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The Family Proceedings (Amendment No. 2) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2005

Type Ni-Statutory-Rule

Publication 2005-11-07

State In force

Jurisdiction Northern Ireland

Department Government Printer for Northern Ireland

Source legislation.gov.uk

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Made: 7th November 2005

To be laid before Parliament

Coming into operation: 5th December 2005

We, the Family Proceedings Rules Committee, in exercise of the powers conferred on us by Article 12 of the Family Law (Northern Ireland) Order 1993[^f00001] hereby with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor, make the following Rules:

Citation, commencement and interpretation

1

(1) These Rules may be cited as the Family Proceedings (Amendment No. 2) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2005 and shall come into operation on 5th December 2005.

(2) In these Rules a reference to a rule or Appendix by number alone is a reference to the rule or Appendix so numbered in the Family Proceedings Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996[^f00002] (“the 1996 Rules”) and a form referred to by letter and number means the form so designated in Appendix 1 to those Rules.

Amendment to the 1996 Rules

2

In the Arrangement of Rules—

(a) in the heading following Part II, after “Matrimonial Causes” insert “and Civil Partnership Causes”;

(b) after the entry relating to rule 2.6 insert—

(2.6A) Petition for nullity on ground of issue of interim gender recognition certificate.

(2.6B) Petition for nullity on ground that respondent’s gender had become acquired gender at time of marriage or civil partnership

(2.10A) Acknowledgement of service of petition for nullity brought on ground relating to gender recognition

(d) for the entry relating to rule 2.12 substitute—

Consent to grant of decree or civil partnership order

(e) after the entry relating to rule 2.14 insert—

(2.14A) Answer praying for decree of nullity on ground of issue of interim gender recognition certificate. (2.14B) Answer praying for decree of nullity on ground that petitioner’s gender had become acquired gender at time or marriage or civil partnership

(f) after the entry relating to rule 2.15 insert—

(2.15A) Reply to answer praying for decree of nullity on ground relating to gender recognition

(g) for the entry relating to rule 2.23 substitute—

Re-transfer of cause to divorce county court or civil partnership proceedings county court

(h) for the entry relating to rule 2.26 substitute—

Medical examination in proceedings for nullity of marriage

(i) for the entry relating to rule 2.34 substitute—

Lists in the designated county courts

(j) for the entry relating to rule 2.37 substitute—

Procedure for complying with Article 44 of the Order of 1978 or section 186 of the Act of 2004

(k) for the entry relating to rule 2.42 substitute—

Evidence of marriage or overseas relationship outside Northern Ireland

(l) for the entry relating to rule 2.47 substitute—

Application for recission of decree or conditional order

(m) for the entry relating to rule 2.48 substitute—

Application under Article 12(2) of the Order of 1978 or section 172(2) of the Act of 2004

(n) for the entry relating to rule 2.51 substitute—

Recission of decree nisi or conditional order by consent

(o) for the entry relating to rule 2.52 substitute—

Decree absolute or final order on lodging notice

(p) for the entry relating to rule 2.53 substitute—

Decree absolute or final order on application

(q) after the entry relating to rule 2.54 insert—

(2.54A) Indorsement and certificate of final order; (2.54B) Application under section 6 of the Gender Recognition Act 2004[^f00003]

(r) for the entry relating to rule 2.70 substitute—

Request for periodical payments order at same rate as order for maintenance pending suit or maintenance pending outcome of proceedings

(s) for the entry relating to rule 2.71 substitute—

Application for order under Article 39(2)(a) of the Order of 1978 or paragraph 67(2) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004

(t) for the entry relating to rule 3.1 substitute—

Application by spouse or civil partner for failure to maintain

(u) for the entry relating to rule 3.7 substitute—

Application of other rules to proceedings under Article 37 or 38 of the Order of 1978 or under paragraphs 62 or 66 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004

(v) for the entry relating to rule 3.9 substitute—

Transfer of certain tenancies on divorce etc., dissolution etc., of civil partnership or on separation of cohabitees

(w) after the entry relating to rule 3.10 insert—

(3.10A) Application under section 181 of the Act of 2004 for declaration as to civil partnership status

(x) for the entry relating to rule 3.11 substitute—

Procedure to be followed in relation to application under rules 3.10 and 3.10A

(y) for the entry relating to rule 3.12 substitute—

Application for leave to apply for financial relief after overseas divorce or overseas dissolution etc., of a civil partnership

(z) for the entry relating to rule 3.13 substitute—

Application for an order for financial relief or an avoidance of transaction order under Part IV of the Order of 1989 or under Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004

(aa) for the entry relating to rule 3.14 substitute—

Application for an order under Article 28 of the Order of 1989 or under paragraph 17 of Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004 preventing transaction

(bb) after the entry relating to rule 3.38 insert—

(3.39) Reference under section 8(5) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004

(cc) after the entry relating to rule 4.27 insert—

(4.28) Stay under the Council Regulation

(dd) after the entry relating to rule 5.3 insert—

(5.4) Appeal under section 8(1) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004

(ee) for the entry relating to rule 7.9 substitute—

Copies of decrees, civil partnership orders and other orders

(ff) after the entry relating to rule 7.13 insert—

(7.13A) Documents in family proceedings concerning gender recognition

(gg) for the entry relating to rule 8.31 substitute—

Special provisions as to judgment summonses in designated county court

(hh) for the entry relating to rule 8.32 substitute—

Removal of designated county court order into High Court

(ii) in the entry relating to rule 8.41 (Application for recognition), after “recognition” insert “or non-recognition”;

(jj) in the entry relating to rule 8.42 (Enforcement of judgments in other Contracting States), for “Enforcement” substitute “Recognition or enforcement”; and

(kk) after the entry relating to rule 8.43 insert—

(8.44) Service of a certificate under Article 41 of the Council Regulation; (8.45) Registration of a certificate issued under Article 41 of the Council Regulation; (8.46) Application by a party for transfer of proceedings to a court of another Member State; (8.47) Application by a court of another Member State for transfer of proceedings; (8.48) Rectification of a certificate issued under Article 41 of the Council Regulation

3

In rule 1.3 (Interpretation)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after the definition of “the Order of 1999” insert—

“the Act of 2004” means the Civil Partnership Act 2004[^f00004];

(ii) in the definition of “ancillary relief”, after paragraph (c) insert—

(ca) an order for maintenance pending outcome of proceedings,

(iii) for the definition of “avoidance of disposition order” substitute—

“avoidance of disposition order” means— in matrimonial proceedings, an order under Article 39(2)(b) or (c) of the Order of 1978, and in civil partnership proceedings, an order under paragraph 67(3) or (4) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004;

(iv) for the definition of “cause” substitute—

“cause” means— a matrimonial cause under the Order of 1978, or a civil partnership cause under the Act of 2004;

(v) for the definition of “child” and “child of the family” substitute—

“child”, except in Part IV or Part IVB, in relation to one or both of the parties to a marriage or civil partnership, includes an illegitimate child of that party or, as the case may be, of both parties;

“child of the family” has, except in Part IV or Part IVB, the meaning assigned to it by Article 2(2) of the Order of 1995;

(vi) after the definition of “child of the family” insert—

“civil partnership cause” has the meaning assigned to it by section 190(3) of the Act of 2004;

“civil partnership order” means one of the orders mentioned in section 161 of the Act of 2004;

“civil partnership proceedings” means any proceedings under the Act of 2004;

“civil partnership proceedings county court” means a county court so designated by the Lord Chancellor under section 188(4) of the Act of 2004;

(vii) for the definition of “consent order” substitute—

“consent order” means— in matrimonial proceedings, an order under Article 35A of the Order of 1978, and in civil partnership proceedings, an order under paragraph 59 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004;

(viii) in the definition of “Contracting State”, for sub-paragraph (a) substitute—

(a) one of the parties to the Council Regulation, that is to say, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Estonia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and

(ix) for the definition of “the Council Regulation” substitute—

“the Council Regulation” means the Council Regulation (EC) No. 2201/2003 of 27th November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility;

(x) after the definition of “Department” insert—

“designated county court” means a court designated as— a divorce county court, or a civil partnership proceedings county court, or both a divorce county court and a civil partnership proceedings county court;

(xi) for the definition of “financial provision order” substitute—

“financial provision order” means— in matrimonial proceedings, any of the orders mentioned in Article 23(1) of the Order of 1978 except an order under Article 29(6) of that Order, and in civil partnership proceedings, any of the orders mentioned in paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004, made under Part I of Schedule 15 to that Act;

(xii) for the definition of “financial relief” substitute—

“financial relief” has— in matrimonial proceedings, the meaning assigned to it by Article 39 of the Order of 1978, and in civil partnership proceedings, the meaning assigned to it by paragraph 67 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004;

(xiii) after the definition of “Master” insert—

“matrimonial cause” has the meaning assigned to it by Article 48(11) of the Order of 1978;

(xiv) after the definition of “Office of Care and Protection” insert—

“order for maintenance pending outcome of proceedings” means an order under paragraph 33 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004;

(xv) after the definition of “person named” insert—

“the President of Gender Recognition Panels” means the office in paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 1 to the Gender Recognition Act 2004;

(xvi) for the definition of “property adjustment order” substitute—

“property adjustment order” means— in matrimonial proceedings, any of the orders mentioned in Article 26(1) of the Order of 1978, and in civil partnership proceedings, any of the orders mentioned in paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004;

(xvii) in the definition of “undefended cause”, in paragraph (b)(iv)—

(aa) after “decree”, the first time it appears, insert “or civil partnership order, as the case may be,”; and

(bb) after “decree”, the second time it appears, insert “or civil partnership order”;

(xviii) for the definition of “variation order” substitute—

“variation order” means— in matrimonial proceedings, an order under Article 33 of the Order of 1978, and in civil partnership proceedings, an order under Part 10 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004;

(b) in paragraph (2), for “decree or order has been pronounced or made on the petition” substitute—

decree, civil partnership order or other order has been pronounced or made on the petition, or it has been otherwise finally disposed of.

(6) In these Rules any references to a “county court” shall— (a) in matrimonial proceedings, be construed as references to a divorce county court, and (b) in civil partnership proceedings, be construed as references to a civil partnership proceedings county court.

; and

(d) after paragraph (6) insert—

(7) In these Rules— (a) a reference to a conditional order is a reference to an order made under Chapter 2 of Part 4 of the Act of 2004 of a kind mentioned in section 161(1)(a), (b) or (c) of that Act which has not been made final; and (b) a reference to a final order is a reference to such an order which has been made final.

4

In the heading for Part II, after “Matrimonial Causes” insert “and Civil Partnership Causes”.

5

In rule 2.1 (Application for leave to present a petition for nullity)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under section 175(3) of the Act of 2004”;

(ii) after “nullity” insert “of marriage or civil partnership”; and

(iii) after “date of the marriage” insert “or formation of the civil partnership”; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after “marriage” insert “or civil partnership”; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 175(3) of the Act of 2004”.

6

In rule 2.3 (Cause to be begun by petition)—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under section 175(3) of the Act of 2004”; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after “nullity” insert “of marriage”; and

(ii) after “judicial separation” insert “, or for dissolution, nullity of civil partnership or separation,”.

7

In rule 2.6 (Presentation of petition)—

(a) for paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) A petition may be presented— (a) in a matrimonial cause, to the High Court or, other than a petition under Article 21 of the Order of 1978, to any divorce county court, and (b) in a civil partnership cause, to the High Court or, other than a petition under section 178 of the Act of 2004, to any civil partnership proceedings county court.

(b) in paragraph (2), after “marriage” insert “or civil partnership”;

(i) for “Where” substitute “In a matrimonial cause, where”; and

(ii) for “disposed of by a final order” substitute “finally disposed of”;

(d) after paragraph (3) insert—

(3A) In a civil partnership cause, where there is before the court a petition which has not been dismissed or otherwise finally disposed of, another petition by the same petitioner in respect of the same civil partnership shall not be presented without leave granted on an application made in the pending proceedings: Provided that no such leave shall be required where it is proposed, after the expiration of the period of 2 years from the date of the civil partnership, to present a petition for dissolution alleging such of the facts mentioned in section 168(5) of the Act of 2004 as were alleged in a petition for separation presented before the expiration of that period.

(e) in paragraph (4), for “in Form M5 with Form M6 attached” substitute—

(i) in a matrimonial cause, in Form M5 with Form M6 attached, and (ii) in a civil partnership cause, in Form M5A with Form M6A attached,

; and

(f) for paragraph (6) substitute—

(6) C.C.R. Order 6, rule 10 (which deals with the service of petitions) shall not apply but on the filing of the petition the Master shall— (a) affix thereto the seal of the Matrimonial Office, (b) enter the cause in the appropriate records, and (c) annex to every copy of the petition for service a notice in Form M5 with Form M6 attached or in Form M5A with Form M6A attached, as the case may be, and shall also annex to the copy petition for service on a respondent the copy of any statement and report filed pursuant to paragraph (4) of this rule.

8

After rule 2.6 insert—

(2.6A) (1) This rule applies to a petition— (a) for nullity of marriage under Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978, and (b) for nullity of civil partnership under section 174(1)(d) of the Act of 2004. (2) The petitioner shall file with his petition a copy of an interim gender recognition certificate issued to him or to the respondent, as the case may be, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte. (3) The proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, shall give notice in writing to the Secretary of State of a petition to which this rule applies when it is presented under rule 2.6. (4) A notice in writing under paragraph (3) shall state the names of the parties to the petition, its case number and the court in which it is pending. (5) Where a copy of an interim gender recognition certificate has been filed under paragraph (2), the notice given under paragraph (3) shall be accompanied by a copy of that certificate. (6) Where a copy of the certificate has not been filed under paragraph (2), the notice given under paragraph (3) shall also state— (a) in a matrimonial cause— (i) the names of the parties to the marriage and the date and place of the marriage, and (ii) the last address at which the parties to the marriage lived together as husband and wife; (b) in a civil partnership cause— (i) the names of the parties to the civil partnership and the date on and place at which the civil partnership was formed, and (ii) the last address at which the parties to the civil partnership lived together as civil partners of each other; and (c) in any case, such further particulars as the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, considers appropriate. (2.6B) Where a petition for nullity of marriage is brought under Article 14(h) of the Order of 1978 or a petition for nullity of civil partnership is brought under section 174(1)(e) of the Act of 2004 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the respondent, the petitioner shall file a copy of that full certificate with his petition, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte.

9

In rule 2.7 (Conciliation), in paragraph (1)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a), after “judicial separation” insert “, or for dissolution, nullity of civil partnership or separation,”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 186 of the Act of 2004”; and

10

In rule 2.9 (Service of petition), in paragraph (1), after “Form M5 with Form M6 attached” insert “or in Form M5A with Form M6A attached, as the case may be,”.

11

After rule 2.10 insert—

(2.10A) (1) This rule applies where a petition for nullity of marriage is brought under— (a) Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978 and an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to the respondent; or (b) Article 14(h) of the Order of 1978 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the respondent. (2) This rule also applies where a petition for nullity of civil partnership is brought under— (a) section 174(1)(d) of the Act of 2004 and an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to the respondent; or (b) section 174(1)(e) of the Act of 2004 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the respondent. (3) Where the respondent returns an acknowledgement of service in Form M6 or Form M6A, as the case may be, to the court office, he shall file with it a copy of that interim certificate or that full certificate, as the case may be, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte.

12

In rule 2.10 (Proof of service), in paragraph (1)(a), after “Form M6” insert “or Form M6A”.

13

In rule 2.11 (Notice of intention to defend), in paragraph (1), after “Form M6” insert “or in Form M6A”.

14

In rule 2.12 (Consent to the grant of a decree)—

(a) in the heading, after “decree” insert “or civil partnership order”;

(b) in paragraph (1), after “decree”, in each place it appears, insert “or civil partnership order”;

(i) after “decree” insert “or civil partnership order”; and

(ii) for “none of the other facts mentioned in Article 3(2) of the Order of 1978” substitute “no other relevant fact”; and

(d) after paragraph (2) insert—

(3) In this rule a “relevant fact” is— (a) in a matrimonial cause, one of the facts mentioned in Article 3(2) of the Order of 1978, and (b) in a civil partnership cause, one of the facts mentioned in section 168(5) of the Act of 2004.

15

In rule 2.14 (Filing of answer to petition)—

(a) in paragraph 1(c)—

(i) after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 171(1) of the Act of 2004, as the case may be,”; and

(ii) after “decree” insert “or civil partnership order”;

(b) in paragraph (3), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under section 174(1)(b) of the Act of 2004”; and

16

After rule 2.14 insert—

(2.14A) (1) This rule applies to an answer under rule 2.14(1) which prays for— (a) a decree of nullity of marriage under Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978, and (b) an order for nullity of civil partnership under section 174(1)(d) of the Act of 2004. (2) The respondent shall file with his answer a copy of an interim gender recognition certificate issued to him or to the petitioner, as the case may be, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte. (3) The proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, shall give notice in writing to the Secretary of State of an answer to which this rule applies when it is filed. (4) A notice in writing under paragraph (3) shall state the names of the parties to the petition, its case number and the court in which it is pending. (5) Where a copy of an interim gender recognition certificate has been filed under paragraph (2), the notice under paragraph (3) shall be accompanied by a copy of that certificate. (6) Where a copy of the certificate has not been filed under paragraph (2), the notice given under paragraph (3) shall also state— (a) in a matrimonial cause— (i) the names of the parties to the marriage and the date and place of the marriage; and (ii) the last address at which the parties to the marriage lived together as husband and wife; and (b) in a civil partnership cause— (i) the names of the parties to the civil partnership and the date on and place at which the civil partnership was formed, and (ii) the last address at which the parties to the civil partnership lived together as civil partners of each other; and (c) in any case, such further particulars as the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, considers appropriate. (2.14B) Where an answer under rule 2.14(1) prays for a decree of nullity under Article 14(h) of the Order of 1978 or an order for nullity of civil partnership under section 174(1)(e) of the Act of 2004 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner, the respondent shall file a copy of that full certificate with his answer, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte.

17

In rule 2.15 (Filing of reply and subsequent pleadings), in paragraph (2), after “decree” insert “or civil partnership order”.

18

After rule 2.15 insert—

(2.15A) (1) This rule applies where an answer is filed under rule 2.14(1) which prays for a decree of nullity of marriage under— (a) Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978 and an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner; or (b) Article 14(h) of the Order of 1978 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner. (2) This rule also applies where an answer is filed under rule 2.14(1) which prays for an order of nullity of civil partnership under— (a) section 174(1)(d) of the Act of 2004 and an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner; or (b) section 174(1)(e) of the Act of 2004 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner. (3) Where the petitioner files a reply under rule 2.15(1) to the answer, he shall file with it a copy of that interim certificate or that full certificate, as the case may be, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte.

19

In rule 2.17 (Contents of answer and subsequent pleadings)—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “husband or wife” insert “or a civil partner, as the case may be”; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after “husband or wife” insert “or a civil partner”; and

(ii) after “(g)” insert “, (ga)”.

20

In rule 2.21 (Service and amendment of pleadings), after “matrimonial proceedings” insert “or civil partnership proceedings”.

21

In rule 2.23 (Re-transfer of cause to divorce county court)—

(a) in the heading, for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”; and

(b) in paragraph (1), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

22

In rule 2.26 (Medical examination in proceedings for nullity), in the heading, after “nullity” insert “of marriage”.

23

In rule 2.28 (Entry for hearing and certificate of readiness)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(c), after “nullity” insert “of marriage”; and

(b) in paragraph (2), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

24

After rule 2.29 insert—

(2.29AA) (1) An application to the court by the petitioner or respondent in proceedings for a dissolution order for an order under rule 3 of the Staying of Proceedings Rules shall be made to the Master who may determine the application or refer the application, or any question arising thereon, to the judge for his decision as if the application were an application for ancillary relief. (2) An application for an order under rule 4 of the Staying of Proceedings Rules shall be made to the judge. (3) Where on the lodgement of the certificate of readiness, it appears to the Master from any information given pursuant to paragraph 1(l) of Appendix 2 or rule 2.17(4) or paragraph (4) of this rule that any proceedings which are in respect of the civil partnership in question or which are capable of affecting its validity or subsistence are continuing in any country outside Northern Ireland and he considers that the question whether the proceedings on the petition should be stayed under rule 4 of the Staying of Proceedings Rules ought to be determined by the court, he shall before proceeding under rule 2.32 fix a date and time for the consideration of that question by the judge and give notice thereof to all parties. (4) Any party who lodges a certificate of readiness in civil partnership proceedings within the meaning of rule 1(2) of the Staying of Proceedings Rules shall, if there has been a change in the information given pursuant to paragraph 1(l) of Appendix 2 and rule 2.15(4), file a statement giving particulars of the change. (5) An application by a party to the proceedings for an order under rule 5 of the Staying of Proceedings Rules may be made to the Master, and he may determine the application or may refer the application, or any question arising thereon, to the judge as if the application were an application for ancillary relief. (6) In this rule— (a) the Staying of Proceedings Rules means the Family Proceedings (Civil Partnership: Staying of Proceedings) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2005[^f00005]; and (b) in paragraph (3), the reference to “proceedings continuing in any country outside Northern Ireland” has the same meaning as in paragraph 1(l) of Appendix 2.

25

In rule 2.29A (Stay under Council Regulation)—

(a) in paragraph (1), for “Article 11” substitute “Article 19”;

(b) in paragraph (2), for “Articles 9, 10 or 11” substitute “Articles 16 to 19”;

(d) in paragraph (4)—

(i) for “An order under Article 9” substitute “A declaration under Article 17”; and

(ii) for “Article 11” substitute “Article 19”.

26

In rule 2.30 (Mode and place of trial), in paragraph (2), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

27

In rule 2.31 (Setting down for trial), in paragraph (3), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

28

In rule 2.32 (Order for transfer of cause), in paragraph (1), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

29

In rule 2.34 (Lists in the divorce county court), in the heading, for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

30

In rule 2.35 (Right to be heard on ancillary questions), in paragraph (4)—

(a) after “judicial separation” insert “or after a conditional order of dissolution or an order of separation,”; and

(b) after “the decree” insert “or civil partnership order, as the case may be,”.

31

In rule 2.36 (Respondent’s statement as to arrangements for children), in paragraph (2), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 186(1) of the Act of 2004, as the case may be”.

32

In rule 2.37 (Procedure for complying with Article 44 of the Order of 1978)—

(a) in the heading, after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 186 of the Act of 2004”;

(b) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 186(1) of the Act of 2004, as the case may be,”;

(i) for sub-paragraph (a) substitute—

(a) there are no children of the family to whom— (i) in a matrimonial cause, Article 44 of the Order of 1978 applies; or (ii) in a civil partnership cause, section 186 of the Act of 2004 applies, or

; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), for “any directions under Article 44 of the Order of 1978” substitute “a relevant direction”;

(d) in paragraph (3), for “Article 44 of the Order of 1978” substitute “his power to give a relevant direction”;

(e) in paragraph (4), for “direction under Article 44(2) of the Order of 1978” substitute “relevant direction”; and

(f) for paragraph (5) substitute—

(5) In this rule— (a) parties means the petitioner, the respondent and any person who appears to the court to have the care of the child; and (b) “relevant direction” means a direction— (i) in a matrimonial cause, under Article 44(2) of the Order of 1978, and (ii) in a civil partnership cause, under section 186(2) of the Act of 2004.

33

In rule 2.39 (Restoration of matters adjourned, etc., at the hearing), in paragraph (2)—

(a) after “judicial separation” insert “, or for dissolution, nullity of civil partnership or separation,”; and

(b) after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under section 186(2) of the Act of 2004”.

34

In rule 2.42 (Evidence of marriage outside Northern Ireland)—

(a) in the heading, after “marriage” insert “or overseas relationship”;

(b) after paragraph (1) insert—

(1A) The formation of an overseas relationship other than a marriage, outside Northern Ireland and its validity under the law of the country where it was formed may, in any family proceedings in which the existence and validity of that relationship is not disputed, be proved by the evidence of one of the parties to it and the production of a document purporting to be— (a) a certificate or similar document issued under the law in force in that country evidencing its formation; or (b) a certified copy of an entry in a register of such relationships kept under the law in force in that country.

(d) in paragraph (3), after “marriage” insert “or the existence of an overseas relationship which is not a marriage”.

(e) After paragraph (3) insert—

(4) In this rule, an “overseas relationship” has the same meaning as in section 212 of the Act of 2004.

35

In rule 2.44 (Issue of writ of subpoena or witness summons), in paragraph (2), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

36

In rule 2.45 (Hearsay and expert evidence), in paragraph (3), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

37

In rule 2.46 (Decrees and orders)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) for “every order made in open court” substitute “every civil partnership order, every other order made in open court”; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after “decree” insert “or civil partnership order”; and

(ii) for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

38

In rule 2.47 (Application for rescission of decree)—

(a) in the heading, after “decree” insert “or conditional order”; and

(b) for paragraph (1), substitute—

(1) An application by a respondent— (a) under Article 12(1) of the Order of 1978 for the rescission of a decree of divorce, or (b) under section 172(1) of the Act of 2004 for the rescission of a conditional order of dissolution, shall be made to a judge and shall be heard in open court.

39

In rule 2.48 (Application under Article 12(2) of the Order of 1978)—

(a) in the heading, after “the Order of 1978” insert “or section 172(2) of the Act of 2004”;

(b) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after “for divorce” insert “or dissolution”; and

(ii) for “the divorce” substitute “that divorce or dissolution”;

(d) in paragraph (7), for “A statement of any of the matters” substitute “In a matrimonial cause, a statement of any of the matters”; and

(e) after paragraph (7) insert—

(7A) In a civil partnership cause, a statement of any of the matters mentioned in section 172(4) of the Act of 2004 with respect to which the court is satisfied and a statement that the conditions for which that sub-section and section 172(5) provide have been fulfilled shall be entered in the court records.

40

In rule 2.49 (Intervention to show cause by the Crown Solicitor)—

(a) for paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) If the Crown Solicitor wishes to show cause why— (i) a decree nisi should not be made absolute, or (ii) a conditional order should not be made final, he shall give notice to that effect to the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, and to the party in whose favour it was pronounced, and, if the cause is pending in a designated county court, the Master shall thereupon order it to be transferred to the High Court.

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after “the decree”, the first time it appears, insert “or civil partnership order, as the case may be,”; and

(ii) for “the decree”, the second time it appears, substitute “that decree or order”;

(d) in paragraph (6)—

(i) after “decree nisi” insert “or the conditional order”; and

(ii) after “decree absolute” insert “or the conditional order final”;

(e) in paragraph (7)—

(i) after “decree nisi” insert “or the conditional order”; and

(ii) after “decree” insert “or conditional order, as the case may be,”; and

(f) in paragraph (8)—

(i) after “the decree” insert “or order”; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (a), after “decree nisi” insert “or the conditional order, as the case may be”.

41

In rule 2.50 (Intervention to show cause by person other than Crown Solicitor)—

(a) for paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) If any person other than the Crown Solicitor wishes to show cause— (a) under Article 11 of the Order of 1978 why a decree nisi should not be made absolute, or (b) under section 164 of the Act of 2004 why a conditional order should not be made final, he shall file an affidavit stating the facts on which he relies and a copy shall be served on the party in whose favour the decree or conditional order, as the case may be, was pronounced.

(b) in paragraph (7), after “decree” insert “or conditional order, as the case may be,”; and

42

In rule 2.51 (Rescission of decree nisi by consent)—

(a) in the heading, after “decree nisi” insert “or conditional order”;

(b) for paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) Where a reconciliation has been effected between the petitioner and the respondent— (a) in a matrimonial cause— (i) after a decree nisi has been pronounced but before it has been made absolute, or (ii) after a decree of judicial separation has been pronounced; and (b) in a civil partnership cause— (i) after a conditional order has been made but before it has been made final, or (ii) after a separation order has been made, either party may apply for an order rescinding that decree or order by consent.

; and

(i) for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”;

(ii) after “spouse” insert “or civil partner, as the case may be,”; and

(iii) after “decree” insert “or civil partnership order”.

43

In rule 2.52 (Decree absolute on lodging notice)—

(a) in the heading, after “Decree absolute” insert “or final order”;

(b) for paragraph (1) substitute—

(1) Subject to rule 2.53(1), an application by— (a) a spouse to make absolute a decree nisi pronounced in his favour, or (b) a civil partner to make final a conditional order made in his favour, may be made by lodging with the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, notice in Form M10.

(i) in sub-paragraph (a), after “decree”, in each place it appears, insert “or the conditional order”;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), after “decree” insert “or the conditional order”;

(iii) in sub-paragraph (e), at the beginning of the sub-paragraph insert “if the cause is a matrimonial cause,”;

(iv) after sub-paragraph (e) insert—

(ea) if the cause is a civil partnership cause, that the court has complied with section 186(1) of the Act of 2004 and has not given any direction under section 186(2) of that Act;

(v) in sub-paragraph (f)—

(aa) after “decree” insert “or the conditional order, as the case may be”; and

(bb) in head (iii) omit “and”;

(vi) in sub-paragraph (g)—

(aa) at the beginning insert “if the cause is a matrimonial cause,”; and

(bb) for “with,” substitute “with”;

(vii) after sub-paragraph (g) insert—

(h) if the cause is a civil partnership cause, that the provisions of section 172(2) to (5) of the Act of 2004 do not apply or have been complied with; (i) where the decree nisi was pronounced on the ground in Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978— (i) that there is not pending a reference under section 8(5) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in respect of the application on which the interim gender recognition certificate to which the petition relates was granted; (ii) that that interim certificate has not been revoked under section 8(6)(b) of that Act; and (iii) that no appeal is pending against an order under section 8(6)(a) of that Act.

(viii) after “decree absolute”, the first time it appears, insert “or the conditional order final”; and

(ix) in the part of paragraph (2) which begins “Provided that”—

(aa) after “decree nisi” insert “or the conditional order”; and

(bb) after “decree absolute” insert “or the conditional order final”.

44

In rule 2.53 (Decree absolute on application)—

(a) in the heading, after “Decree absolute” insert “or final order”;

(b) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after “decree nisi to be made absolute” insert “or a conditional order to be made final”;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (a)—

(aa) at the beginning of the sub-paragraph insert “in a matrimonial cause”; and

(bb) omit the word “or”;

(iii) after sub-paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) in a civil partnership cause where, within 6 weeks after a conditional order has been pronounced, the Crown Solicitor gives to the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, and to the party in whose favour the conditional order was made a notice that he requires more time to decide whether to show cause against the conditional order being made final and the notice has not been withdrawn, or

(iv) in sub-paragraph (b), after “made absolute” insert “or the conditional order is made final”;

(v) after “sub-paragraph (a)” insert “or (aa)”;

(2) An application— (a) by a spouse for a decree nisi pronounced against him to be made absolute may be made to the judge or the Master by summons to be served on the other spouse not less than 7 clear days before the day on which the application is to be heard, or (b) by a civil partner for a conditional order pronounced against him to be made final may be made to the judge or the Master by summons to be served on the other civil partner not less than 7 clear days before the day on which the application is heard.

45

After rule 2.54 insert—

(2.54A) (1) Where a conditional order is made final, the Master shall make an indorsement to that effect on the order, stating the precise time at which it was made final. (2) On a conditional order being made final, the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, shall— (a) send to the petitioner and respondent a certificate in Form M11A or M12A, authenticated by the appropriate seal, and (b) if the case is pending in a civil partnership proceedings county court, notify the Matrimonial Office. (3) A certificate in Form M11A or M12A that a conditional order has been made final shall be issued to any person requiring it on payment of the prescribed fee. (4) A central index of final orders shall be kept in the Matrimonial Office and any person shall be entitled to require a search to be made therein, and to be furnished with a certificate of the result of the search, on payment of the prescribed fee. (2.54B) (1) This rule applies to an application made under section 6(1) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 in respect of a full gender recognition certificate issued by a court under section 5(1) of that Act. (2) The application shall be made to the court which issued the certificate, unless otherwise directed. (3) Where the applicant is— (a) the person to whom the certificate was issued, the Secretary of State shall be a respondent; (b) the Secretary of State, the person to whom the certificate was issued shall be a respondent. (4) Where the court issues a corrected gender recognition certificate under section 6(4) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, the proper officer or chief clerk, as the case may be, shall send a copy of the corrected certificate to the Secretary of State.

46

In rule 2.55 (Application by petitioner or respondent for ancillary relief), after paragraph (1)(a) insert—

(aa) an order for maintenance pending outcome of proceedings,

47

In rule 2.57 (Application in Form M13 or M14), in paragraph (a), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

48

In rule 2.58 (Application for ancillary relief after order of court of summary jurisdiction), after “spouse” insert “, civil partner”.

49

In rule 2.59 (Children to be separately represented on certain applications), in paragraph (1), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

50

In rule 2.60 (General provisions as to evidence, etc, on application for ancillary relief) in paragraph (1), after “spouse” insert “or civil partner”.

51

In rule 2.61 (Evidence on application for property adjustment or avoidance of disposition order), in paragraph (2), for sub-paragraph (b) substitute—

(b) in the case of an application for a variation of settlement order— (i) of all settlements— (a) in a matrimonial cause, whether ante-nuptial or post-nuptial, made on the spouses, or (b) in a civil partnership cause, whether prior to or after the formation of the civil partnership, and (ii) of the funds brought into settlement by each spouse or civil partner, as the case may be;

52

In rule 2.67 (Transfer of application for ancillary relief: general provisions)—

(a) for “county court”, in each place it appears, substitute “designated county court”; and

(b) in paragraph (6), after “decree nisi” insert “or conditional order”.

53

In rule 2.68 (Transfer for purpose of expedition), for “divorce county court” in each place it appears, substitute “designated county court”.

54

In rule 2.69 (Arrangements for hearing of application etc by judge)—

(a) in paragraph (3) for “Where” substitute “In a matrimonial cause, where”; and

(b) after paragraph (3) insert—

(4) In a civil partnership cause, where an application is proceeding in a civil partnership proceedings county court, the hearing or consideration may be transferred to such county court as, in the opinion of the Master, is the most convenient.

55

In rule 2.70 (Request for periodical payments order at same rate as order for maintenance pending suit)—

(a) in the heading, after “maintenance pending suit” insert “or outcome of proceedings”;

(b) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after “nullity of marriage” insert “or a conditional order of dissolution or nullity of civil partnership”;

(ii) after “maintenance pending suit”, the first time it appears, insert “or maintenance pending outcome of proceedings, as the case may be,”; and

(iii) after “maintenance pending suit”, the second time it appears, insert “or outcome of proceedings”;

(d) in paragraph (3), after “spouse”, in each place it appears, insert “or civil partner”.

56

In rule 2.71 (Application for order under Article 39(2)(a) of the Order of 1978)—

(a) in the heading, after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 67(2) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”; and

(b) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 67(2) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”.

57

In rule 2.72 (Consent orders), in paragraph (1)—

(a) after “the Order of 1978” insert “or Parts 1, 2, 3 and 8 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (a), after “marriage” insert “or civil partnership”;

(d) whether either party has subsequently married or formed a civil partnership or has any present intention to do so or to cohabit with another person;

; and

(d) in sub-paragraph (dd), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under paragraphs 10, 20 and 21 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”.

58

In rule 2.73 (Pensions)—

(a) for paragraph (2) substitute—

(2) Within seven days of the notice in Form M13 or M15, as the case may be, having been filed— (a) in a matrimonial cause, the party with pension rights, and (b) in a civil partnership cause, the civil partner with pension rights, shall request the person responsible for each pension arrangement under which he has or is likely to have benefits to furnish the information referred to in regulation 2(2) and (3)(b) to (f) of the Pensions on Divorce etc (Provision of Information) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000[^f00006]

(b) in paragraph (3)—

(i) after “the party with pension rights” insert “or the civil partner with pension rights, as the case may be,”; and

(ii) after “other party” insert “or other civil partner”;

(d) in paragraph (6), for “including provision to be made under Article 26A (pension sharing) of the Order of 1978, or upon adding a request for such provision” substitute “which includes a request for a pension sharing order or upon adding such a request”;

(e) in paragraph (7)—

(i) for “including the provision to be made under Article 27B or 27C (pension attachment) of the Order of 1978, or upon adding a request for such provision” substitute “which includes a request for a pension attachment order, or upon adding such a request”; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), after “the Divorce etc. (Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000” insert “or the Dissolution etc. (Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005[^f00007], as the case may be,”;

(f) in paragraph (8)—

(i) for “the applicant”, the first time it appears, substitute “the party with pension rights or the civil partner with pension rights, as the case may be,”; and

(ii) for “the applicant”, the second time it appears, substitute “that party or civil partner”;

(g) in paragraph (9), for “the applicant” substitute “the party with pension rights or the civil partner with pension rights, as the case may be,”;

(h) in paragraph (10), for “the applicant” substitute “the party with pension rights or the civil partner with pension rights, as the case may be,”;

(i) in paragraph (11)—

(i) omit the words “to the marriage”; and

(ii) for “including provision under Article 26A (pension sharing) of the Order of 1978” substitute “which includes a pension sharing order”;

(j) in paragraph (12), for “including provision under Article 27B or 27C (pension attachment) of the Order of 1978” substitute “which includes a pension attachment order”;

(k) in paragraph (14), for “including provision under Article 26A (pension sharing), 27B or 27C (pension attachment) of the Order of 1978” substitute “which includes a pension sharing order or a pension attachment order”;

(l) in paragraph (15)—

(i) for “Where provision is made under Article 26A (pension sharing) of the Order of 1978” substitute “Where an order for ancillary relief includes provision by way of pension sharing”;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or Part 3 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”;

(iii) in sub-paragraph (h), for “under Article 26A of the Order of 1978” substitute “by way of pension sharing”; and

(iv) in sub-paragraph (j), for head (ii) substitute—

(ii) in a matrimonial cause, the decree of divorce or nullity of marriage or, in a civil partnership cause, the conditional order of dissolution or nullity of the civil partnership.

(m) in paragraph (16)—

(i) for “Where provision is made under Article 27B or 27C (pension attachment) of the Order of 1978” substitute “Where an order for ancillary relief includes provision by way of pension attachment”;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 20 or 21 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”;

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c)—

(aa) after “the party with pension rights” insert “or the civil partner with pension rights”; and

(bb) after “the other party” insert “or other civil partner”;

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d), after “the party with pension rights” insert “or the civil partner with pension rights”;

(v) in sub-paragraph (e), after “the party with pension rights” insert “or the civil partner with pension rights”;

(vi) in sub-paragraph (f)—

(aa) after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 20(2) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”; and

(bb) after “the party with pension rights” insert “or the civil partner with pension rights”; and

(cc) after “the other party” insert “or other civil partner”;

(vii) in sub-paragraph (g), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 20 or 21 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”;

(viii) in sub-paragraph (h), after “Divorce etc. (Pensions) Regulations 2000” insert “or the other civil partner under The Dissolution etc. (Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005”;

(ix) in sub-paragraph (i)—

(aa) after “the other party” insert “or the other civil partner”; and

(bb) omit “and”; and

(x) in sub-paragraph (j), after “the other party” insert “or the other civil partner”.

(n) in paragraph (17)—

(i) for “an order including provision under Article 26A, 27B or 27C of the Order of 1978” substitute “a pension sharing order or a pension attachment order”;

(ii) after “send” insert “, or direct one of the parties to send”;

(iii) for sub-paragraph (a) substitute—

(a) a copy of— (i) the making of the relevant pension sharing or pension attachment order; or (ii) in a civil partnership cause, the conditional order of dissolution, nullity of civil partnership or the order of separation;

; and

(iv) for sub-paragraph (b) substitute—

(b) in the case of— (i) divorce or nullity of marriage, a copy of the certificate under rule 2.54 that the decree has been made absolute; or (ii) dissolution or nullity of civil partnership, a copy of the certificate under rule 2.54 that the conditional order has been made final; and

(o) for paragraph (18) substitute—

(18) The documents referred to in paragraph (17) shall be sent— (a) in a matrimonial cause, within 7 days after— (i) the making of the relevant order; or (ii) the decree absolute of divorce or nullity or decree of judicial separation, whichever is the later; and (b) in a civil partnership cause, within 7 days after— (i) the making of the relevant order; or (ii) the final order of dissolution or nullity or order of separation, whichever is the later.

(p) in paragraph (19)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a)—

(aa) at the beginning insert “in a matrimonial cause,”; and

(bb) omit “and”;

(ii) after sub-paragraph (a) insert—

(aa) in a civil partnership cause, all the words and phrases defined in paragraphs 11(4) and (5) and 24 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004 have the meanings assigned by those paragraphs;

; and

(iii) after sub-paragraph (b) insert—

(c) pension sharing order means— (i) in a matrimonial cause, an order making provision under Article 26A of the Order of 1978; and (ii) in a civil partnership cause, an order making provision under paragraph 10 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004; and (d) pension attachment order means— (i) in a matrimonial cause, an order making provision under Article 27B or 27C of the Order of 1978; and (ii) in a civil partnership cause, an order making provision under paragraphs 20 and 21 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004.

59

In rule 3.1 (Application by spouse for failure to maintain)—

(a) in the heading, after “spouse” insert “or civil partner”;

(b) in paragraph (1), for the words from “An application” to “the marriage” substitute—

An application under Article 29 of the Order of 1978 by a party to a marriage or under Part 8 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004 by a party to a civil partnership who alleges that the other party to the marriage or the civil partnership, as the case may be

(i) in sub-paragraph (a), after “date of the marriage” insert “, or the names of the parties to the civil partnership and the place at and date on which they formed their civil partnership, as the case may be;”; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (c)—

(aa) after “marriage”, the first time it appears, insert “or civil partnership”; and

(bb) for “marriage”, the second time it appears, substitute “family”; and

(cc) for “decree or order”, in each place it appears, substitute “decree, civil partnership order or other order”; and

(dd) after “marriage”, the third time it appears, insert “or civil partnership”; and

(d) in paragraph (5), for “Where” substitute “In matrimonial proceedings, where”.

60

In rule 3.2 (Transfer to High Court of applications under rule 3.1), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”.

61

In rule 3.3 (Hearing of applications under rule 3.1)—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or Part 8 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”; and

(b) in paragraph (2), for “divorce county court” substitute “designated county court”;

(i) after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 34(3) of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004, as the case may be;” and

(ii) after “marriage” insert “or civil partnership”; and

(d) in paragraph (6), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or Part 8 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004, as the case may be.”.

62

In rule 3.4 (Application for alteration of maintenance agreement during lifetime of parties)—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under paragraph 62 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”;

(b) in paragraph (3)—

(i) for sub-paragraph (b) substitute—

(b) the date and place of the marriage between the parties to the agreement, or the place at and date on which they formed their civil partnership, as the case may be;

; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (d), after “to the marriage” insert “or civil partnership, as the case may be,”.

63

In rule 3.5 (Application for alteration of maintenance agreement after death of one party)—

(a) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or under paragraph 66 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”; and

(b) in paragraph (4)—

(i) for sub-paragraph (b) substitute—

(b) the place and date of the marriage between the parties to the agreement, or the place at and date on which they formed their civil partnership, as the case may be;

; and

(ii) in sub-paragraph (d)—

(aa) after “to the marriage” insert “or civil partnership, as the case may be,”; and

(bb) for “order or decree” substitute “order, decree or civil partnership order”.

64

In rule 3.7 (Application of other rules to proceedings under Article 37 or 38 of the Order of 1978)—

(a) in the heading, after “the Order of 1978”, insert “or paragraph 62 or 66 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004”; and

(b) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 62 or 66 of Schedule 15 of the Act of 2004, as the case may be,”; and

(c) in paragraph (2), after “the Order of 1978” insert “or paragraph 62 or 66 of Schedule 15 to the Act of 2004, as the case may be,”.

65

In rule 3.9 (Transfer of certain tenancies on divorce etc or on separation of cohabitees)—

(a) in the heading, after “etc” insert “, dissolution etc of civil partnership”; and

(b) in paragraph (2), for “other cohabitant or spouse” substitute “other spouse, cohabitee or civil partner, as the case may be,”.

66

In rule 3.10 (Application for declaration as to marital status), in paragraph (1)(d), after “matrimonial” insert “or civil partnership”.

67

After rule 3.10, insert—

(3.10A) (1) Unless otherwise directed, a petition by which proceedings are begun under section 181 of the Act of 2004 for a declaration as to civil partnership status shall state— (a) the names of the parties to the civil partnership to which the application relates and the residential address of each of them at the date of the presentation of the petition; (b) the place at and date on which the civil partnership was formed; (c) the grounds on which the application is made and all other material facts alleged by the petitioner to justify the making of the declaration; (d) whether there have been or are continuing any proceedings in any court, tribunal or authority in Northern Ireland or elsewhere between the parties which relate to, or are capable of affecting the validity or subsistence of the civil partnership, dissolution, annulment or legal separation to which the application relates, or which relate to the civil partnership or matrimonial status of either of the parties, and if so— (i) the nature, and either the outcome or present state of those proceedings, (ii) the court, tribunal or authority before which they were begun, (iii) the date when they were begun, (iv) the names of the parties to them, (v) the date or expected date of the trial, (vi) any other facts relevant to the question whether the petition should be stayed under the Family Proceedings (Civil Partnership: Staying of Proceedings) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2005[^f00008], and such proceedings shall include any which are constituted otherwise than in a court of law in any country outside Northern Ireland, if they are instituted before a tribunal or other authority having power under the law having effect there to determine questions of status, and shall be treated as continuing if they have begun and have not been finally disposed of; (e) where it is alleged that the court has jurisdiction based on domicile, which of the parties to the civil partnership to which the application relates is domiciled in Northern Ireland on the date of the presentation of the petition, or died before that date and was at death domiciled in Northern Ireland; (f) where it is alleged that the court has jurisdiction based on habitual residence, which of the parties to the civil partnership to which the application relates has been habitually resident in Northern Ireland, on the date of the presentation of the petition, or died before that date and had been habitually resident in Northern Ireland throughout the period of one year ending with the date of death; (g) where the petitioner was not a party to the civil partnership to which the application relates, particulars of his interest in the determination of the application. (2) Where the proceedings are for a declaration that the validity of a dissolution annulment or separation obtained in any country outside Northern Ireland in respect of the civil partnership either is or is not entitled to recognition in Northern Ireland, the petition shall in addition state the date and place of the dissolution, annulment or legal separation. (3) There shall be annexed to the petition a copy of the certificate of any civil partnership to which the application relates, or, as the case may be, a certified copy of any order for dissolution, annulment or legal separation to which the application relates. (4) Where a document produced by virtue of paragraph (3) is not in English it shall, unless the court otherwise directs, be accompanied by a translation certified by a notary public or authenticated by affidavit. (5) The parties to the civil partnership in respect of which a declaration is sought shall be the petitioner and respondent respectively to the application, unless a third party is applying for a declaration, in which case he shall be the petitioner and the parties shall be respondents to the application.

68

In rule 3.11 (Procedure to be followed in relation to application under rule 3.10)—

(a) in the heading, for “rule 3.10” substitute “rules 3.10 or 3.10A”;

(b) in paragraph (1), for “rule 3.10” substitute “rules 3.10 and 3.10A”;

(d) in paragraph (11), after “Form M26” insert “and a declaration made under section 181 of the Act of 2004 shall be in Form M26A”.

69

In rule 3.12 (Application for leave to apply for financial relief after overseas divorce)—

(a) in the heading, after “overseas divorce” insert “or overseas dissolution etc of a civil partnership”;

(b) in paragraph (1)—

(i) for “under Part IV of the Order of 1989” substitute “to which this rule applies”; and

(ii) omit the words from “stating the facts” to the end of the paragraph;

(1A) The affidavit in support shall state the facts relied on in support of the application with particular reference— (a) in the case of an application under the Order of 1989, to the matters set out in Article 20(2) of that Order, and (b) in the case of an application under the Act of 2004, to the matters set out in paragraph 8(3) of Schedule 17 to that Act.

(d) in paragraph (2)—

(i) after “by means of which the marriage” insert “or civil partnership, as the case may be,”;

(ii) after “marriage”, the second time it appears, insert “or civil partnership”;

(iii) for sub-paragraph (a), substitute—

(a) in the case of an application under Part IV of the Order of 1989, the names of the parties to the marriage and the date and place of the marriage; (aa) in the case of an application under the Act of 2004, the names of the parties to the civil partnership and the date and place of the formation of the civil partnership;

(iv) in sub-paragraph (b), after “to the marriage” insert “or civil partnership, as the case may be”;

(v) for sub-paragraph (d) substitute—

(d) whether either party to the marriage or civil partnership has subsequently married or formed a civil partnership;

(vi) in sub-paragraph (f), for “under Part IV of the Order of 1989.” substitute “,”; and

(vii) after that sub-paragraph insert—

(g) this rule and rule 3.13 apply to an application for financial relief under— (i) Part IV of the Order of 1989; and (ii) Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004.

70

In rule 3.13 (Application for an order for financial relief or an avoidance of transaction order under Part IV of the Order of 1989)—

(a) in the heading, after “the Order of 1989” insert “or under Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004”;

(b) in paragraph (1), after “under Part IV of the Order of 1989” insert “or Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004”;

(d) in paragraph (4)—

(i) omit “under Article 18 of the Order of 1989”;

(ii) omit “under Article 27 of that Order”; and

(iii) for “an order under the said Article 27” substitute “an avoidance of transaction order”;

(e) in paragraph (7), after “the Order of 1989” insert “or under paragraph 13 of Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004”;

(f) in paragraph (8)—

(i) after “the Order of 1989” insert “or paragraph 13 of Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004”; and

(ii) after “to that Order” insert “or Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order 1998[^f00009], as the case may be,”;

(g) in paragraph (9) omit “under Part IV of the Order of 1989”; and

(h) after paragraph (9) insert—

(10) In this Rule— (a) “avoidance of transaction order” means— (i) in relation to an application under the Order of 1989, an application under Article 27 of that Order, and (ii) in relation to an application under the Act of 2004, an application under paragraph 15 of Schedule 17 to that Act; and (b) “interim order for maintenance” means— (i) in relation to an application under the Order of 1989, an order under Article 18 of that Order, and (ii) in relation to an application under the Act of 2004, an order under paragraph 5 of Schedule 17 to that Act.

71

In rule 3.14 (Application for an order under Article 28 of the Order of 1989 preventing a transaction)—

(a) in the heading, after “the Order of 1989” insert “or under paragraph 17 of Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004”;

(b) in paragraph (1), after “the Order of 1989” insert “or under paragraph 17 of Schedule 17 to the Act of 2004”; and

72

In rule 3.24 (Application under Article 31B of the Order of 1989 for a declaration of parentage)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(c)(iii), for “father or mother” substitute “parent”; and

(b) in paragraph (3)(ii), for “mother or father” substitute “parent”.

73

After rule 3.38 insert—

(3.39) (1) A reference to the High Court under section 8(5) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 shall be brought by originating motion issued out of the Matrimonial Office. (2) The Secretary of State is to be referred to as the applicant and the respondent is the person whose application under section 1(1), 5(2) or 6(1) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 was granted. (3) The originating motion shall be served on the President of the Gender Recognition Panels and such other persons as the Court may direct. (4) Where the applicant knows that— (a) the respondent is a party to a cause in which the petition or answer prays for a decree of nullity of marriage under Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978 or for an order for nullity of civil partnership under section 174(1)(d) of the Act of 2004, he shall— (i) give particulars of those proceedings in the originating motion, and (ii) serve the originating motion on the court in which that petition is pending (where he has sufficient information to do so); (b) a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the respondent under section 5(1) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, he shall give particulars of this in the originating motion. (5) A copy of any order of the court made on the reference shall be served on— (a) the parties, (b) the President of Gender Recognition Panels, (c) where sufficient particulars have been provided under paragraph (4)(a)(i), on the court in which any such cause is pending, and may be served on such other persons as the court thinks fit

74

In rule 4.5 (Application)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(b), after “Forms” insert “C1A,”;

(b) in paragraph (2)(a), for head (ii) substitute—

(ii) such of the supplemental Forms C10 or C11 to C17 as may be appropriate; and (iii) in the case of an application for an Article 8 order where question 6A on Form C1, or question 3A on Form C2, is answered in the affirmative, supplemental Form C1A; or

; and

(c) in paragraph (3)(c), after “as are appropriate” insert “, and, in the case of an application for an Article 8 order, Form C1A”.

75

In rule 4.10 (Answer to application), in paragraph (1), after “Form C4” insert “and, if both parts of question 6 or question 7 (or both) on Form C4 are answered in the affirmative, Form C1A”.

76

After rule 4.27 insert—

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