (1) (which may include service on P).

(3) An application for an order under paragraph (2) may be made without notice.

(4) The court may order that, although a document has been served on someone other than a person specified in paragraph (1), the document is to be treated as if it had been properly served.

(5) This rule does not apply in relation to the service of documents on P in any case where the court has made an order under rule 17.5(1)(b) (power of court to bring to an end the appointment of a litigation friend).

(Rule 7.3 requires P to be notified where a direction has been made under rule 1.2, and of the appointment of a litigation friend, accredited legal representative or representative.)

Substituted service E+W

6.6.  Where it appears to the court that it is impracticable for any reason to serve a document in accordance with any of the methods provided under rule 6.3, the court may make an order for substituted service of the document by taking such steps as the court may direct to bring it to the notice of the person to be served.

Deemed service E+W

6.7.—(1) A document which is served in accordance with these Rules or any relevant practice direction shall be deemed to be served on the day shown in the following table.

Method of service	Deemed day of service
First class post (or other service for next-day delivery)	The second day after it was posted.
Document exchange	The second day after it was left at the document exchange.
Delivering the document to a permitted address	The day after it was delivered to that address.
Fax	If it is transmitted on a business day before 4 p.m., on that day; or in any other case, on the business day after the day on which it is transmitted.
Other electronic means	The second day after the day on which it is transmitted.

(2) If a document is served personally—

(a) after 5 p.m. on a business day; or

(b) at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or a Bank Holiday,

it will be treated as being served on the next business day.

Certificate of service E+W

6.8.—(1) Where a rule, practice direction or court order requires a certificate of service for the document, the certificate must state the details set out in the following table.

Method of service	Details to be certified
First class post (or any other service for next-day delivery)	Date of posting.
Personal service	Date of personal service.
Document exchange	Date when the document was left at the document exchange.
Delivery of the document to a permitted address	Date when the document was delivered to that address.
Fax	Date of transmission.
Other electronic means	Date of transmission and the means used.
Alternative method permitted by the court	As required by the court.

(2) The certificate must be filed within 7 days after service of the document to which it relates.

Certificate of non-service E+W

6.9.—(1) Where an applicant or other person is unable to serve any document under these Rules or as directed by the court, that person must file a certificate of non-service stating the reasons why service has not been effected.

(2) The certificate of non-service must be filed within 7 days of the latest date on which service should have been effected.

Power of court to dispense with service E+W

6.10.—(1) The court may dispense with any requirement to serve a document.

(2) An application for an order to dispense with service may be made without notice.

Service out of the jurisdiction E+W

Scope and interpretation E+W

6.11.—(1) This rule and rules 6.12 to 6.19 make provision about—

(a) service of application forms and other documents out of the jurisdiction; and

(b) the procedure for service.

(2) In this rule and rules 6.12 to 6.19—

“application form” includes an application notice;

“Commonwealth State” means a State listed in Schedule 3 to the British Nationality Act 1981 M10 ;

“jurisdiction” means, unless the context otherwise requires, England and Wales and any part of the territorial waters of the United Kingdom adjoining England and Wales;

F4 ...

“the Service Convention” means the Convention on the service abroad of judicial and extra-judicial documents in civil or commercial matters signed at the Hague on November 15, 1965;

“Service Convention country” means a countryF5 ... which is a party to the Service Convention; and

F6 ...

(3) In rules 6.12 to 6.19, a reference to service by a party includes service by a person who is not a party where service by such a person is required under these Rules.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in rule 6.11(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of S.I. 2019/517, reg. 30(3)(a) (as substituted by The Jurisdiction, Judgments and Applicable Law (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1574), regs. 1, 4(3)(a))

F5 Words in rule 6.11(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of S.I. 2019/517, reg. 30(3)(b) (as substituted by The Jurisdiction, Judgments and Applicable Law (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1574), regs. 1, 4(3)(a))

F6 Words in rule 6.11(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of S.I. 2019/517, reg. 30(3)(c) (as substituted by The Jurisdiction, Judgments and Applicable Law (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1574), regs. 1, 4(3)(a))

Marginal Citations

M10 1981 c.61. There are relevant amendments in: S.I. 1983/882; S.I. 1983/1699; the Brunei and Maldives Act 1985 (c.3); section 1, Schedule; S.I. 1989/1331; S.I. 1998/3161; S.I. 1990/1502; S.I. 1994/1634; S.I. 2010/246.

Service of application form and other documents out of the jurisdiction E+W

6.12.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), any document to be served for the purposes of these Rules may be served out of the jurisdiction without the permission of the court.

(2) An application form may not be served out of the jurisdiction unless the court has power to determine the application to which it relates under the Act.

Period for acknowledging service or responding to application where application is served out of the jurisdiction E+W

6.13.—(1) This rule applies where, under these Rules, a party is required to file—

(a) an acknowledgment of service; or

(b) an answer to an application,

and sets out the time period for doing so where the application is served out of the jurisdiction.

(2) Where the applicant serves an application on a respondent in—

(a) Scotland or Northern Ireland; or

(b) a F7 ... Service Convention country within Europe,

the period for filing an acknowledgment of service or an answer to an application is 21 days after service of the application.

(3) Where the applicant serves an application on a respondent in a Service Convention country outside Europe, the period for filing an acknowledgment of service or an answer to an application is 31 days after service of the application.

(4) Where the applicant serves an application on a respondent in a country not referred to in paragraphs (2) and (3), the period for filing an acknowledgment of service or an answer to an application is set out in Practice Direction 6B.

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in rule 6.13(2)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 30(4) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Method of service – general provisions E+W

6.14.—(1) This rule contains general provisions about the method of service of an application form or other document on a party out of the jurisdiction. Where service is to be effected on a party in Scotland or Northern Ireland

(2) Where a party serves an application form or other document on a party in Scotland or Northern Ireland, it must be served by a method permitted by this Part. Where service is to be effected out of the United Kingdom

(3) Where an application form or other document is to be served on a person out of the United Kingdom, it may be served by any method—

(a) provided for by—

F8 (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii) rule 6.16 (service through foreign governments, judicial authorities and British Consular authorities); or

(b) permitted by the law of the country in which it is to be served.

(4) Nothing in paragraph (3) or in any court order authorises or requires any person to do anything which is contrary to the law of the country where the application form or other document is to be served.

Textual Amendments

F8 Rule 6.14(3)(a)(i) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of S.I. 2019/517, reg. 30(5) (as amended by The Jurisdiction, Judgments and Applicable Law (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1574), regs. 1, 4(3)(b))

Service in accordance with the Service Regulation E+W

F9 6.15.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F9 Rule 6.15 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 30(6) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Service through foreign governments, judicial authorities and British Consular authorities E+W

6.16.—(1) Where an application form or other document is to be served on a person in a Service Convention country, it may be served—

(a) through the authority designated under the Service Convention in respect of that country; or

(b) if the law of that country permits, through—

(i) the judicial authorities of that country; or

(ii) a British Consular authority in that country.

(2) Where an application form or other document is to be served on a person in a country which is not a Service Convention country, it may be served, if the law of that country so permits, through—

(a) the government of that country, where that government is willing to serve it; or

(b) a British Consular authority in that country.

(3) Where an application form or other document is to be served in—

(a) any Commonwealth State which is not a Service Convention country;

(b) the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands; or

(c) any British Overseas Territory,

the methods of service permitted by paragraphs (1)(b) and (2) are not available and the person wishing to serve, or that person's agent, must effect service direct unless Practice Direction 6B provides otherwise.

F10 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F10 ... (A list of British Overseas Territories is reproduced in Practice Direction 6B.)

Textual Amendments

F10 Rule 6.16(4) and words omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 30(7) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Procedure where service is to be through foreign governments, judicial authorities and British Consular authorities E+W

6.17.—(1) This rule applies where an application form or other document is to be served under rule 6.16(1) or (2).

(2) Where this rule applies, the person wishing to serve must file—

(a) a request for service of the application form or other document, by specifying one or more of the methods in rule 6.16(1) or (2);

(b) a copy of the application form or other document;

(c) any other documents or copies of documents required by Practice Direction 6B; and

(d) any translation required under rule 6.18.

(3) When the person wishing to serve files the documents specified in paragraph (2), the court officer must—

(a) seal, or otherwise authenticate with the stamp of the court, the copy of the application form; and

(b) forward the documents to the Senior Master of the Queen's Bench Division.

(4) The Senior Master shall send documents forwarded under this rule—

(a) where the application form or other document is being served through the authority designated under the Service Convention, to that authority; or

(b) in any other case, to [F11 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] with a request that it arranges for the application form or other document to be served.

(5) An official certificate which—

(a) states that the method requested under paragraph (2)(a) has been performed and the date of such performance;

(b) states, where more than one method is requested under paragraph (2)(a), which method was used; and

(c) is made by—

(i) a British Consular authority in the country where the method requested under paragraph (2)(a) was performed;

(ii) the government or judicial authorities in that country; or

(iii) the authority designated in respect of that country under the Service Convention,

is evidence of the facts stated in the certificate.

(6) A document purporting to be an official certificate under paragraph (5) is to be treated as such a certificate unless it is proved not to be.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in rule 6.17(4)(b) substituted (30.9.2020) by The Transfer of Functions (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/942), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 28(a)

Translation of application form or other document E+W

6.18.—(1) Except where paragraphs (4) and (5) apply, every copy of the application form or other document filed under rule 6.16 (service through foreign governments, judicial authorities and British Consular authorities) must be accompanied by a translation of the application form or other document.

(2) The translation must be—

(a) in the official language of the country in which it is to be served; or

(b) if there is more than one official language of that country, in any official language which is appropriate to the place in the country where the application form or other document is to be served.

(3) Every translation filed under this rule must be accompanied by a statement by the person making it that it is a correct translation, and the statement must include that person's name, address and qualifications for making the translation.

(4) The applicant is not required to file a translation of the application form or other document filed under rule 6.16 where it is to be served in a country of which English is an official language.

(5) The applicant is not required to file a translation of the application form or other document filed under rule 6.16 where—

(a) the person on whom the document is to be served is able to read and understand English; and

(b) service of the document is to be effected directly on that person.

F12 ...

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in rule 6.18 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 30(8) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Undertaking to be responsible for expenses of [F13 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] E+W

6.19.  Every request for service under rule 6.17 (procedure where service is to be through foreign governments, judicial authorities, etc.) must contain an undertaking by the person making the request—

(a) to be responsible for all expenses incurred by [F14 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] or foreign judicial authority; and

(b) to pay those expenses to [F15 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] or foreign judicial authority on being informed of the amount.

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in rule 6.19 heading substituted (30.9.2020) by The Transfer of Functions (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/942), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 28(b)

F14 Words in rule 6.19(a) substituted (30.9.2020) by The Transfer of Functions (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/942), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 28(b)

F15 Words in rule 6.19(b) substituted (30.9.2020) by The Transfer of Functions (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/942), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 28(b)

PART 7 E+W NOTIFYING P

Contents of this Part

General requirement to notify P
General	Rule 7.1
Who is to notify P	Rule 7.2
Notifying P of appointment of a litigation friend, etc.	Rule 7.3
Circumstances in which P must be notified
Application form	Rule 7.4
Appeals	Rule 7.5
Decisions and orders of the court	Rule 7.6
Other matters	Rule 7.7
Manner of notification and accompanying documents
Manner of notification	Rule 7.8
Acknowledgment of notification	Rule 7.9
Certificate of notification	Rule 7.10
Dispensing with requirement to notify, etc.	Rule 7.11

General requirement to notify P E+W

General E+W

7.1.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the rules in this Part apply where P is to be given notice of any matter or document, or is to be provided with any document, either under the Rules or in accordance with an order or direction of the court.

(2) Subject to rule 7.3, if P becomes a party, the rules in this Part do not apply and service is to be effected in accordance with Part 6 or as directed by the court.

(3) In any case the court may, either on its own initiative or on application, direct that P must not be notified of any matter or document, or provided with any document, whether in accordance with this Part or at all.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), where P is a child—

(a) if the person to be notified under this rule is a person with parental responsibility for the child within the meaning of the Children Act 1989 M11 or, if there is no such person, a person with whom the child resides or in whose care the child is;

(b) all references to “P” in this Part, except that in paragraph (2), are to be read as referring to the person notified in accordance with sub-paragraph (a).

(5) Paragraph (4) does not apply, and there is no requirement to notify P, where the person referred to in paragraph (4)(a) has already been served or notified of the relevant matter in accordance with another rule or practice direction.

Marginal Citations

M11 1989 c. 41.

Who is to notify P E+W

7.2.—(1) Where P is to be notified under this Part, notification must be effected by—

(a) the applicant;

(b) the appellant (where the matter relates to an appeal);

(c) an agent duly appointed by the applicant or the appellant; or

(d) such other person as the court may direct.

(2) The person within paragraph (1) is referred to in this Part as “the person effecting notification”.

Notifying P of appointment of a litigation friend, etc. E+W

7.3.  P must be notified—

(a) where a direction has been made under rule 1.2; and

(b) of the appointment of a litigation friend, accredited legal representative or representative on P's behalf.

Circumstances in which P must be notified E+W

Application form E+W

7.4.—(1) P must be notified—

(a) that an application form has been issued by the court;

(b) that an application form has been withdrawn; and

(c) of the date on which a hearing is to be held in relation to the matter, where that hearing is for disposing of the application.

(2) Where P is to be notified that an application form has been issued, the person effecting notification must explain to P—

(a) who the applicant is;

(b) that the application raises the question of whether P lacks capacity in relation to a matter or matters, and what that means;

(c) what will happen if the court makes the order or direction that has been applied for; and

(d) where the application contains a proposal for the appointment of a person to make decisions on P's behalf in relation to the matter to which the application relates, details of who that person is.

(3) Where P is to be notified that an application form has been withdrawn, the person effecting notification must explain to P—

(a) that the application form has been withdrawn; and

(b) the consequences of that withdrawal.

(4) The person effecting notification must also inform P that P may seek advice and assistance in relation to any matter of which P is notified.

Appeals E+W

7.5.—(1) P must be notified—

(a) that an appellant's notice has been issued by the court;

(b) that an appellant's notice has been withdrawn; and

(c) of the date on which a hearing is to be held in relation to the matter, where that hearing is for disposing of the appellant's notice.

(2) Where P is to be notified that an appellant's notice has been issued, the person effecting notification must explain to P—

(a) who the appellant is;

(b) the issues raised by the appeal; and

(c) what will happen if the court makes the order or direction that has been applied for.

(3) Where P is to be notified that an appellant's notice has been withdrawn, the person effecting notification must explain to P—

(a) that the appellant's notice has been withdrawn; and

(b) the consequences of that withdrawal.

(4) The person effecting notification must also inform P that P may seek advice and assistance in relation to any matter of which P is notified.

Decisions and orders of the court E+W

7.6.—(1) P must be notified of any decision of the court relating to P except for a case management decision.

(2) Where P is notified in accordance with this rule, the person effecting notification must explain to P the effect of the decision.

(3) The person effecting notification must also inform P that P may seek advice and assistance in relation to any matter of which P is notified.

(4) The person effecting notification must also provide P with a copy of any order relating to a decision of which P must be notified in accordance with paragraph (1).

Other matters E+W

7.7.—(1) This rule applies where the court directs that P is to be notified of any other matter.

(2) The person effecting notification must explain to P such matters as may be directed by the court.

(3) The person effecting notification must also inform P that P may seek advice and assistance in relation to any matter of which P is notified.

Manner of notification and accompanying documents E+W

Manner of notification E+W

7.8.—(1) Where P is to be notified under this Part, the person effecting notification must provide P with, or arrange for P to be provided with, the information specified in rules 7.3 to 7.7 in a way that is appropriate to P's circumstances (for example, using simple language, visual aids or any other appropriate means).

(2) The information referred to in paragraph (1) must be provided to P personally.

(3) P must be provided with the information mentioned in paragraph (1) as soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which—

(a) the application form or appellant's notice was issued or withdrawn;

(b) the decision was made;

(c) the person effecting notification received the notice of hearing from the court and in any event no later than 14 days before the date specified in the notice of the hearing; and

(d) the order referred to in rule 7.6(4) was served upon the person who is required to effect notification of P under that rule,

as the case may be.

(4) Where the provisions of rule 7.1(4) apply, paragraphs (1) and (2) of this rule do not apply and the person effecting notification may provide information and documents of which P must be notified to the person to be notified under rule 7.1(4), by any method by which service of documents would be permitted under rule 6.3.

Acknowledgment of notification E+W

7.9.  Where P is notified that an application form or an appellant's notice has been issued, P must also be provided with a form for acknowledging notification.

Certificate of notification E+W

7.10.—(1) The person effecting notification must, within 7 days beginning with the date on which notification in accordance with this Part was given, file a certificate of notification which certifies—

(a) the date on which, and how, P was notified; and

(b) that P was notified in accordance with this Part.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the person effecting notification in accordance with this Part must in the certificate required by paragraph (1) describe the steps taken to enable P to understand, and the extent to which P appears to have understood, the information.

(3) Where the provisions of rule 7.1(4) apply, paragraph (2) does not apply.

Dispensing with requirement to notify, etc. E+W

7.11.—(1) The applicant, the appellant or other person directed by the court to effect notification may apply to the court seeking an order—

(a) dispensing with the requirement to comply with the provisions in this Part; or

(b) requiring some other person to comply with the provisions in this Part.

(2) An application under this rule must be made in accordance with Part 10.

PART 8 E+W PERMISSION

Contents of this Part

General	Rule 8.1
Where the court's permission is not required	Rule 8.2
Permission - supplementary	Rule 8.3
Application for permission	Rule 8.4
Service of an order giving or refusing permission	Rule 8.5
Appeal against a permission decision following a hearing	Rule 8.6

General E+W

8.1.  Subject to these Rules and to section 50(1) of, and paragraph 20 of Schedule 3 to, the Act, the applicant must apply for permission to start proceedings under the Act. (Section 50(1) of the Act specifies the persons who do not need to apply for permission. Paragraph 20 of Schedule 3 to the Act specifies an application for which permission is not needed.)

Where the court's permission is not required E+W

8.2.  The permission of the court is not required—

(a) where an application is made by—

(i) the Official Solicitor; or

(ii) the Public Guardian;

(b) where the application concerns—

(i) P's property and affairs;

(ii) a lasting power of attorney which is, or purports to be, created under the Act; or

(iii) an instrument which is, or purports to be, an enduring power of attorney;

(c) where an application is made under section 21A of the Act M12 ;

(d) where an application is made for an order under section 16(2)(a) of the Act, which is to be relied on to authorise the deprivation of P's liberty pursuant to section 4A(3) of the Act M13 ;

(e) where an application is made in accordance with Part 10;

(f) where a person files an acknowledgment of service or notification in accordance with this Part or Part 9, for any order proposed that is different from that sought by the applicant; or

(g) in any other case specified for this purpose in a practice direction.

Marginal Citations

M12 Section 21A was inserted by the Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), section 50(7), Schedule 9, paragraphs 1 and 2.

M13 Section 4A was inserted by the Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), section 50(1) and(2).

Permission - supplementary E+W

8.3.  Where part of the application concerns a matter which requires permission, and part of it does not, permission need only be sought for that part of it which requires permission.

Application for permission E+W

8.4.  Where permission is required, the applicant must apply for permission when making an application. (Rule 3.6(3) explains how the court will deal with an application for permission.)

Service of an order giving or refusing permission E+W

8.5.  The court must serve—

(a) the order granting or refusing permission;

(b) if refusing permission without a hearing, the reasons for its decision in summary form; and

(c) any directions,

on the applicant and on any other person served with or notified of the application form.

Appeal against a permission decision following a hearing E+W

8.6.  Where the court grants or refuses permission following a hearing, any appeal against the permission decision shall be dealt with in accordance with Part 20 (appeals). (Rule 13.4 deals with reconsideration of orders and decisions made without a hearing or without notice to any person who is affected by such order or decision.)

PART 9 E+W HOW TO START AND RESPOND TO PROCEEDINGS, AND PARTIES TO PROCEEDINGS

Contents of this Part

Initial steps
General	Rule 9.1
When proceedings are started	Rule 9.2
Contents of the application form	Rule 9.3
Documents to be filed with the application form	Rule 9.4
What the court will do when an application form is filed	Rule 9.5
Steps following issue of application form
Applicant to serve the application form on named respondents	Rule 9.6
Applications relating to lasting powers of attorney	Rule 9.7
Applications relating to enduring powers of attorney	Rule 9.8
Applicant to notify P of an application	Rule 9.9
Applicant to notify other persons of an application	Rule 9.10
Requirements for certain applications	Rule 9.11
Responding to an application
Responding to an application	Rule 9.12
The parties to the proceedings
Parties to the proceedings	Rule 9.13
Persons to be bound as if parties	Rule 9.14
Application to be joined as a party	Rule 9.15
Application for removal as a party to proceedings	Rule 9.16

Initial steps E+W

General E+W

9.1.—(1)  [F16 Subject to paragraph (3), applications] to the court to start proceedings must be made in accordance with this Part and, as applicable, [F17 Parts 7 and 8] and the relevant practice directions.

(2) The appropriate forms must be used in the cases to which they apply, with such variations as the case requires, but not so as to omit any information or guidance which any form gives to the intended recipient.

[F18 (3) Practice Direction 9H makes additional and different provision for property and affairs deputyship applications.]

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in rule 9.1(1) substituted (1.1.2023) by The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1192), rules 1(1), 4(a)(i)

F17 Words in rule 9.1(1) substituted (1.1.2023) by The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1192), rules 1(1), 4(a)(ii)

F18 Rule 9.1(3) inserted (1.1.2023) by The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1192), rules 1(1), 4(b)

When proceedings are started E+W

9.2.—(1) The general rule is that proceedings are started when the court issues an application form at the request of the applicant.

(2) An application form is issued on the date entered on the application form by the court.

Contents of the application form E+W

9.3.  The application form must—

(a) state the matter which the applicant wants the court to decide;

(b) state the order which the applicant is seeking;

(c) name—

(i) the applicant;

(ii) P;

(iii) as a respondent, any person (other than P) whom the applicant reasonably believes to have an interest which means that that person ought to be heard in relation to the application (as opposed to being notified of it in accordance with rule 9.10);

(iv) any person whom the applicant intends to notify in accordance with rule 9.10; and

(d) if the applicant is applying in a representative capacity, state what that capacity is.

Documents to be filed with the application form E+W

9.4.  Where an applicant files the application form with the court, the applicant must also file—

(a) in accordance with the relevant practice direction, any evidence on which the applicant intends to rely;

(b) an assessment of capacity form, where this is required by the relevant practice direction;

(c) any other documents referred to in the application form; and

(d) such other information and material as may be set out in a practice direction.

What the court will do when an application form is filed E+W

9.5.  As soon as practicable after an application form is filed the court must issue it and do anything else that may be set out in a practice direction.

Steps following issue of application form E+W

Applicant to serve the application form on named respondents E+W

9.6.—(1) As soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which the application form was issued, the applicant must serve a copy of the application form on any person who is named as a respondent in the application form, together with copies of any documents filed in accordance with rule 9.4 and a form for acknowledging service.

(2) The applicant must file a certificate of service within 7 days beginning with the date on which the documents were served.

Applications relating to lasting powers of attorney E+W

9.7.—(1) Where the application concerns the powers of the court under section 22 or 23 of the Act (powers of the court in relation to the validity and operation of lasting powers of attorney) the applicant must serve a copy of the application form, together with copies of any documents filed in accordance with rule 9.4 and a form for acknowledging service—

(a) unless the applicant is the donor or donee of the lasting power of attorney (“the power”), on the donor and every donee of the power;

(b) if the applicant is the donor, on every donee of the power; or

(c) if the applicant is a donee, on the donor and any other donee of the power,

but only if the persons mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) have not been served or notified under any other rule.

(2) Where the application is solely in respect of an objection to the registration of the power, the requirements of rules 9.6 and 9.10 do not apply to an application made under this rule by—

(a) a donee of the power; or

(b) a person named in a statement made by the donor of the power in accordance with paragraph 2(1)(c)(i) of Schedule 1 to the Act.

(3) The applicant must comply with paragraph (1) as soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which the application form was issued.

(4) The applicant must file a certificate of service with 7 days beginning with the date on which the documents were served.

(5) Where the applicant knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that the donor of the power lacks capacity to make a decision in relation to any matter that is the subject of the application, the applicant must notify the donor in accordance with Part 7.

Applications relating to enduring powers of attorney E+W

9.8.—(1) Where the application concerns the powers of the court under paragraphs 2(9), 4(5)(a) and (b), 7(2), 10(c), 13, or 16(2), (3), (4) and (6) of Schedule 4 to the Act, the applicant must serve a copy of the application form, together with copies of any documents filed in accordance with rule 9.4 and a form for acknowledging service—

(a) unless the applicant is the donor or attorney under the enduring power of attorney (“the power”), on the donor and every attorney under the power;

(b) if the applicant is the donor, on every attorney under the power; or

(c) if the applicant is an attorney, on the donor and any other attorney under the power,

but only if the persons mentioned in sub-paragraphs (a) to (c) have not been served or notified under any other rule.

(2) Where the application is solely in respect of an objection to the registration of the power, the requirements of rules 9.6 and 9.10 do not apply to an application made under this rule by—

(a) an attorney under the power; or

(b) a person listed in paragraph 6(1) of Schedule 4 to the Act.

(3) The applicant must comply with paragraph (1) as soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which the application form was issued.

(4) The applicant must file a certificate of service within 7 days beginning with the date on which the documents were served.

(5) Where the applicant knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that the donor of the power lacks capacity to make a decision in relation to any matter that is the subject of the application, the applicant must notify the donor in accordance with Part 7.

Applicant to notify P of an application E+W

9.9.  P must be notified in accordance with Part 7 that an application form has been issued, unless the requirement to do so has been dispensed with under rule 7.11.

Applicant to notify other persons of an application E+W

9.10.—(1) As soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which the application form was issued, the applicant must notify the persons specified in the relevant practice direction—

(a) that an application has been issued;

(b) whether it relates to the exercise of the court's jurisdiction in relation to P's property and affairs, or P's personal welfare, or to both; and

(c) of the order or orders sought.

(2) Notification of the issue of the application form must be accompanied by a form for acknowledging notification.

(3) The applicant must file a certificate of notification within 7 days beginning with the date on which notification was given.

Requirements for certain applications E+W

9.11.  A practice direction may make additional or different provision in relation to specified applications.

Responding to an application E+W

Responding to an application E+W

9.12.—(1) A person who is served with or notified of an application form and who wishes to take part in proceedings must file an acknowledgment of service or notification in accordance with this rule.

(2) The acknowledgment of service or notification must be filed not more than 14 days after the application form was served or notification of the application was given.

(3) The court must serve the acknowledgment of service or notification on the applicant and on any other person who has filed such an acknowledgment.

(4) The acknowledgment of service or notification must—

(a) state whether the person acknowledging service or notification consents to the application;

(b) state whether that person opposes the application and, if so, set out the grounds for doing so;

(c) state whether that person seeks a different order from that set out in the application form and, if so, set out what that order is;

(d) provide an address for service, which must be within the jurisdiction of the court;; and

(e) be signed by that person or that person's legal representative.

(5) Subject to rules 15.2 and 15.5 (restriction on filing an expert's report and court's power to restrict expert evidence), unless the court directs otherwise, where a person who has been served in accordance with rule 9.6, 9.7 or 9.8 opposes the application or seeks a different order, that person must within 28 days of such service file a witness statement containing any evidence upon which that person intends to rely.

(6) In addition to complying with the other requirements of this rule, an acknowledgment of notification filed by a person notified of the application in accordance with rule 9.7(5), 9.8(5), 9.9 or 9.10 must—

(a) indicate whether the person wishes to be joined as a party to the proceedings; and

(b) state the person's interest in the proceedings.

(7) Subject to rules 15.2 and 15.5 (restriction on filing an expert's report and court's power to restrict expert evidence), unless the court directs otherwise, where a person has been notified in accordance with rule 9.7(5), 9.8(5), 9.9 or 9.10, that person must within 28 days of such notification file a witness statement containing any evidence of that person's interest in the proceedings and, if that person opposes the application or seeks a different order, any evidence upon which that person intends to rely.

(8) The court must consider whether to join a person mentioned in paragraph (6) as a party to the proceedings and, if it decides to do so, must make an order to that effect.

(9) Where a person who is notified in accordance with rule 9.7(5), 9.8(5), 9.9 or 9.10 complies with the requirements of this rule, that person need not comply with the requirements of rule 9.15 (application to be joined as a party).

(10) A practice direction may make provision about responding to applications.

The parties to the proceedings E+W

Parties to the proceedings E+W

9.13.—(1) Unless the court directs otherwise, the parties to any proceedings are—

(a) the applicant; and

(b) any person who is named as a respondent in the application form and who files an acknowledgment of service in respect of the application form.

(2) The court may order a person to be joined as a party if it considers that it is desirable to do so for the purpose of dealing with the application.

(3) The court may at any time direct that any person who is a party to the proceedings is to be removed as a party.

(4) Unless the court orders otherwise, P shall not be named as a respondent to any proceedings.

(5) A party to the proceedings is bound by any order or direction of the court made in the course of those proceedings.

Persons to be bound as if parties E+W

9.14.—(1) The persons mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be bound by any order made or directions given by the court in the same way that a party to the proceedings is so bound.

(2) The persons referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) P; and

(b) any person who has been served with or notified of an application form in accordance with these Rules.

Application to be joined as a party E+W

9.15.—(1) Any person with sufficient interest may apply to the court to be joined as a party to the proceedings.

(2) An application to be joined as a party must be made by filing an application notice in accordance with Part 10, which must—

(a) state the full name and address of the person seeking to be joined as a party to the proceedings;

(b) state that person's interest in the proceedings;

(c) state whether that person consents to the application;

(d) state whether that person opposes the application and, if so, set out the grounds for doing so;

(e) state whether that person proposes that an order different from that set out in the application form should be made and, if so, set out what that order is;

(f) provide an address for service, which must be within the jurisdiction of the court; and

(g) be signed by that person or that person's legal representative.

(3) Subject to rules 15.2 and 15.5 (restriction on filing an expert's report and court's power to restrict expert evidence), a person's application to be joined must be accompanied by—

(a) a witness statement containing evidence of that person's interest in the proceedings and, if that person proposes that an order different from that set out in the application form should be made, the evidence on which that person intends to rely; and

(b) a sufficient number of copies of the application notice to enable service of the application on every other party to the proceedings.

(4) The court must serve the application notice and any accompanying documents on all parties to the proceedings.

(5) The court must consider whether to join a person applying under this rule as a party to the proceedings and, if it decides to do so, must make an order to that effect.

Application for removal as a party to proceedings E+W

9.16.  A person who wishes to be removed as a party to the proceedings must apply to the court for an order to that effect in accordance with Part 10.

PART 10 E+W APPLICATIONS WITHIN PROCEEDINGS

Contents of this Part

Types of applications for which the Part 10 procedure may be used	Rule 10.1
Application notice to be filed	Rule 10.2
What an application notice must include	Rule 10.3
Service of an application notice	Rule 10.4
Applications without notice	Rule 10.5
Security for costs	Rule 10.6
Conditions to be satisfied	Rule 10.7
Security for costs other than from the applicant	Rule 10.8
Security for costs of an appeal	Rule 10.9
Interim remedies
Orders for interim remedies	Rule 10.10

Types of applications for which the Part 10 procedure may be used E+W

10.1.—(1) The Part 10 procedure is the procedure set out in this Part.

(2) The Part 10 procedure may be used if the application is made by any person—

(a) in the course of existing proceedings; or

(b) as provided for in a rule or practice direction.

(3) The court may grant an interim remedy before an application form has been issued only if—

(a) the matter is urgent; or

(b) it is otherwise necessary to do so in the interests of justice.

(4) An application made during the course of existing proceedings includes an application made during appeal proceedings.

(5) Where the application seeks solely to withdraw an existing application—

(a) the applicant must file a written request for permission setting out succinctly the reasons for the request;

(b) the request must be in an application notice;

(c) the court may permit an application to be made orally at a hearing or in such alternative written form as it thinks fit.

(6) Where the court deals with a written request under paragraph (5) without a hearing, rule 13.4 applies to any order so made.

(Rule 13.2 requires the court's permission to withdraw proceedings.)

Application notice to be filed E+W

10.2.—(1) Subject to paragraph (5), the applicant must file an application notice to make an application under this Part.

(2) The applicant must, when filing the application notice, file the evidence on which the applicant relies (unless such evidence has already been filed).

(3) The court must issue the application notice and, if there is to be a hearing, give notice of the date on which the matter is to be heard by the court.

(4) Notice under paragraph (3) must be given to—

(a) the applicant;

(b) anyone who is named as a respondent in the application notice (if not otherwise a party to the proceedings);

(c) every party to the proceedings; and

(d) any other person, as the court may direct.

(5) An applicant may make an application under this Part without filing an application notice if—

(a) this is permitted by any rule or practice direction; or

(b) the court dispenses with the requirement for an application notice.

(6) If the applicant makes an application without giving notice, the evidence in support of the application notice must state why notice has not been given.

What an application notice must include E+W

10.3.  An application notice must state—

(a) what order or direction the applicant is seeking;

(b) briefly, the grounds on which the applicant is seeking the order or direction; and

(c) such other information as may be required by any rule or practice direction.

Service of an application notice E+W

10.4.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), the applicant must serve a copy of the application notice on—

(a) anyone who is named as a respondent in the application notice (if not otherwise a party to the proceedings);

(b) every party to the proceedings; and

(c) any other person, as the court may direct,

as soon as possible and in any event within 14 days of the date on which it was issued.

(2) The application notice must be accompanied by a copy of the evidence filed in support.

(3) The applicant must file a certificate of service within 7 days beginning with the date on which the documents were served.

(4) This rule does not require a copy of evidence to be served on a person on whom it has already been served, but the applicant must in such a case give to that person notice of the evidence on which the applicant intends to rely.

(5) An application may be made without serving a copy of the application notice if this is permitted by—

(a) a rule;

(b) a practice direction; or

(c) the court.

Applications without notice E+W

10.5.—(1) This rule applies where the court has dealt with an application which was made without notice having been given to any person.

(2) Where the court makes an order, whether granting or dismissing the application, the applicant must, as soon as practicable or within such period as the court may direct, serve the documents mentioned in paragraph (3) on—

(a) anyone named as a respondent in the application notice (if not otherwise a party to the proceedings);

(b) every party to the proceedings; and

(c) any other person, as the court may direct.

(3) The documents referred to in paragraph (2) are—

(a) a copy of the application notice;

(b) the court's order; and

(c) any evidence filed in support of the application.

(Rule 13.4 provides for reconsideration of orders made without a hearing or without notice to a person.)

Security for costs E+W

10.6.—(1) A respondent to any application may apply for security for the respondent's costs of the proceedings.

(2) An application for security for costs must be supported by written evidence.

(3) Where the court makes an order for security for costs, it must—

(a) determine the amount of security; and

(b) direct—

(i) the manner in which; and

(ii) the time within which,

the security must be given.

Conditions to be satisfied E+W

10.7.—(1) The court may make an order for security for costs under rule 10.6—

(a) if it is satisfied, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, that it is just to make such an order; and

(b) if—

(i) one or more of the conditions in paragraph (2) applies; or

(ii) an enactment permits the court to require security for costs.

(2) The conditions are—

[F19 (a) the applicant is resident out of the jurisdiction;]

(b) the applicant is a company or other body (whether incorporated inside or outside Great Britain) and there is reason to believe that it will be unable to pay the respondent's costs if ordered to do so;

(c) the applicant has changed address since proceedings were commenced with a view to avoiding the consequences of the litigation;

(d) the applicant failed to give an address, or gave an incorrect address, in the application form commencing the proceedings;

(e) the applicant is acting as a nominal applicant and there is reason to believe that the applicant will be unable to pay the respondent's costs if ordered to do so;

(f) the applicant has taken steps in relation to the applicant's assets that would make it difficult to enforce an order for costs against the applicant.

Textual Amendments

F19 Rule 10.7(2)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 31(2) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Security for costs other than from the applicant E+W

10.8.—(1) The respondent may seek an order against a person other than the applicant, and the court may make an order for security for costs against that person, if—

(a) it is satisfied, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, that it is just to make such an order; and

(b) one or more of the conditions in paragraph (2) applies.

(2) The conditions are that the person—

(a) has assigned the right to the substantive matter to the applicant with a view to avoiding the possibility of a costs order being made against the person; or

(b) has contributed or agreed to contribute to the applicant's costs in return for a share of any money or property which the applicant may recover or be awarded in the proceedings; and

is a person against whom a costs order may be made.

(Rule 19.12 makes provision about costs orders against non-parties.)

Security for costs of an appeal E+W

10.9.—(1) The court may order security for costs of an appeal against—

(a) an appellant;

(b) a respondent who also appeals,

on the same grounds as it may order security for costs against an applicant under rule 10.6.

(2) The court may also make an order under paragraph (1) where the appellant or the respondent who also appeals is a limited company and there is reason to believe it will be unable to pay the costs of the other parties to the appeal should its appeal be unsuccessful.

Interim remedies E+W

Orders for interim remedies E+W

10.10.—(1) The court may grant the following interim remedies—

(a) an interim injunction;

(b) an interim declaration; or

(c) any other interim order it considers appropriate.

(2) Unless the court orders otherwise, a person on whom an application form is served under Part 9, or who is given notice of such an application, may not apply for an interim remedy before filing an acknowledgment of service or notification in accordance with Part 9.

(3) This rule does not limit any other power of the court to grant interim relief.

PART 11 E+W DEPRIVATION OF LIBERTY

Contents of this Part

Deprivation of liberty

Rule 11.1

Deprivation of liberty E+W

11.1.  The practice direction to this Part sets out procedure governing—

(a) applications to the court for orders relating to the deprivation, or proposed deprivation, of liberty of P; and

(b) proceedings (for example, relating to costs or appeals) connected with or consequent on such applications.

PART 12 E+W HUMAN RIGHTS

Contents of this Part

General

Rule 12.1

General E+W

12.1.—(1) A party who seeks to rely upon any provision of or right arising under the Human Rights Act 1998 M14 (“the 1998 Act”) or who seeks a remedy available under that Act must inform the court in the manner set out in the relevant practice direction specifying—

(a) the Convention right (within the meaning of the 1998 Act) which it is alleged has been infringed and details of the alleged infringement; and

(b) the remedy sought and whether this includes a declaration of incompatibility under section 4 of the 1998 Act.

(2) The court may not make a declaration of incompatibility unless 21 days' notice, or such other period of notice as the court directs, has been given to the Crown.

(3) Where notice has been given to the Crown, a Minister or other person permitted by the 1998 Act shall be joined as a party on filing an application in accordance with rule 9.15 (application to be joined as a party).

Marginal Citations

M14 1998 c. 42.

PART 13 E+W JURISDICTION, WITHDRAWAL OF PROCEEDINGS, PARTICIPATION AND RECONSIDERATION

Contents of this Part

Disputing the jurisdiction of the court
Procedure for disputing the court's jurisdiction	Rule 13.1
Withdrawal of proceedings
Permission required to withdraw proceedings	Rule 13.2
Participation in hearings
Participation in hearings	Rule 13.3
Reconsideration of court orders
Orders made without a hearing or without notice to any person	Rule 13.4

Disputing the jurisdiction of the court E+W

Procedure for disputing the court's jurisdiction E+W

13.1.—(1) A person who wishes to—

(a) dispute the court's jurisdiction to hear an application; or

(b) argue that the court should not exercise its jurisdiction,

may apply to the court at any time for an order declaring that it has no such jurisdiction or should not exercise any jurisdiction that it may have.

(2) An application under this rule must be—

(a) made by using the form specified in the relevant practice direction; and

(b) supported by evidence.

(3) An order containing a declaration that the court has no jurisdiction or will not exercise its jurisdiction may also make further provision, including—

(a) setting aside the application;

(b) discharging any order made;

(c) staying the proceedings;

(d) discharging any litigation friend or rule 1.2 representative.

Withdrawal of proceedings E+W

Permission required to withdraw proceedings E+W

13.2.—(1) Proceedings may only be withdrawn with the permission of the court.

(2) An application to withdraw proceedings must be made in accordance with Part 10.

Participation in hearings E+W

Participation in hearings E+W

13.3.—(1) The court may hear P on the question of whether or not an order should be made, whether or not P is a party to the proceedings.

(2) The court may proceed with a hearing in the absence of P if it considers that it would be appropriate to do so.

(3) A person other than P who is served with or notified of the application may only take part in a hearing if—

(a) that person files an acknowledgment in accordance with these Rules and is made a party to the proceedings; or

(b) the court permits.

(Rule 1.2 deals with participation of P.)

Reconsideration of court orders E+W

Orders made without a hearing or without notice to any person E+W

13.4.—(1) This rule applies where the court makes an order—

(a) without a hearing; or

(b) without notice to any person who is affected by it.

(2) Where this rule applies—

(a) P;

(b) any party to the proceedings; or

(c) any other person affected by the order,

may apply to the court for reconsideration of the order made.

(3) An application under paragraph (2) must be made—

(a) within 21 days of the order being served or such other period as the court may direct; and

(b) in accordance with Part 10.

(4) The court shall—

(a) reconsider the order without directing a hearing; or

(b) fix a date for the matter to be heard and notify all parties to the proceedings, and such other persons as the court may direct, of that date.

(5) Where an application is made in accordance with this rule, the court may affirm, set aside or vary any order made.

(6) An order made by a court officer authorised under rule 2.3 may be reconsidered by any judge.

(7) An order made by a Tier 1 Judge may be reconsidered by any judge.

(8) An order made by a Tier 2 Judge may be reconsidered by any Tier 2 Judge or by a Tier 3 Judge.

(9) An order made by a Tier 3 Judge may be reconsidered by any Tier 3 Judge.

(10) In any case to which paragraphs (7) to (9) apply the reconsideration may be carried out by the judge who made the order being reconsidered.

(11) No application may be made seeking a reconsideration of—

(a) an order that has been made under paragraph (5); or

(b) an order granting or refusing permission to appeal.

(12) An appeal against an order made under paragraph (5) may be made in accordance with Part 20 (appeals).

(13) Any order made without a hearing or without notice to any person, other than one made under paragraph (5) or one granting or refusing permission to appeal, must contain a statement of the right to apply for a reconsideration of the decision in accordance with this rule.

(14) An application made under this rule may include a request that the court reconsider the matter at a hearing.

(Rule 2.3(2)(c) provides that a court officer authorised under that rule may not deal with an application for the reconsideration of an order made by that court officer or another court officer.)

PART 14 E+W ADMISSIONS, EVIDENCE AND DEPOSITIONS

Contents of this Part

Admissions
Making an admission	Rule 14.1
Evidence
Power of court to control evidence	Rule 14.2
Evidence of witnesses – general rule	Rule 14.3
Written evidence – general rule	Rule 14.4
Evidence by video link or other means	Rule 14.5
Service of witness statements for use at final hearing	Rule 14.6
Form of witness statement	Rule 14.7
Witness summaries	Rule 14.8
Affidavit evidence	Rule 14.9
Form of affidavit	Rule 14.10
Affidavit made outside the jurisdiction	Rule 14.11
Notarial acts and instruments	Rule 14.12
Summoning of witnesses	Rule 14.13
Power of court to direct a party to provide information	Rule 14.14
Depositions
Evidence by deposition	Rule 14.15
Conduct of examination	Rule 14.16
Fees and expenses of examiners of the court	Rule 14.17
Examiners of the court	Rule 14.18
Enforcing attendance of a witness	Rule 14.19
Use of deposition at a hearing	Rule 14.20
Taking evidence outside the jurisdiction
F20 . . .	F20 . . .
F20 . . .	F20 . . .
Where a person to be examined is out of the jurisdiction – letter of request	Rule 14.23
Section 49 reports
Reports under section 49 of the Act	Rule 14.24
Written questions to person making a report under section 49	Rule 14.25

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in Pt. 14 Table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 32(2) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Admissions E+W

Making an admission E+W

14.1.—(1) Without prejudice to the ability to make an admission in any other way, a party may admit the truth of the whole or part of another party's case by giving notice in writing.

(2) The court may allow a party to amend or withdraw an admission.

Evidence E+W

Power of court to control evidence E+W

14.2.  The court may—

(a) control the evidence by giving directions as to—

(i) the issues on which it requires evidence;

(ii) the nature of the evidence which it requires to decide those issues; and

(iii) the way in which the evidence is to be placed before the court;

(b) use its power under this rule to exclude evidence that would otherwise be admissible;

(c) allow or limit cross-examination;

(d) admit such evidence, whether written or oral, as it thinks fit; and

(e) admit, accept and act upon such information, whether oral or written, from P, any protected party or any person who lacks competence to give evidence, as the court considers sufficient, although not given on oath and whether or not it would be admissible in a court of law apart from this rule.

Evidence of witnesses – general rule E+W

14.3.—(1) The general rule is that any fact which needs to be proved by evidence of a witness is to be proved—

(a) where there is a final hearing, by the witness's oral evidence; or

(b) at any other hearing, or if there is no hearing, by the witness's evidence in writing.

(2) Where a witness is called to give oral evidence under paragraph (1)(a), the witness statement of that witness shall stand as his or her evidence in chief unless the court directs otherwise.

(3) A witness giving oral evidence at the final hearing may, if the court permits—

(a) amplify his or her witness statement; and

(b) give evidence in relation to new matters which have arisen since the witness statement was made.

(4) The court may so permit only if it considers that there is good reason not to confine the evidence of the witness to the contents of the witness statement.

(5) This rule is subject to—

(a) any provision to the contrary in these Rules or elsewhere; or

(b) any order or direction of the court.

Written evidence – general rule E+W

14.4.  A party may not rely on written evidence unless—

(a) it has been filed in accordance with these Rules or a practice direction;

(b) it is expressly permitted by these Rules or a practice direction; or

(c) the court gives permission.

Evidence by video link or other means E+W

14.5.  The court may allow a witness to give evidence through a video link or by other communication technology.

Service of witness statements for use at final hearing E+W

14.6.—(1) A witness statement is a written statement by a person which contains the evidence which that person would be allowed to give orally.

(2) The court will give directions about the service of any witness statement upon which a party intends to rely at the final hearing.

(3) The court may give directions as to the order in which witness statements are to be served.

(Rules 5.2 and 14.7 require witness statements to be verified by a statement of truth.)

Form of witness statement E+W

14.7.  A witness statement must contain a statement of truth and comply with the requirements set out in the relevant practice direction.

Witness summaries E+W

14.8.—(1) A party who wishes to file a witness statement for use at the final hearing, but is unable to do so, may apply without notice to be permitted to file a witness summary instead.

(2) A witness summary is a summary of—

(a) the evidence, if known, which would otherwise be included in a witness statement; or

(b) if the evidence is not known, the matters about which the party filing the witness summary proposes to question the witness.

(3) Unless the court directs otherwise, a witness summary must include the name and address of the intended witness.

(4) Unless the court directs otherwise, a witness summary must be filed within the period in which a witness statement would have had to be filed.

(5) Where a party files a witness summary, so far as practicable, rules 14.3(3)(a) (amplifying witness statements) and 14.6 (service of witness statements for use at final hearing) shall apply to the summary.

Affidavit evidence E+W

14.9.  Evidence must be given by affidavit instead of or in addition to a witness statement if this is required by the court, a provision contained in any rule, a practice direction or any other enactment.

Form of affidavit E+W

14.10.  An affidavit must comply with the requirements set out in the relevant practice direction.

Affidavit made outside the jurisdiction E+W

14.11.  A person may make an affidavit outside the jurisdiction in accordance with—

(a) this Part; or

(b) the law of the place where that person makes the affidavit.

Notarial acts and instruments E+W

14.12.  A notarial act or instrument may, without further proof, be received in evidence as duly authenticated in accordance with the requirements of law unless the contrary is proved.

Summoning of witnesses E+W

14.13.—(1) The court may allow or direct any party to issue a witness summons requiring the person named in it to attend before the court and give oral evidence or produce any document to the court.

(2) An application by a party for the issue of a witness summons may be made by filing an application notice with includes—

(a) the name and address of the applicant and the applicant's solicitor, if any;

(b) the name, address and occupation of the proposed witness;

(c) particulars of any document which the proposed witness is to be required to produce; and

(d) the grounds on which the application is made.

(3) The general rule is that a witness summons is binding if it is served at least 7 days before the date on which the witness is required to attend before the court, and the requirements of paragraph (6) have been complied with.

(4) The court may direct that a witness summons shall be binding although it will be served less than 7 days before the date on which the witness is required to attend before the court.

(5) Unless the court directs otherwise, a witness summons is to be served by the person making the application.

(6) At the time of service the witness must be offered or paid—

(a) a sum reasonably sufficient to cover the witness's expenses in travelling to and from the court; and

(b) such sum by way of compensation for loss of time as may be specified in the relevant practice direction.

(7) The court may order that the witness is to be paid such general costs as it considers appropriate.

Power of court to direct a party to provide information E+W

14.14.—(1) Where a party has access to information which is not reasonably available to the other party, the court may direct that party to prepare and file a document recording that information.

(2) The court shall give directions about serving a copy of that document on the other parties.

Depositions E+W

Evidence by deposition E+W

14.15.—(1) A party may apply for an order for a person to be examined before the hearing takes place.

(2) A person from whom evidence is to be obtained following an order under this rule is referred to as a “deponent” and the evidence is referred to as a “deposition”.

(3) An order under this rule shall be for a deponent to be examined on oath before—

(a) a circuit judge or a district judge, whether or not nominated as a judge of the court;

(b) an examiner of the court; or

(c) such other person as the court appoints.

(4) The order may require the production of any document which the court considers is necessary for the purposes of the examination.

(5) The order will state the date, time and place of the examination.

(6) At the time of service of the order, the deponent must be offered or paid—

(a) a sum reasonably sufficient to cover the deponent's expenses in travelling to and from the place of examination; and

(b) such sum by way of compensation for loss of time as may be specified in the relevant practice direction.

(7) Where the court makes an order for a deposition to be taken, it may also order the party who obtained the order to file a witness statement or witness summary in relation to the evidence to be given by the person to be examined.

Conduct of examination E+W

14.16.—(1) Subject to any directions contained in the order for examination, the examination must be conducted in the same way as if the witness were giving evidence at a final hearing.

(2) If all the parties are present, the examiner may conduct the examination of a person not named in the order for examination if all the parties and the person to be examined consent.

(3) The examiner must ensure that the evidence given by the witness is recorded in full.

(4) The examiner must send a copy of the deposition—

(a) to the person who obtained the order for the examination of the witness; and

(b) to the court.

(5) The court shall give directions as to the service of a copy of the deposition on the other parties.

Fees and expenses of examiners of the court E+W

14.17.—(1) An examiner of the court may charge a fee for the examination and need not send the deposition to the court until the fee is paid, unless the court directs otherwise.

(2) The examiner's fees and expenses must be paid by the party who obtained the order for examination.

(3) If the fees and expenses due to an examiner are not paid within a reasonable time, the examiner may report that fact to the court.

(4) The court may order the party who obtained the order for examination to deposit in the court office a specified sum in respect of the examiner's fees and, where it does so, the examiner shall not be asked to act until the sum has been deposited.

(5) An order under this rule does not affect any decision as to the person who is ultimately to bear the costs of the examination.

Examiners of the court E+W

14.18.—(1) The Lord Chancellor shall appoint persons to be examiners of the court.

(2) The persons appointed shall be barristers or solicitor-advocates who have been practising for a period of not less than 3 years.

(3) The Lord Chancellor may revoke an appointment at any time.

(4) In addition to persons appointed in accordance with this rule, examiners appointed under rule 34.15 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 may act as examiners in the court.

Enforcing attendance of a witness E+W

14.19.—(1) If a person served with an order to attend before an examiner—

(a) fails to attend; or

(b) refuses to be sworn for the purpose of the examination or to answer any lawful question or produce any document at the examination,

a certificate of that person's failure or refusal, signed by the examiner, must be filed by the party requiring the deposition.

(2) On the certificate being filed, the party requiring the deposition may apply to the court for an order requiring that person to attend or to be sworn or to answer any question or produce any document, as the case may be.

(3) An application for an order under this rule may be made without notice.

(4) The court may order the person against whom an order is sought or made under this rule to pay any costs resulting from that person's failure or refusal.

Use of deposition at a hearing E+W

14.20.—(1) A deposition ordered under rule 14.15 F21 ... or 14.23 may be put in evidence at a hearing unless the court orders otherwise.

(2) A party intending to put a deposition in evidence at a hearing must file notice of intention to do so on the court and serve the notice on every other party.

(3) Unless the court directs otherwise, that party must file the notice at least 14 days before the day fixed for the hearing.

(4) The court may require a deponent to attend the hearing and give evidence orally.

Textual Amendments

F21 Word in rule 14.20(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 32(3) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Taking evidence outside the jurisdiction E+W

Interpretation E+W

F22 14.21.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F22 Rule 14.21 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 32(4) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Where a person to be examined is in another Regulation State E+W

F23 14.22.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F23 Rule 14.22 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 32(5) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Where a person to be examined is out of the jurisdiction – letter of request E+W

14.23.—(1) This rule applies where a party wishes to take a deposition from a person [F24 who is out of the jurisdiction].

(2) The court may order the issue of a letter of request to the judicial authorities of the country in which the proposed deponent is.

(3) A letter of request is a request to a judicial authority to take the evidence of that person, or arrange for it to be taken.

(4) If the government of a country permits a person appointed by the court to examine a person in that country, the court may make an order appointing a special examiner for that purpose.

(5) A person may be examined under this rule on oath or affirmation in accordance with any procedure permitted in the country in which the examination is to take place.

(6) If the court makes an order for the issue of a letter of request, the party who sought the order must file—

(a) the following documents and, except where paragraph (7) applies, a translation of them—

(i) a draft letter of request;

(ii) a statement of the issues relevant to the proceedings; and

(iii) a list of questions or the subject matter of questions to be put to the person to be examined; and

(b) an undertaking to be responsible for the Secretary of State's expenses.

(7) There is no need to file a translation if—

(a) English is one of the official languages of the country where the examination is to take place; or

(b) a practice direction has specified that country as a country where no translation is necessary.

Textual Amendments

F24 Words in rule 14.23(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Family Procedure Rules 2010 and Court of Protection Rules 2017 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/517), regs. 1(1), 32(6) (with reg. 33) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1493, regs. 1(1), 8(2)(h)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Section 49 reports E+W

Reports under section 49 of the Act E+W

14.24.—(1) This rule applies where the court requires a report to be made to it under section 49 of the Act.

(2) It is the duty of the person who is required to make the report to help the court on the matters within that person's expertise.

(3) Unless the court directs otherwise, the person making the report must—

(a) contact or seek to interview such persons as the person making the report thinks appropriate or as the court directs;

(b) to the extent that it is practicable and appropriate to do so, ascertain what P's wishes and feelings are, and the beliefs and values that would be likely to influence P if P had the capacity to make a decision in relation to the matters to which the application relates;

(c) describe P's circumstances; and

(d) address such other matters as are required in a practice direction or as the court may direct.

(4) The court will send a copy of the report to the parties and to such persons as the court may direct.

(5) Subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), the person who is required to make the report may examine and take copies of any documents in the court records.

(6) The court may direct that the right to inspect documents under this rule does not apply in relation to such documents, or descriptions of documents, as the court may specify.

(7) The court may direct that any information is to be provided to the maker of the report on an edited basis.

Written questions to person making a report under section 49 E+W

14.25.—(1) Where a report is made under section 49 the court may, on the application of any party, permit written questions relevant to the issues before the court to be put to the person by whom the report was made.

(2) The questions sought to be put to the maker of the report shall be submitted to the court, and the court may put them to the maker of the report with such amendments (if any) as it thinks fit and the maker of the report shall give replies in writing to the questions so put.

(3) The court shall send a copy of the replies given by the maker of the report under this rule to the parties and to such other persons as the court may direct.

PART 15 E+W EXPERTS

Contents of this Part

References to expert	Rule 15.1
Restriction on filing an expert's report	Rule 15.2
Duty to restrict expert evidence	Rule 15.3
Experts – overriding duty to the court	Rule 15.4
Court's power to restrict expert evidence	Rule 15.5
General requirement for expert evidence to be given in a written report	Rule 15.6
Written questions to experts	Rule 15.7
Contents of expert's report	Rule 15.8
Use by one party of expert's report disclosed by another	Rule 15.9
Discussions between experts	Rule 15.10
Expert's right to ask court for directions	Rule 15.11
Court's power to direct that evidence is to be given by a single joint expert	Rule 15.12
Instructions to a single joint expert	Rule 15.13

References to expert E+W

15.1.  A reference to an expert in this Part—

(a) is to an expert who has been instructed to give or prepare evidence for the purpose of court proceedings; but

(b) does not include any person instructed to make a report under section 49 of the Act.

Restriction on filing an expert's report E+W

15.2.—(1) No person may file expert evidence unless the court or a practice direction permits, or if it is filed with the application form and is evidence—

(a) that P is a person who lacks capacity to make a decision or decisions in relation to the matter or matters to which the application relates;

(b) as to P's best interests; or

(c) that is required by any rule or practice direction to be filed with the application form.

(2) An applicant may only rely on any expert evidence so filed in support of the application form to the extent and for the purposes that the court allows.

(Rule 9.4(a) requires the applicant to file any evidence upon which the applicant wishes to rely with the application form.)

Duty to restrict expert evidence E+W

15.3.—(1) Expert evidence shall be restricted to that which is necessary to assist the court to resolve the issues in the proceedings.

(2) The court may give permission to file or adduce expert evidence as mentioned in rule 15.2(1) and 15.5(1) only if satisfied that the evidence—

(a) is necessary to assist the court to resolve the issues in the proceedings; and

(b) cannot otherwise be provided either—

(i) by a rule 1.2 representative; or

(ii) in a report under section 49 of the Act.

Experts – overriding duty to the court E+W

15.4.—(1) It is the duty of the expert to help the court on the matters within the expert's expertise.

(2) This duty overrides any obligation to the person from whom the expert has received instructions or by whom the expert is paid.

Court's power to restrict expert evidence E+W

15.5.—(1) Subject to rule 15.2, no party may file or adduce expert evidence unless the court or a practice direction permits.

(2) When a party applies for a direction under this rule, that party must—

(a) identify the field in respect of which that party wishes to rely upon expert evidence, and the issues to which the expert evidence is to relate;

(b) where practicable, identify the expert in that field upon whose evidence the party wishes to rely;

(c) provide any other material information about the expert;

(d) state whether the expert evidence could be obtained from a single joint expert;

(e) provide any other information or documents required by a practice direction; and

(f) provide a draft letter of instruction to the expert.

(3) When deciding whether to give permission as mentioned in paragraph (1), the court is to have regard in particular to—

(a) the issues to which the expert evidence would relate;

(b) the questions which the expert would answer;

(c) the impact which giving permission would be likely to have on the timetable, duration and conduct of the proceedings;

(d) any failure to comply with any direction of the court about expert evidence; and

(e) the cost of the expert evidence.

(4) Where a direction is given under this rule, the court shall specify—

(a) the field or fields in respect of which the expert evidence is to be provided;

(b) the questions which the expert is required to answer; and

(c) the date by which the expert is to provide the evidence.

(5) The court may specify the person who is to provide the evidence referred to in paragraph (3).

(6) Where a direction is given under this rule for a party to call an expert or put in evidence an expert's report, the court shall give directions for the service of the report on the parties and on such other persons as the court may direct.

(7) The court may limit the amount of the expert's fees and expenses that the party who wishes to rely upon the expert may recover from any other party.

General requirement for expert evidence to be given in a written report E+W

15.6.  Expert evidence is to be given in a written report unless the court directs otherwise.

Written questions to experts E+W

15.7.—(1) A party may put written questions to—

(a) an expert instructed by another party; or

(b) a single joint expert appointed under rule 15.12,

about a report prepared by such a person.

(2) Written questions under paragraph (1)—

(a) may be put once only;

(b) must be put within 28 days beginning with the date on which the expert's report was served;

(c) must be for the purpose only of clarification of the report; and

(d) must be copied and sent to the other parties at the same time as they are sent to the expert.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply in any case where—

(a) the court permits it to be done on a further occasion;

(b) the other party or parties agree; or

(c) any practice direction provides otherwise.

(4) An expert's answers to questions put in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be treated as part of the expert's report.

(5) Paragraph (6) applies where—

(a) a party has put a written question to an expert instructed by another party in accordance with this rule; and

(b) the expert does not answer that question.

(6) The court may make one or both of the following orders in relation to the party who instructed the expert—

(a) that the party may not rely upon the evidence of that expert; or

(b) that the party may not recover the fees and expenses of that expert, or part of them, from any other party.

(7) Unless the court directs otherwise, and subject to any final costs order that may be made, the instructing party is responsible for the payment of the expert's fees and expenses, including the expert's costs of answering questions put by any other party.

Contents of expert's report E+W

15.8.—(1) The court may give directions as to the matters to be covered in an expert's report.

(2) An expert's report must comply with the requirements set out in the relevant practice direction.

(3) At the end of an expert's report there must be a statement that the expert—

(a) understands his or her duty to the court; and

(b) has complied with that duty.

(4) The expert's report must state the substance of all material instructions, whether written or oral, on the basis of which the report was written.

(5) The instructions to the expert shall not be privileged against disclosure.

Use by one party of expert's report disclosed by another E+W

15.9.  Where a party has disclosed an expert's report, any party may use that expert's report as evidence at any hearing in the proceedings.

Discussions between experts E+W

15.10.—(1) The court may, at any stage, direct a discussion between experts for the purpose of requiring the experts to—

(a) identify and discuss the expert issues in the proceedings; and

(b) where possible, reach an agreed opinion on those issues.

(2) The court may specify the issues which the experts must discuss.

(3) The court may direct that following a discussion between the experts they must prepare a statement for the court showing—

(a) those issues on which they agree; and

(b) those issues on which they disagree and a summary of their reasons for disagreeing.

(4) Unless the court directs otherwise, the content of the discussions between experts may be referred to at any hearing or at any stage in the proceedings.

Expert's right to ask court for directions E+W

15.11.—(1) An expert may file a written request for directions to assist in carrying out the expert's functions as an expert.

(2) An expert must, unless the court directs otherwise, provide a copy of any proposed request for directions under paragraph (1)—

(a) to the party instructing the expert, at least 7 days before filing the request; and

(b) to all other parties, at least 4 days before filing it.

(3) The court, when it gives directions, may also direct that a party be served with a copy of the directions.

Court's power to direct that evidence is to be given by a single joint expert E+W

15.12.—(1) Where two or more parties wish to submit expert evidence on a particular issue, the court may direct that the evidence on that issue is to be given by one expert only.

(2) The parties wishing to submit the expert evidence are called “the instructing parties”.

(3) Where the instructing parties cannot agree who should be the expert, the court may—

(a) select the expert from a list prepared or identified by the instructing parties; or

(b) direct the manner by which the expert is to be selected.

Instructions to a single joint expert E+W

15.13.—(1) Where the court gives a direction under rule 15.12 for a single joint expert to be used, the instructions are to be contained in a jointly agreed letter unless the court directs otherwise.

(2) Where the instructions are to be contained in a jointly agreed letter, in default of agreement the instructions may be determined by the court on the written request of any instructing party copied to the other instructing parties.

(3) Where the court permits the instructing parties to give separate instructions to a single joint expert, unless the court directs otherwise, when an instructing party gives instructions to the expert, that party must at the same time send a copy of the instructions to the other instructing party or parties.

(4) The court may give directions about—

(a) the payment of the expert's fees and expenses; and

(b) any inspection, examination or experiments which the expert wishes to carry out.

(5) The court may, before an expert is instructed, limit the amount that can be paid by way of fees and expense to the expert.

(6) Unless the court directs otherwise, and subject to any final costs order that may be made, the instructing parties are jointly and severally liable for the payment of the expert's fees and expenses.

PART 16 E+W DISCLOSURE

Contents of this Part

Meaning of disclosure	Rule 16.1
General or specific disclosure	Rule 16.2
Procedure for general or specific disclosure	Rule 16.3
Ongoing duty of disclosure	Rule 16.4
Right to inspect documents	Rule 16.5
Inspection and copying of documents	Rule 16.6
Claim to withhold inspection or disclosure of documents	Rule 16.7
Consequence of failure to disclose documents or permit inspection	Rule 16.8

Meaning of disclosure E+W

16.1.  A party discloses a document by stating that the document exists or has existed.

General or specific disclosure E+W

16.2.—(1) The court may either on its own initiative or on the application of a party make an order to give general or specific disclosure.

(2) General disclosure requires a party to disclose—

(a) the documents on which that party relies; and

(b) the documents which—

(i) adversely affect that party's own case;

(ii) adversely affect another party's case; or

(iii) support another party's case.

(3) An order for specific disclosure is an order that a party must do one or more of the following things—

(a) disclose documents or classes of documents specified in the order;

(b) carry out a search to the extent stated in the order; or

(c) disclose any document located as a result of that search.

(4) A party's duty to disclose documents is limited to documents which are or have been in that party's control.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4) a party has or has had a document in that party's control if—

(a) it is or was in that party's physical possession;

(b) that party has or has had possession of it; or

(c) that party has or has had a right to inspect or take copies of it.

Procedure for general or specific disclosure E+W

16.3.—(1) This rule applies where the court makes an order under rule 16.2 to give general or specific disclosure.

(2) Each party must make, and serve on every other party, a list of documents to be disclosed.

(3) A copy of each list must be filed within 7 days of the date on which it is served.

(4) The list must identify the documents in a convenient order and manner and as concisely as possible.

(5) The list must indicate—

(a) the documents in respect of which the party claims a right or duty to withhold inspection (see rule 16.7); and

(b) the documents that are no longer in the party's control, stating what has happened to them.

Ongoing duty of disclosure E+W

16.4.—(1) Where the court makes an order to give general or specific disclosure under rule 16.2, any party to whom the order applies is under a continuing duty to provide such disclosure as is required by the order until the proceedings are concluded.

(2) If a document to which the duty of disclosure imposed by paragraph (1) extends comes to a party's notice at any time during the proceedings, that party must immediately notify every other party.

Right to inspect documents E+W

16.5.—(1) A party to whom a document has been disclosed has a right to inspect any document disclosed to that party except where—

(a) the document is no longer in the control of the party who disclosed it; or

(b) the party disclosing the document has a right or duty to withhold inspection of it.

(2) The right to inspect disclosed documents extends to any document mentioned in—

(a) a document filed or served in the course of the proceedings by any other party; or

(b) correspondence sent by any other party.

Inspection and copying of documents E+W

16.6.—(1) Where a party has a right to inspect a document, that party—

(a) must give the party who disclosed the document written notice of the wish to inspect it; and

(b) may request a copy of the document.

(2) Not more than 14 days after the date on which the party who disclosed the document received the notice under paragraph (1)(a), that party must permit inspection of the document at a convenient place and time.

(3) Where a party has requested a copy of the document, the party who disclosed the document must supply the requesting party with a copy not more than 14 days after the date on which the request was received.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (2), the party who disclosed the document must give reasonable notice of the time and place for inspection.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (3), the party requesting a copy of the document is responsible for the payment of reasonable copying costs, subject to any final costs order that may be made.

Claim to withhold inspection or disclosure of documents E+W

16.7.—(1) A party who wishes to claim a right or duty to withhold inspection of a document, or part of a document, must state in writing—

(a) that that party has such a right or duty; and

(b) the grounds on which that party claims that right or duty.

(2) The statement must be made in the list in which the document is disclosed (see rule 16.3(2)).

(3) A party may, by filing an application notice in accordance with Part 10, apply to the court to decide whether the claim made under paragraph (1) should be upheld.

Consequence of failure to disclose documents or permit inspection E+W

16.8.  A party may not rely upon any document which that party fails to disclose or in respect of which that party fails to permit inspection, unless the court permits.

PART 17 E+W LITIGATION FRIENDS AND RULE 1.2 REPRESENTATIVES

Contents of this Part

SECTION 1 – LITIGATION FRIENDS
Who may act as a litigation friend	Rule 17.1
Requirement for a litigation friend	Rule 17.2
Litigation friend without a court order	Rule 17.3
Litigation friend by court order	Rule 17.4
Court's power to prevent a person from acting as a litigation friend or to bring an end to an appointment of a person as a litigation friend or to appoint another one	Rule 17.5
Appointment of litigation friend by court order – supplementary	Rule 17.6
Procedure where appointment of a litigation friend comes to an end for a child	Rule 17.7
Practice direction in relation to litigation friends	Rule 17.8
SECTION 2 – RULE 1.2 REPRESENTATIVES
Who may act as a rule 1.2 representative for P	Rule 17.9
Rule 1.2 representative by court order	Rule 17.10
Application by rule 1.2 representative or by P for directions	Rule 17.11
Court's power to prevent a person from acting as a rule 1.2 representative or to bring an end to an appointment of a person as a rule 1.2 representative or to appoint another one	Rule 17.12
Appointment of rule 1.2 representative by court order – supplementary	Rule 17.13
Practice direction in relation to rule 1.2 representatives	Rule 17.14

SECTION 1 – LITIGATION FRIENDS E+W

Who may act as a litigation friend E+W

17.1.—(1) A person may act as a litigation friend on behalf of a person mentioned in paragraph (2) if that person—

(a) can fairly and competently conduct proceedings on behalf of that person; and

(b) has no interests adverse to those of that person.

(2) The persons for whom a litigation friend may act are—

(a) P;

(b) a child;

(c) a protected party.

Requirement for a litigation friend E+W

17.2.—(1) This rule does not apply to P (whether P is an adult or a child).

(2) A protected party (if a party to the proceedings) must have a litigation friend.

(3) A child (if a party to the proceedings) must have a litigation friend to conduct those proceedings on that child's behalf unless the court makes an order under paragraph (4).

(4) The court may make an order permitting a child to conduct proceedings without a litigation friend.

(5) An application for an order under paragraph (4)—

(a) may be made by the child;

(b) if the child already has a litigation friend, must be made on notice to the litigation friend; and

(c) if the child has no litigation friend, may be made without notice.

(6) Where—

(a) the court has made an order under paragraph (4); and

(b) it subsequently appears to the court that it is desirable for a litigation friend to conduct the proceedings on behalf of the child,

the court may appoint a person to be the child's litigation friend.

Litigation friend without a court order E+W

17.3.—(1) This rule does not apply—

(a) in relation to P;

(b) where the court has appointed a person under rule 17.4 or 17.5; or

(c) where the Official Solicitor is to act as a litigation friend.

(2) A deputy with the power to conduct legal proceedings in the name of a protected party or on the protected party's behalf is entitled to be a litigation friend of the protected party in any proceedings to which the deputy's power relates.

(3) If no-one has been appointed by the court or, in the case of a protected party, there is no deputy with the power to conduct proceedings, a person who wishes to act as a litigation friend must—

(a) file a certificate of suitability stating that they satisfy the conditions in rule 17.1(1); and

(b) serve the certificate of suitability on—

(i) the person on whom an application form is to be served in accordance with rule 6.4 (service on children and protected parties); and

(ii) every other person who is a party to the proceedings.

(4) If the person referred to in paragraph (2) wishes to act as a litigation friend for the protected party, that person must file and serve on the persons mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) a copy of the court order which appointed that person.

Litigation friend by court order E+W

17.4.—(1) The court may make an order appointing—

(a) the Official Solicitor; or

(b) some other person,

to act as a litigation friend for a protected party, a child or P.

(2) The court may make an order under paragraph (1)—

(a) either on its own initiative or on the application of any person; but

(b) only with the consent of the person to be appointed.

(3) An application for an order under paragraph (1) must be supported by evidence.

(4) The court may not appoint a litigation friend under this rule unless it is satisfied that the person to be appointed satisfies the conditions in rule 17.1(1).

(5) The court may at any stage of the proceedings give directions as to the appointment of a litigation friend.

(Rule 1.2 requires the court to consider how P should participate in the proceedings, which may be by way of being made a party and the appointment of a litigation friend under this Part.)

Court's power to prevent a person from acting as a litigation friend or to bring an end to an appointment of a person as a litigation friend or to appoint another one E+W

17.5.—(1) The court may either on its own initiative or on the application of any person—

(a) direct that a person may not act as a litigation friend;

(b) bring to an end a litigation friend's appointment; or

(c) appoint a new litigation friend in place of an existing one.

(2) If an application for an order under paragraph (1) is based on the conduct of the litigation friend, it must be supported by evidence.

(3) The court may not appoint a litigation friend under this rule unless it is satisfied that the person to be appointed satisfies the conditions in rule 17.1(1).

(4) The appointment of a litigation friend continues until brought to an end by court order.

(Rule 13.1 (procedure for disputing the court's jurisdiction) applies if P has capacity in relation to the matter or matters to which the application relates.)

Appointment of litigation friend by court order – supplementary E+W

17.6.  The applicant must serve a copy of an application for an order under rule 17.4 or 17.5 on—

(a) the person on whom an application form is to be served in accordance with rule 6.4 (service on children and protected parties);

(b) every other person who is a party to the proceedings;

(c) any person who is the litigation friend, or who is purporting to act as the litigation friend, when the application is made; and

(d) unless that person is the applicant, the person who it is proposed should be the litigation friend,

as soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which the application was issued.

Procedure where appointment of a litigation friend comes to an end for a child E+W

17.7.  When a child reaches 18, provided the child is neither—

(a) P; nor

(b) a protected party,

the litigation friend's appointment ends and the child must serve notice on every other party—

(i) stating that the child has reached full age;

(ii) stating that the appointment of the litigation friend has ended; and

(iii) providing an address for service.

Practice direction in relation to litigation friends E+W

17.8.  A practice direction may make additional or supplementary provision in relation to litigation friends.

SECTION 2 – RULE 1.2 REPRESENTATIVES E+W

Who may act as a rule 1.2 representative for P E+W

17.9.  A person may act as an accredited legal representative, or a representative, for P, if that person can fairly and competently discharge his or her functions on behalf of P.

Rule 1.2 representative by court order E+W

17.10.—(1) The court may make an order appointing a person to act as a representative, or an accredited legal representative, for P.

(2) The court may make an order under paragraph (1)—

(a) either of its own initiative or on the application of any person; but

(b) only with the consent of the person to be appointed.

(3) The court may not appoint a representative or an accredited legal representative under this rule unless it is satisfied that the person to be appointed satisfies the conditions in rule 17.9.

(4) The court may at any stage of the proceedings give directions as to the terms of appointment of a representative or an accredited legal representative.

(Rule 1.2 requires the court to consider how P should participate in the proceedings, which may be by way of the appointment of a representative or accredited legal representative under this Part.)

Application by rule 1.2 representative or by P for directions E+W

17.11.  A representative, an accredited legal representative or P may, at any time and without giving notice to the other parties, apply to the court for directions relating to the performance, terms of appointment or continuation of the appointment of the representative or accredited legal representative.

Court's power to prevent a person from acting as a rule 1.2 representative or to bring an end to an appointment of a person as a rule 1.2 representative or to appoint another one E+W

17.12.—(1) The court may, either of its own initiative or on the application of any person—

(a) direct that a person may not act as a representative or accredited legal representative;

(b) bring to an end a representative's or accredited legal representative's appointment;

(c) appoint a new representative or accredited legal representative in place of an existing one; or

(d) vary the terms of a representative's or accredited legal representative's appointment.

(2) If an application for an order under paragraph (1) is based on the conduct of the representative or accredited legal representative, it must be supported by evidence.

(3) The court may not appoint a representative or accredited legal representative under this rule unless it is satisfied that the person to be appointed satisfies the conditions in rule 17.9.

(4) The appointment of a representative or accredited legal representative continues until brought to an end by court order.

(5) The court must bring to an end the appointment of a representative or an accredited legal representative if P has capacity to appoint such a representative and does not wish the appointment by the court to continue.

Appointment of rule 1.2 representative by court order – supplementary E+W

17.13.  The applicant must serve a copy of an application for an order under rule 17.10 or rule 17.12 on—

(a) the person on whom an application form is to be served in accordance with rule 6.4 (service on children and protected parties);

(b) every other person who is a party to the proceedings;

(c) any person who is the representative, or accredited legal representative, or who is purporting to act as such representative, when the application is made; and

(d) unless that person is the applicant, the person who it is proposed should be the representative or accredited legal representative,

as soon as practicable and in any event within 14 days of the date on which the application was issued.

Practice direction in relation to rule 1.2 representatives E+W

17.14.  A practice direction may make additional or supplementary provision in relation to representatives or accredited legal representatives.

PART 18 E+W CHANGE OF SOLICITOR

Contents of this Part

Change of solicitor	Rule 18.1
Legally aided persons	Rule 18.2
Order that a solicitor has ceased to act	Rule 18.3
Removal of solicitor who has ceased to act on application of another party	Rule 18.4
Practice direction relating to change of solicitor	Rule 18.5

Change of solicitor E+W

18.1.—(1) This rule applies where a party to proceedings—

(a) for whom a solicitor is acting wants to change solicitor or act in person; or

(b) after having conducted the proceedings in person, appoints a solicitor to act on his or her behalf (except where the solicitor is appointed only to act as an advocate for a hearing).

(2) The party proposing the change must—

(a) file a notice of the change with the court; and

(b) serve the notice of the change on every other party to the proceedings and, if there is one, on the solicitor who will cease to act.

(3) The notice must state the party's address for service.

(4) The notice filed at court must state that it has been served as required by paragraph (2)(b).

(5) Where there is a solicitor who will cease to act, that solicitor will continue to be considered the party's solicitor unless and until—

(a) the notice is filed and served in accordance with paragraphs (2), (3) and (4); or

(b) the court makes an order under rule 18.3 and the order is served in accordance with that rule.

Legally aided persons E+W

18.2.—(1) Where the certificate of any person (“A”) who is a legally aided person is revoked or withdrawn—

(a) the solicitor who acted for A will cease to be the solicitor acting in the case as soon as the solicitor's retainer is determined under regulation 24 or 41 of the Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) Regulations 2012 M15 ; and

(b) if A wishes to continue and appoints a solicitor to act on his or her behalf, rule 18.1(2), (3) and (4) will apply as if A had previously conducted the proceedings in person.

(2) In this rule, “certificate” means a certificate issued under the Civil Legal Aid (Procedure) Regulations 2012.

Marginal Citations

M15 S.I. 2012/3098.

Order that a solicitor has ceased to act E+W

18.3.—(1) A solicitor may apply for an order declaring that he or she has ceased to be the solicitor acting for a party.

(2) Where an application is made under this rule—

(a) the solicitor must serve the application notice on the party for whom the solicitor is acting, unless the court directs otherwise; and

(b) the application must be supported by evidence.

(3) Where the court makes an order that a solicitor has ceased to act, the solicitor must—

(a) serve a copy of the order on every other party to the proceedings; and

(b) file a certificate of service.

Removal of solicitor who has ceased to act on application of another party E+W

18.4.—(1) Where—

(a) a solicitor who has acted for a party—

(i) has died;

(ii) has become bankrupt;

(iii) has ceased to practice; or

(iv) cannot be found; and

(b) the party has not served a notice of change of solicitor or notice of intention to act in person as required by rule 18.1,

any other party may apply for an order declaring that the solicitor has ceased to be the solicitor acting for the other party in the case.

(2) Where an application is made under this rule, the applicant must serve the application on the party to whose solicitor the application relates, unless the court directs otherwise.

(3) Where the court makes an order under this rule—

(a) the court shall give directions about serving a copy of the order on every other party to the proceedings; and

(b) where the order is served by a party, that party must file a certificate of service.

Practice direction relating to change of solicitor E+W

18.5.  A practice direction may make additional or different provision in relation to change of solicitor.

PART 19 E+W COSTS

Contents of this Part

Interpretation	Rule 19.1
Property and affairs – the general rule	Rule 19.2
Personal welfare – the general rule	Rule 19.3
Apportioning costs – the general rule	Rule 19.4
Departing from the general rule	Rule 19.5
Rules about costs in the Civil Procedure Rules to apply	Rule 19.6
Detailed assessment of costs	Rule 19.7
Employment of a solicitor by two or more persons	Rule 19.8
Costs of the Official Solicitor	Rule 19.9
Procedure for assessing costs	Rule 19.10
Costs following P's death	Rule 19.11
Costs orders in favour of or against non-parties	Rule 19.12
Remuneration of a deputy, donee or attorney	Rule 19.13
Practice direction as to costs	Rule 19.14

Interpretation E+W

19.1.—(1) In this Part—

“authorised court officer” means any officer of the Senior Courts Costs Office whom the Lord Chancellor has authorised to assess costs;

“costs” include fees, charges, disbursements, expenses, remuneration and any reimbursement allowed to a litigant in person;

“costs judge” means a taxing Master of the Senior Courts;

“costs officer” means a costs judge or an authorised court officer;

“detailed assessment” means the procedure by which the amount of costs or remuneration is decided by a costs officer in accordance with Part 47 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (which are applied to proceedings under these Rules, with modifications, by rule 19.6);

“fixed costs” are to be construed in accordance with the relevant practice direction;

“fund” includes any estate or property held for the benefit of any person or class of persons, and any fund to which a trustee or personal representative is entitled in that capacity;

“paying party” means a party liable to pay costs;

“pro bono representation” means representation provided free of charge;

“receiving party” means a party entitled to be paid costs;

“summary assessment” means the procedure by which the court, when making an order about costs, orders payment of a sum of money instead of fixed costs or detailed assessment.

(2) The costs to which rules in this Part apply include—

(a) where the costs may be assessed by the court, costs payable by a client to his or her legal representative; and

(b) costs which are payable by one party to another party under the terms of a contract, where the court makes an order for an assessment of those costs.

(3) Where advocacy or litigation services are provided to a client under a conditional fee agreement, costs are recoverable under this Part notwithstanding that the client is liable to pay his or her legal representative's fees and expenses only to the extent that sums are recovered in respect of the proceedings, whether by way of costs or otherwise.

(4) In paragraph (3), the reference to a conditional fee agreement means an agreement enforceable under section 58 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 M16 .

Marginal Citations

M16 1990 c. 41. Section 58 was substituted by section 27(1) of the Access to Justice Act 1999 (c. 22).

Property and affairs – the general rule E+W

19.2.  Where the proceedings concern P's property and affairs the general rule is that the costs of the proceedings, or of that part of the proceedings that concerns P's property and affairs, shall be paid by P or charged to P's estate.

Personal welfare – the general rule E+W

19.3.  Where the proceedings concern P's personal welfare the general rule is that there will be no order as to the costs of the proceedings, or of that part of the proceedings that concerns P's personal welfare.

Apportioning costs – the general rule E+W

19.4.  Where the proceedings concern both property and affairs and personal welfare the court, in so far as practicable, shall apportion the costs as between the respective issues.

Departing from the general rule E+W

19.5.—(1) The court may depart from rules 19.2 to 19.4 if the circumstances so justify, and in deciding whether departure is justified the court will have regard to all the circumstances including—

(a) the conduct of the parties;

(b) whether a party has succeeded on part of that party's case, even if not wholly successful; and

(c) the role of any public body involved in the proceedings.

(2) The conduct of the parties includes—

(a) conduct before, as well as during, the proceedings;

(b) whether it was reasonable for a party to raise, pursue or contest a particular matter;

(c) the manner in which a party has made or responded to an application or a particular issue;

(d) whether a party who has succeeded in that party's application or response to an application, in whole or in part, exaggerated any matter contained in the application or response; and

(e) any failure by a party to comply with a rule, practice direction or court order.

(3) Without prejudice to rules 19.2 to 19.4 and the foregoing provisions of this rule, the court may permit a party to recover their fixed costs in accordance with the relevant practice direction.

Rules about costs in the Civil Procedure Rules to apply E+W

19.6.—(1) Subject to the provisions of these Rules, Parts 44, 46 and 47 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 M17 (“the 1998 Rules”) apply with the modifications in this rule and such other modifications as may be appropriate, to costs incurred in relation to proceedings under these Rules as they apply to costs incurred in relation to proceedings in the High Court.

(2) Rules 3.12 to 3.18 of the 1998 Rules and Practice Direction 3E supporting those Rules do not apply in relation to proceedings under these Rules.

(3) The provisions of Part 47 of the 1998 Rules apply with the modifications in this rule and such other modifications as may be appropriate, to a detailed assessment of the remuneration of a deputy under these Rules as they apply to a detailed assessment of costs in proceedings to which the 1998 Rules apply.

(4) Where the definitions in Part 44 (referred to in Parts 44, 46 and 47) of the 1998 Rules are different from the definitions in rule 19.1 of these Rules, the latter definitions prevail.

(5) Rules 44.2(1) to (5), 44.4(3)(h), 44.5, 44.6, 44.9 and 44.13 to 44.18 of the 1998 Rules do not apply.

(6) For rule 46.1(1) of the 1998 Rules there is substituted—

“(1) This paragraph applies where a person applies for an order for specific disclosure before the commencement of proceedings.”.

(7) Rules 46.2, 46.5 and 46.10 to 46.19 of the 1998 Rules do not apply.

(8) In rule 47.3(1)(c) of the 1998 Rules, the words “unless the costs are being assessed under rule 46.4 (costs where money is payable to a child or protected party)” are omitted.

(9) In rule 47.3(2) of the 1998 Rules, the words “or a District Judge” are omitted.

(10) Rule 47.4(3) and (4) of the 1998 Rules do not apply.

(11) Rules 47.9(4), 47.10 and 47.11 of the 1998 Rules do not apply where the costs are to be paid by P or charged to P's estate.

Marginal Citations

M17 S.I. 1998/3132. Parts 43 to 48 were replaced with amended provisions by S.I. 2013/262, rules 15 and 16 and the Schedule.

Detailed assessment of costs E+W

19.7.—(1) Where the court orders costs to be assessed by way of detailed assessment, the detailed assessment proceedings shall take place in the High Court.

(2) A fee is payable in respect of the detailed assessment of costs and on an appeal against a decision made in a detailed assessment of costs.

(3) Where a detailed assessment of costs has taken place, the amount payable by P is the amount which the court certifies as payable.

Employment of a solicitor by two or more persons E+W

19.8.  Where two or more persons having the same interest in relation to a matter act in relation to the proceedings by separate legal representatives, they shall not be permitted more than one set of costs of the representation unless and to the extent that the court certifies that the circumstances justify separate representation.

Costs of the Official Solicitor E+W

19.9.  Any costs incurred by the Official Solicitor in relation to proceedings under these Rules or in carrying out any directions given by the court and not provided for by remuneration under rule 19.13 shall be paid by such persons or out of such funds as the court may direct.

Procedure for assessing costs E+W

19.10.  Where the court orders a party, or P, to pay costs to another party it may either—

(a) make a summary assessment of the costs; or

(b) order a detailed assessment of the costs by a costs officer;

unless any rule, practice direction or other enactment provides otherwise.

Costs following P's death E+W

19.11.  An order or direction that costs incurred during P's lifetime be paid out of or charged on P's estate may be made within 6 years after P's death.

Costs orders in favour of or against non-parties E+W

19.12.—(1) Where the court is considering whether to make a costs order in favour of or against a person who is not a party to proceedings, that person must be—

(a) added as a party to the proceedings for the purposes of costs only;

(b) served with such documents as the court may direct; and

(c) given a reasonable opportunity to attend any hearing at which the court will consider the matter further.

(2) This rule does not apply where the court is considering whether to make an order against the Lord Chancellor in proceedings in which the Lord Chancellor has provided legal aid to a party to the proceedings.

Remuneration of a deputy, donee or attorney E+W

19.13.—(1) Where the court orders that a deputy, donee or attorney is entitled to remuneration out of P's estate for discharging functions as such, the court may make such order as it thinks fit including an order that—

(a) the deputy, donee or attorney be paid a fixed amount;

(b) the deputy, donee or attorney be paid at a specified rate; or

(c) the amount of the remuneration shall be determined in accordance with the schedule of fees set out in the relevant practice direction.

(2) Any amount permitted by the court under paragraph (1) shall constitute a debt due from P's estate.

(3) The court may order a detailed assessment of the remuneration by a costs officer in accordance with rule 19.10(b).

Practice direction as to costs E+W

19.14.  A practice direction may make further provision in respect of costs in proceedings.

PART 20 E+W APPEALS

Contents of this Part

Scope of this Part	Rule 20.1
Interpretation	Rule 20.2
Dealing with appeals	Rule 20.3
Destination of appeals	Rule 20.4
Permission to appeal – appeals to the Court of Appeal	Rule 20.5
Permission to appeal – other cases	Rule 20.6
Appeal against an order for committal to prison	Rule 20.7
Matters to be taken into account when considering an application for permission	Rule 20.8
Power to treat application for permission to appeal as application for reconsideration under rule 13.4	Rule 20.9
Appellant's notice	Rule 20.10
Respondent's notice	Rule 20.11
Variation of time	Rule 20.12
Power of appeal judge on appeal	Rule 20.13
Determination of appeals	Rule 20.14

Scope of this Part E+W

20.1.  This Part applies to an appeal against any decision of the court.

Interpretation E+W

20.2.—(1) In the following provisions of this Part—

(a) “appeal judge” means a judge of the court to whom an appeal is made;

(b) “first instance judge” means the judge of the court from whose decision an appeal is brought;

(c) “appellant” means the person who brings or seeks to bring an appeal;

(d) “respondent” means—

(i) a person other than the appellant who was a party to the proceedings before the first instance judge and who is affected by the appeal; or

(ii) a person who is permitted or directed by the first instance judge or the appeal judge to be party to the appeal; and

(e) “a second appeal” means an appeal from a decision of a judge of the court which was itself made on appeal from a judge of the court.

(2) In this Part, where the expression “permission” is used it means “permission to appeal” unless otherwise stated.

Dealing with appeals E+W

20.3.—(1) The court may deal with an appeal or any part of an appeal at a hearing or without a hearing.

(2) In considering whether it is necessary to hold a hearing, the court shall have regard to the matters set out in rule 3.6(5).

(3) Any person bound by an order of the court by virtue of rule 9.14 (persons to be bound as if parties) may seek permission under this Part.

(4) All parties to an appeal must comply with any relevant practice direction.

(5) Where permission is required, it is to be granted or refused in accordance with this Part.

(Rule 13.4 provides for reconsideration of orders made without a hearing or without notice to a person.)

Destination of appeals E+W

20.4.—(1) An appeal from a decision of a judge of the court shall lie to the Court of Appeal in the following cases—

(a) where it is an appeal from a decision of a Tier 3 Judge; or

(b) where it is a second appeal.

(2) Subject to paragraph (1) and to any alternative provision made by the relevant practice direction—

(a) where the first instance judge was a Tier 1 Judge, any appeal shall be heard by a Tier 2 Judge;

(b) where the first instance judge was a Tier 2 Judge, any appeal shall be heard by a Tier 3 Judge.

(3) No appeal may be made against a decision of a court officer authorised under rule 2.3.

(A decision of a court officer authorised under rule 2.3 can be reconsidered by a judge under rule 13.4.)

Permission to appeal – appeals to the Court of Appeal E+W

20.5.—(1) Subject to rule 20.7, an appeal to the Court of Appeal against a decision of a judge of the court may not be made without permission.

(2) Where an appeal to the Court of Appeal is made from a decision of a Tier 3 Judge, permission may be granted by the first instance judge or by the Court of Appeal, unless the appeal is a second appeal.

(3) Where an appeal to the Court of Appeal is a second appeal, permission may only be granted by the Court of Appeal.

(4) No appeal shall lie against—

(a) the granting or refusal of permission under this rule; or

(b) an order allowing an extension of time for appealing from an order.

(The procedure for an appeal from a decision of a judge of the court to the Court of Appeal, including requirements for permission, is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules 1998.)

Permission to appeal – other cases E+W

20.6.—(1) Subject to rules 20.5 and 20.7, an appeal against a decision of the court may not be made without permission.

(2) An application for permission to appeal may be made to—

(a) the first instance judge; or

(b) another judge who satisfies the relevant condition in paragraph (4) or (5).

(3) Where an application for permission is refused by the first instance judge, a further application for permission may be made to a judge who satisfies the relevant condition in paragraph (4) or (5).

(4) Where the decision sought to be appealed is a decision of a Tier 1 Judge, permission may also be granted or refused by—

(a) a Tier 2 Judge; or

(b) a Tier 3 Judge.

(5) Where the decision sought to be appealed is a decision of a Tier 2 Judge, permission may also be granted or refused by a Tier 3 Judge.

(6) Subject to paragraph (7) and except where another rule or a practice direction provides otherwise, where a judge who satisfies the relevant condition in paragraph (4) or (5), without a hearing, refuses permission to appeal against the decision of the first instance judge, the person seeking permission may request the decision to be reconsidered at a hearing.

(7) Where a Tier 3 Judge or the Senior Judge refuses permission to appeal without a hearing and considers that the application is totally without merit, that judge may order that the person seeking permission may not request the decision to be reconsidered at a hearing.

(8) Subject to paragraph (6), no appeal shall lie against—

(a) the granting or refusal of permission under this rule; or

(b) an order allowing an extension of time for appealing from an order.

Appeal against an order for committal to prison E+W

20.7.  Permission is not required to appeal against an order for committal to prison.

Matters to be taken into account when considering an application for permission E+W

20.8.—(1) Permission to appeal shall be granted only where—

(a) the court considers that the appeal would have a real prospect of success; or

(b) there is some other compelling reason why the appeal should be heard.

(2) An order giving permission may—

(a) limit the issues to be heard; and

(b) be made subject to conditions.

(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to second appeals.

Power to treat application for permission to appeal as application for reconsideration under rule 13.4 E+W

20.9.—(1) Where a person seeking permission to appeal a decision would be entitled to seek reconsideration of that decision under rule 13.4 (or would have been so entitled had the application been made within 21 days of the date of that decision)—

(a) a practice direction may provide; or

(b) the court may direct,

that an application for permission shall be treated as an application for reconsideration under rule 13.4.

(2) In any case where paragraph (1) applies, the decision in question shall be reconsidered in accordance with the provisions of rule 13.4.

Appellant's notice E+W

20.10.—(1) Where the appellant seeks permission from a judge other than the first instance judge, it must be requested in the appellant's notice.

(2) The appellant must file an appellant's notice at the court within—

(a) such period as may be directed or specified in the order of the first instance judge; or

(b) where that judge makes no such direction or order, 21 days after the date of the decision being appealed.

(3) The court shall issue the appellant's notice and unless it orders otherwise, the appellant must serve the appellant's notice on each respondent and on such other persons as the court may direct, as soon as practicable and in any event within 21 days of the date on which it was issued.

(4) The appellant must file a certificate of service within 7 days beginning with the date on which the appellant served the appellant's notice.

Respondent's notice E+W

20.11.—(1) A respondent who—

(a) is seeking permission from a judge other than the first instance judge; or

(b) wishes to ask the appeal judge to uphold the order of the first instance judge for reasons different from or additional to those given by the first instance judge,

must file a respondent's notice.

(2) Where the respondent seeks permission from a judge other than the first instance judge, permission must be requested in the respondent's notice.

(3) A respondent's notice must be filed within—

(a) such period as may be directed by the first instance judge; or

(b) where the first instance judge makes no such direction, 21 days beginning with the date referred to in paragraph (4).

(4) The date is the soonest of—

(a) the date on which the respondent is served with the appellant's notice where—

(i) permission was given by the first instance judge; or

(ii) permission is not required;

(b) the date on which the respondent is served with notification that a judge other than the first instance judge has given the appellant permission; or

(c) the date on which the respondent is served with the notification that the application for permission and the appeal itself are to be heard together.

(5) The court shall issue a respondent's notice, and unless it orders otherwise, the respondent must serve the respondent's notice on the appellant, any other respondent and on such other persons as the court may direct, as soon as practicable and in any event within 21 days of the date on which it was issued.

(6) The respondent must file a certificate of service within 7 days beginning with the date on which the copy of the respondent's notice was served.

Variation of time E+W

20.12.  The parties may not agree to extend any date or time limit for or in respect of an appeal set by—

(a) these Rules;

(b) the relevant practice direction; or

(c) an order of the appeal judge or the first instance judge.

Power of appeal judge on appeal E+W

20.13.—(1) In relation to an appeal, an appeal judge has all the powers of the first instance judge whose decision is being appealed.

(2) In particular, the appeal judge has the power to—

(a) affirm, set aside or vary any order made by the first instance judge;

(b) refer any claim or issue to that judge for determination;

(c) order a new hearing;

(d) make a costs order.

(3) The appeal judge's powers may be exercised in relation to the whole or part of an order made by the first instance judge.

Determination of appeals E+W

20.14.—(1) An appeal shall be limited to a review of the decision of the first instance judge unless—

(a) a practice direction makes different provision for a particular category of appeal; or

(b) the appeal judge considers that in the circumstances of the appeal it would be in the interests of justice to hold a re-hearing.

(2) Unless the appeal judge orders otherwise, the appeal judge shall not receive—

(a) oral evidence; or

(b) evidence that was not before the first instance judge.

(3) The appeal judge shall allow an appeal where the decision of the first instance judge was—

(a) wrong; or

(b) unjust, because of a serious procedural or other irregularity in the proceedings before the first instance judge.

(4) The appeal judge may draw any inference of fact that the appeal judge considers justified on the evidence.

(5) At the hearing of the appeal, a party may not rely on a matter not contained in the appellant's or respondent's notice unless the appeal judge gives permission.

[F25 PART 21 E+W APPLICATIONS AND PROCEEDINGS IN RELATION TO CONTEMPT OF COURT

Textual Amendments

F25 Pt. 21 substituted (1.1.2023) by The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2022 (S.I. 2022/1192), rule 1(1), Sch.

Contents of this Part

Title	Rule number
Scope	Rule 21.1
Interpretation	Rule 21.2
How to make a contempt application	Rule 21.3
Requirements of a contempt application	Rule 21.4
Service of a contempt application	Rule 21.5
Cases where no application is made	Rule 21.6
Hearings and judgments in contempt proceedings	Rule 21.7
Dispensation with personal service	Rule 21.8
Powers of the court in contempt proceedings	Rule 21.9
Applications to discharge committal proceedings	Rule 21.10

Scope E+W

21.1.— (1) This Part sets out the procedure to be followed in proceedings for contempt of court (‘contempt proceedings’).

(2) This Part does not alter the scope and extent of the jurisdiction of courts determining contempt proceedings, whether inherent, statutory or at common law.

(3) This Part has effect subject to and the extent that it is consistent with the substantive law of contempt of court.

Interpretation E+W

21.2.   In this Part—

• “claimant” means a person making a contempt application;

• “contempt application” means an application to the court for an order determining contempt proceedings;

• “defendant” means the person against whom the application is made;

• “order of committal” means the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment (whether immediate or suspended) for contempt of court;

• “penal notice” means a prominent notice on the front of an order warning that if the person against whom the order is made (and in the case of a corporate body, a director or officer of that body) disobeys the court’s order, the person (or director of officer) may be held in contempt of court and punished by a fine, imprisonment, confiscation of assets or other punishment under the law.

How to make a contempt application E+W

21.3.— (1) A contempt application made in existing proceedings before the Court of Protection is made by an application under Part 10 in those proceedings, whether or not the application is made against a party to those proceedings.

(2) Permission to make a contempt application is required where the application is made in relation to—

(a) interference with the due administration of justice in connection with proceedings in the Court of Protection, except where the contempt is committed in the face of the court or consists of disobedience to an order of the court or a breach of an undertaking to the court;

(b) an allegation of knowingly making a false statement in any affidavit, affirmation or other document verified by a statement of truth or in a disclosure statement.

(3) If permission to make the application is needed, the application for permission shall be included in the contempt application, which will proceed to a full hearing only if permission is granted.

(4) Where contempt is committed in connection with any proceedings in the Court of Protection, the application for permission may only be made to a Tier 3 Judge.

Requirements of a contempt application E+W

21.4.— (1) Unless and to the extent that the court directs otherwise, every contempt application must be supported by written evidence given by affidavit or affirmation.

(2) A contempt application must include statements of all the following, unless (in the case of (b) to (g)) wholly inapplicable—

(a) the nature of the alleged contempt (for example, breach of an order or undertaking or contempt in the face of the court);

(b) the date and terms of any order allegedly breached or disobeyed;

(c) confirmation that any such order was personally served, and the date it was served, unless the court or the parties dispensed with personal service;

(d) if the court dispensed with personal service, the terms and date of the court’s order dispensing with personal service;

(e) confirmation that any order allegedly breached or disobeyed included a penal notice;

(f) the date and terms of any undertaking allegedly breached;

(g) confirmation of the claimant’s belief that the person who gave any undertaking understood its terms and the consequences of failure to comply with it;

(h) a brief summary of the facts alleged to constitute the contempt, set out numerically in chronological order;

(i) that the defendant has the right to be legally represented in the contempt proceedings;

(j) that the defendant is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to obtain legal representation and to apply for legal aid which may be available without any means test;

(k) that the defendant may be entitled to the services of an interpreter;

(l) that the defendant is entitled to a reasonable time to prepare for the hearing;

(m) that the defendant is entitled but not obliged to give written and oral evidence in their defence;

(n) that the defendant has the right to remain silent and to decline to answer any question the answer to which may incriminate the defendant;

(o) that the court may proceed in the defendant’s absence if they do not attend but(whether or not they attend) will only find the defendant in contempt if satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the facts constituting contempt and that they do constitute contempt;

(p) that if the court is satisfied that the defendant has committed a contempt, the court may punish the defendant by a fine, imprisonment, confiscation of assets or other punishment under the law;

(q) that if the defendant admits the contempt and wishes to apologise to the court, that is likely to reduce the seriousness of any punishment by the court;

(r) that the court’s findings will be provided in writing as soon as practicable after the hearing; and

(s) that the court will sit in public, unless and to the extent that the court orders otherwise, and that its findings will be made public.

Service of a contempt application E+W

21.5.— (1) Unless the court directs otherwise in accordance with Part 6 and except as provided in paragraph (2), a contempt application and evidence in support must be served on the defendant personally.

(2) Where a legal representative for the defendant is on the record in the proceedings in which, or in connection with which, an alleged contempt is committed—

(a) the contempt application and evidence in support may be served on the representative or the defendant unless the representative objects in writing within seven days of receipt of the application and evidence in support;

(b) if the representative does not object in writing, they must at once provide to the defendant a copy of the contempt application and the evidence supporting it and take all reasonable steps to ensure the defendant understands them;

(c) if the representative objects in writing, the issue of service shall be referred to a judge of the court dealing with the contempt application; and the judge shall consider written representations from the parties and determine the issue on the papers, without (unless the judge directs otherwise) an oral hearing.

Cases where no application is made E+W

21.6.— (1) If the court considers that a contempt of court (including a contempt in the face of the court) may have been committed, the court on its own initiative shall consider whether to proceed against the defendant in contempt proceedings.

(2)  Where the court does so, any other party in the proceedings may be required by the court to give such assistance to the court as is proportionate and reasonable, having regard to the resources available to that party.

(3) If the court proceeds on its own initiative, it shall issue a summons to the defendant which includes the matters set out in rule 21.4(2)(a)-(s) (in so far as applicable) and requires the defendant to attend court for directions to be given.

(4) A summons issued under this rule shall be served on the defendant personally and on any other party, unless the court directs otherwise. If rule 21.5(2) applies, the procedure there set out shall be followed unless the court directs otherwise.

Directions for hearing of contempt proceedings E+W

21.7.— (1) The court shall give such directions as it thinks fit for the hearing and determination of contempt proceedings, including directions for the attendance of witnesses and oral evidence, as it considers appropriate.

(2) The court may issue a bench warrant to secure the attendance of the defendant at a directions hearing or at the substantive hearing.

(3) The court may not give any direction compelling the defendant to give evidence either orally or in writing.

Hearings and judgments in contempt proceedings E+W

21.8.— (1) All hearings of contempt proceedings shall, irrespective of the parties’ consent, be listed and heard in public unless the court otherwise directs, applying the provisions of paragraph (4).

(2) In deciding whether to hold a hearing in private, the court must consider any duty to protect or have regard to a right to freedom of expression which may be affected.

(3) The court shall take reasonable steps to ensure that all hearings are of an open and public character, save when a hearing is held in private.

(4) A hearing, or any part of it, must be held in private if, and only to the extent that, the court is satisfied of one or more of the matters set out in sub-paragraphs (a) to (g) and that it is necessary to sit in private to secure the proper administration of justice—

(a) publicity would defeat the object of the hearing;

(b) it involves matters relating to national security;

(c) it involves confidential information (including information relating to personal financial matters) and publicity would damage that confidentiality;

(d) a private hearing is necessary to protect the interests of P, a protected party or any child;

(e) it is a hearing of an application made without notice and it would be unjust to any respondent for there to be a public hearing;

(f) it involves uncontentious matters arising in the administration of the affairs of P or in the administration of P’s estate; or

(g) the court for any other reason considers this to be necessary to secure the proper administration of justice.

(5) The court must order that the identity of any party or witness shall not be disclosed if, and only if, it considers non-disclosure necessary to secure the proper administration of justice and in order to protect the interests of that party or witness.

(6) Unless and to the extent that the court otherwise directs, where the court acts under paragraph (4) or (5), a copy of the court’s order shall be published on the website of the Judiciary of England and Wales (which may be found at www.judiciary.uk). Any person who is not a party to the proceedings may apply to attend the hearing and make submissions or apply to set aside or vary the order.

(7) Advocates and the judge shall appear robed in all hearings of contempt proceedings, whether or not the court sits in public.

(8) Before deciding to sit in private for all or part of the hearing, the court shall notify the national print and broadcast media, via the Press Association.

(9) The court shall consider any submissions from the parties or media organisations before deciding whether and if so to what extent the hearing should be in private.

(10) If the court decides to sit in private it shall, before doing so, sit in public to give a reasoned public judgment setting out why it is doing so.

(11) At the conclusion of the hearing, whether or not held in private, the court shall sit in public to give a reasoned public judgment stating its findings and any punishment.

(12) The court shall inform the defendant of the right to appeal without permission, the time limit for appealing and the court before which any appeal must be brought.

(13) The court shall be responsible for ensuring that judgments in contempt proceedings are transcribed and published on the website of the judiciary of England and Wales.

Powers of the court in contempt proceedings E+W

21.9.— (1) If the court finds the defendant in contempt of court, the court may impose a period of imprisonment (an order of committal), a fine, confiscation of assets or other punishment permitted under the law.

(2) Execution of an order of committal requires issue of a warrant of committal. An order of committal and a warrant of committal have immediate effect unless and to the extent that the court decides to suspend execution of the order or warrant.

(3) An order or warrant of committal must be personally served on the defendant unless the court directs otherwise.

(4) To the extent that the substantive law permits, a court may attach a power of arrest to a committal order.

(5) An order or warrant of committal may not be enforced more than two years after the date it was made unless the court directs otherwise.

Applications to discharge committal orders E+W

21.10.— (1) A defendant against whom a committal order has been made may apply to discharge it.

(2) Any such application shall be made by an application notice under Part 10 in the contempt proceedings.

(3) The court hearing such an application shall consider all the circumstances and make such order under the law as it thinks fit.]

PART 22 E+W CIVIL RESTRAINT ORDERS

Contents of this Part

Powers of the court to make civil restraint orders

Rule 22.1

Powers of the court to make civil restraint orders E+W

22.1.—(1) If the court, whether or not on its own initiative, dismisses an application (including an application for permission) and considers that the application is totally without merit—

(a) the court's order must record that fact; and

(b) the court must at the same time consider whether it is appropriate to make a civil restraint order.

(2) Practice Direction 22A sets out—

(a) the circumstances in which the court has the power to make a civil restraint order against a party to proceedings;

(b) the procedure where a party applies for a civil restraint order against another party; and

(c) the consequences of the court making a civil restraint order.

PART 23 E+W INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION OF ADULTS

Contents of this Part

Applications in connection with Schedule 3 to the Act – general	Rule 23.1
Interpretation	Rule 23.2
Application of these Rules in relation to Schedule 3 applications	Rule 23.3
Applications for recognition and enforcement	Rule 23.4
Applications in relation to lasting powers – disapplication or modification	Rule 23.5
Applications in relation to lasting powers – declaration as to authority of donee of lasting power	Rule 23.6

Applications in connection with Schedule 3 to the Act – general E+W

23.1.—(1) This Part applies to applications made in connection with Schedule 3 to the Act.

(2) A practice direction may make additional or supplementary provision in respect of any of the matters in this Part.

Interpretation E+W

23.2.—(1) Unless otherwise provided in a practice direction made under rule 23.1(2), and subject to paragraph (2), an expression which appears both in this Part and in Schedule 3 to the Act is to be construed in accordance with Schedule 3 to the Act, including, where required by paragraph 2(4) of Schedule 3, construing it in accordance with the Convention.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 13(6) of Schedule 3 to the Act, “lasting power” does not include—

(a) a lasting power of attorney within the meaning of section 9 of the Act; or

(b) an enduring power of attorney within the meaning of Schedule 4 to the Act.

(3) In this Part, “Schedule 3 application” means an application made under this Part (whether or not additional declarations or orders under sections 15 and 16 of the Act are sought as part of such application).

Application of these Rules in relation to Schedule 3 applications E+W

23.3.—(1) These Rules and accompanying practice directions apply in relation to Schedule 3 applications as if for “P” there were substituted “ the adult ”.

(2) For the purposes of rule 1.2(4) and Part 17, the question of whether the adult has capacity to conduct proceedings in relation to a Schedule 3 application is to be determined in accordance with Part 1 of the Act.

(3) The permission of the court is not required for a Schedule 3 application.

Applications for recognition and enforcement E+W

23.4.—(1) An application for a declaration under paragraph 20 (recognition) or paragraph 22 (enforcement) of Schedule 3 to the Act is to be made in accordance with Part 9 and any practice direction made under rule 23.1(2).

(2) Without prejudice to its powers under Parts 6 (service) and 7 (notice), the court may dispense with service and notice where it thinks just to do so, having regard in particular to—

(a) whether the adult or (as the case may be) any respondent to the application is within the jurisdiction; and

(b) the need for applications for declarations of enforceability to be determined rapidly.

Applications in relation to lasting powers – disapplication or modification E+W

23.5.  An application under paragraph 14(1) of Schedule 3 to the Act for the court to disapply or modify a lasting power is to be made in accordance with Part 9 and any practice direction made under rule 23.1(2).

Applications in relation to lasting powers – declaration as to authority of donee of lasting power E+W

23.6.  An application for a declaration under section 15(1)(c) of the Act that a donee of a lasting power is acting lawfully when exercising authority under that lasting power is to be made in accordance with Part 9 and any practice direction made under rule 23.1(2).

PART 24 E+W MISCELLANEOUS

Contents of this Part

Enforcement methods – general	Rule 24.1
Enforcement methods – application of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998	Rule 24.2
Order or directions requiring a person to give security for discharge of functions	Rule 24.3
Objections to registration of an enduring power of attorney – request for directions	Rule 24.4
Disposal of property where P ceases to lack capacity	Rule 24.5
Citation and commencement, revocations and transitional provision	Rule 24.6

Enforcement methods – general E+W

24.1.—(1) The relevant practice direction may set out methods of enforcing judgments or orders.

(2) An application for an order for enforcement may be made on application by any person in accordance with Part 10.

Enforcement methods – application of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 E+W

24.2.  The following provisions of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 apply, as far as they are relevant and with such modifications as may be necessary, to the enforcement of orders made in proceedings under these Rules—

(a) Part 70 (General Rules about Enforcement of Judgments and Orders);

(b) Part 71 (Orders to Obtain Information from Judgment Debtors);

(c) Part 72 (Third Party Debt Orders);

(d) Part 73 (Charging Orders, Stop Orders and Stop Notices);

(e) Part 83 (Writs and Warrants – General Provisions); and

(f) Part 84 (Enforcement by Taking Control of Goods).

Order or directions requiring a person to give security for discharge of functions E+W

24.3.—(1) This rule applies where the court makes an order or gives a direction—

(a) conferring functions on any person (whether as deputy or otherwise); and

(b) requiring that person to give security for the discharge of those functions.

(2) The person on whom functions are conferred must give the security before undertaking to discharge those functions, unless the court permits the security to be given subsequently.

(3) Paragraphs (4) to (6) apply where the security is required to be given before any action can be taken.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the security must be given in accordance with the requirements of regulation 33(2)(a) of the Public Guardian Regulations (which makes provision about the giving of security by means of a bond that is endorsed by an authorised insurance company or an authorised deposit-taker).

(5) The court may impose such other requirements in relation to the giving of the security as it considers appropriate (whether in addition to, or instead of, those specified in paragraph (4)).

(6) In specifying the date from which the order or directions referred to in paragraph (1) are to take effect, the court will have regard to the need to postpone that date for such reasonable period as would enable the Public Guardian to be satisfied that—

(a) if paragraph (4) applies, the requirements of regulation 34 of the Public Guardian Regulations have been met in relation to the security; and

(b) any other requirements imposed by the court under paragraph (5) have been met.

(7) “The Public Guardian Regulations” means the Lasting Power of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Public Guardian Regulations 2007 M18 .

Marginal Citations

M18 S.I. 2007/1253

Objections to registration of an enduring power of attorney – request for directions E+W

24.4.—(1) This rule applies in any case where—

(a) the Public Guardian (having received a notice of objection to the registration of an instrument creating an enduring power of attorney) is prevented by paragraph 13(5) of Schedule 4 to the Act from registering the instrument except in accordance with the court's directions; and

(b) on or before the relevant day, no application for the court to give such directions has been made under Part 9 (how to start proceedings).

(2) In paragraph (1)(b) the relevant day is the later of—

(a) the final day of the period specified in paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 4 to the Act; or

(b) the final day of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which the Public Guardian receives the notice of objection.

(3) The Public Guardian may seek the court's directions about registering the instrument, by filing a request in accordance with the relevant practice direction.

(4) As soon as practicable and in any event within 21 days of the date on which the request was made, the court shall notify—

(a) the person (or persons) who gave the notice of objection; and

(b) the attorney or, if more than one, each of them.

(5) As soon as practicable and in any event within 21 days of the date on which the request is filed, the Public Guardian must notify the donor of the power that the request has been so filed.

(6) The notice under paragraph (4) must—

(a) state that the Public Guardian has requested the court's directions about registration;

(b) state that the court will give directions in response to the request unless an application under Part 9 is made to it before the end of the period of 21 days commencing with the date on which the notice is issued; and

(c) set out the steps required to make such an application.

(7) “Notice of objection” means a notice of objection which is made in accordance with paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 4 to the Act.

Disposal of property where P ceases to lack capacity E+W

24.5.—(1) This rule applies where P ceases to lack capacity.

(2) In this rule, “relevant property” means any property belonging to P and forming part of P's estate, and which—

(a) remains under the control of anyone appointed by order of the court; or

(b) is held under the direction of the court.

(3) The court may at any time make an order for any relevant property to be transferred to P, or at P's direction, provided that it is satisfied that P has the capacity to make decisions in relation to that property.

(4) An application for an order under this rule is to be made in accordance with Part 10.

Citation and commencement, revocations and transitional provision E+W

24.6.—(1) These Rules may be cited as the Court of Protection Rules 2017 and shall come into force on 1st December 2017.

(2) The rules in the Schedule are revoked as set out in the Schedule.

(3) A practice direction may make provision for the extent to which and manner in which these Rules shall apply to proceedings started before the day on which they come into force.

James Munby, P.

President of the Family Division

I allow these Rules

Signed by authority of the Lord Chancellor

Phillip Lee

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Ministry of Justice

Rule 24.6

SCHEDULE E+W Revocations

Instrument revoked	Reference	Extent of revocation
The Court of Protection Rules 2007	S.I. 2007/1744	The whole Rules
The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2009	S.I. 2009/582	The whole Rules
The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2011	S.I. 2011/2753	The whole Rules
The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2015	S.I. 2015/548	The whole Rules
The Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules 2017	S.I. 2017/187	The whole Rules

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Rules)

These Rules set out the practice and procedure to be followed in the Court of Protection. They revoke the Court of Protection Rules 2007 (S.I. 2007/1744) (the 2007 Rules) and the amendments made to them by the Court of Protection (Amendment) Rules of 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2017 (S.I. 2009/582, S.I. 2011/2753, S.I. 2015/548 and S.I. 2017/187) and replace them with a consolidated set of rules arranged in Parts with separately numbered rules within each Part, following the model of the Civil Procedure Rules, Family Procedure Rules and Criminal Procedure Rules.

In addition to consolidating the 2007 Rules as amended, the Rules adopt a different order, which was piloted over 2016-2017 by a practice direction under the 2007 Rules (the Practice Direction – Case Management Pilot), and introduce some new rules which were also piloted in that practice direction. The overriding objective, which is to be applied whenever the court exercises its powers under the Rules, or interprets any rule or practice direction, is now set out in Part 1, together with rules about the participation of P and the duties of the court, the parties, legal representatives and unrepresented litigants to further the overriding objective. Part 2 contains interpretation and general provisions which previously formed Part 3 of the 2007 Rules as amended. Part 3 contains the rules about the court's powers of case management which previously formed Part 5 of the 2007 Rules, together with rules about dealing with applications, directions and allocation to judiciary which were previously in Part 12 of the 2007 Rules, and the main new rule piloted in the Practice Direction – Case Management Pilot concerning allocation of cases to case management pathways. Part 4 contains the rules about hearings which previously formed Part 13 of the 2007 Rules; Part 5 contains the rules which previously formed Part 4 of the 2007 Rules; Parts 6 to 12 contain the rules which previously formed Parts 6 to 10, 10A and 11 of the 2007 Rules; Part 13 contains various rules previously in Part 12 of the 2007 Rules; and Parts 14 to 20 contain the rules which previously formed Parts 14 to 20 of the 2007 Rules as amended, with some amendments in Part 15 concerning experts which were piloted in the Practice Direction – Case Management Pilot.

Part 21 replaces Part 21 of the 2007 Rules, which concerned enforcement including orders for committal, with a new Part modelled on provision in Civil Procedure Rules and Family Procedure Rules. Part 22 replaces Part 22 of the 2007 Rules (which contained transitory and transitional provision which has no application to the new Rules) with a new Part containing provision about civil restraint orders previously contained in rule 203 of the 2007 Rules. Part 23 contains the rules which previously formed Part 24 of the 2007 Rules; and Part 24 contains the rules which previously formed Part 23 of the 2007 Rules, together with rules about general methods of enforcement previously in Part 21 of the 2007 Rules, and provision for citation and commencement of the new Rules, revocation of the previous Rules and transitional provision which previously formed Part 1 (with the moving of those rules to Part 24 enabling the promotion of the overriding objective to Part 1 of the new Rules).

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.