The Family Procedure Rules 2010

Proceedings for	Applicants	Respondents
A parental responsibility order (section 4(1)(c), 4ZA(1)(c), or section 4A(1)(b) of the 1989 Act).	The child's father;the step parent; orthe child's parent (being a woman who is a parent by virtue of section 43 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 and who is not a person to whom section 1(3) of the Family Law Reform Act 1987 applies) (sections 4(1)(c), 4ZA(1)(c) and 4A(1)(b) of the 1989 Act).	Every person whom the applicant believes to have parental responsibility for the child;where the child is the subject of a care order, every person whom the applicant believes to have had parental responsibility immediately prior to the making of the care order;in the case of an application to extend, vary or discharge an order, the parties to the proceedings leading to the order which it is sought to have extended, varied or discharged;in the case of specified proceedings, the child.
An order terminating a parental responsibility order or agreement (section 4(2A), 4ZA(5) or section 4A(3) of the 1989 Act .	Any person who has parental responsibility for the child; orwith the court's permission , the child (section 4(3), 4ZA(6) and section 4A(3) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order appointing a guardian (section 5(1) of the 1989 Act ).	An individual who wishes to be appointed as guardian (section 5(1) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order terminating the appointment of a guardian (section 6(7) of the 1989 Act).	Any person who has parental responsibility for the child; orwith the court's permission, the child (section 6(7) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
A section 8 order.	Any person who is entitled to apply for a section 8 order with respect to the child (section 10(4) to (7) of the 1989 Act ); orwith the court's permission, any person (section10(2)(b) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An enforcement order (section 11J of the 1989 Act ).	A person who is, for the purposes of the child arrangements order, a person with whom the child concerned lives or is to live;any person whose contact with the child concerned is provided for in the child arrangements order;any individual subject to a condition under section 11(7)(b) of the 1989 Act or an activity condition imposed by a child arrangements order; orwith the court's permission, the child (section 11J(5) of the 1989 Act).	The person the applicant alleges has failed to comply with the child arrangements order.
A financial compensation order (section 11O of the 1989 Act).	Any person who is, for the purposes of the child arrangements order, a person with whom the child concerned lives or is to live;any person whose contact with the child concerned is provided for in the child arrangements order;any individual subject to a condition under section 11(7)(b) of the 1989 Act or an activity condition imposed by a child arrangements order; orwith the court's permission, the child (section 11O(6) of the 1989 Act).	The person the applicant alleges has failed to comply with the child arrangements order.
An order permitting the child's name to be changed or the removal of the child from the United Kingdom (section 13(1), 14C(3) or 33(7) of the 1989 Act).	Any person (section 13(1), 14C(3), 33(7) of the 1989 Act).	As for a parental responsibility order.
A special guardianship order (section 14A of the 1989 Act).	Any guardian of the child;any individual who is named in a child arrangements order as a person with whom the child is to live; any individual listed in subsection (5)(b) or (c) of section 10 (as read with subsection (10) of that section) of the 1989 Act;a local authority foster parent with whom the child has lived for a period of at least one year immediately preceding the application; orany person with the court's permission (section 14A(3) of the 1989 Act) (more than one such individual can apply jointly (section 14A(3) and (5) of that Act)).	As above, andif a care order is in force with respect to the child, the child.
Variation or discharge of a special guardianship order (section 14D of the 1989 Act ).	The special guardian (or any of them, if there is more than one);any individual who is named in a child arrangements order as a person with whom the child is to live; the local authority designated in a care order with respect to the child;any individual within section 14D(1)(d) of the 1989 Act who has parental responsibility for the child;the child, any parent or guardian of the child and any step-parent of the child who has acquired, and has not lost, parental responsibility by virtue of section 4A of that Act with the court's permission; orany individual within section 14D(1)(d) of that Act who immediately before the making of the special guardianship order had, but no longer has, parental responsibility for the child with the court's permission.	As above.
A secure accommodation order (section 25 section of the 1989 Act).	The local authority which is looking after the child; orthe Health Authority, Secretary of State, NHS England, integrated care board, National Health Service Trust established under section 25 of the National Health Service Act 2006 or section 18(1) of the National Health Service (Wales) Act 2006 , National Health Service Foundation Trust or any local authority providing or arranging accommodation for the child (unless the child is looked after by a local authority).	As above.
A care or supervision order (section 31 of the 1989 Act).	Any local authority;the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and any of its officers (section 31(1) of the 1989 Act);orany authorised person.	As above.
An order varying directions made with an interim care or interim supervision order (section 38(8)(b) of the 1989 Act).	The parties to proceedings in which directions are given under section 38(6) of the 1989 Act; orany person named in such a direction.	As above.
An order discharging a care order (section 39(1) of the 1989 Act).	Any person who has parental responsibility for the child;the child; orthe local authority designated by the order (section 39(1) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order varying or discharging an interim care order in so far as it imposes an exclusion requirement (section 39(3A) of the 1989 Act).	A person to whom the exclusion requirement in the interim care order applies who is not entitled to apply for the order to be discharged (section 39(3A) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order varying or discharging an interim care order in so far as it confers a power of arrest attached to an exclusion requirement (section 39(3B) of the 1989 Act).	Any person entitled to apply for the discharge of the interim care order in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement (section 39(3B) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order substituting a supervision order for a care order (section 39(4) of the 1989 Act).	Any person entitled to apply for a care order to be discharged under section 39(1) (section 39(4) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
A child assessment order (section 43(1) of the 1989 Act).	Any local authority;the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and any of its officers; orany person authorised by order of the Secretary of State to bring the proceedings and any officer of a body who is so authorised (section 43(1) and (13) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order varying or discharging a child assessment order (section 43(12) of the 1989 Act).	The applicant for an order that has been made under section 43(1) of the 1989 Act; orthe persons referred to in section 43(11) of the 1989 Act (section 43(12) of that Act).	As above.
An emergency protection order (section 44(1) of the 1989 Act).	Any person (section 44(1) of the 1989 Act).	As for a parental responsibility order.
An order extending the period during which an emergency protection order is to have effect (section 45(4) of the 1989 Act).	Any person who—has parental responsibility for a child as the result of an emergency protection order; andis entitled to apply for a care order with respect to the child (section 45(4) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order discharging an emergency protection order (section 45(8) of the 1989 Act).	The child;a parent of the child;any person who is not a parent of the child but who has parental responsibility for the child; orany person with whom the child was living before the making of the emergency protection order (section 45(8) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order varying or discharging an emergency protection order in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement (section 45(8A) of the 1989 Act).	A person to whom the exclusion requirement in the emergency protection order applies who is not entitled to apply for the emergency protection order to be discharged (section 45(8A) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An order varying or discharging an emergency protection order in so far as it confers a power of arrest attached to an exclusion requirement (section 45(8B) of the 1989 Act).	Any person entitled to apply for the discharge of the emergency protection order in so far as it imposes the exclusion requirement (section 45(8B) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
An emergency protection order by the police (section 46(7) of the 1989 Act).	The officer designated for the purposes of section 46(3)(e) of the 1989 Act (section 46(7) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
A warrant authorising a constable to assist in exercise of certain powers to search for children and inspect premises (section 48 of the 1989 Act).	Any person attempting to exercise powers under an emergency protection order who has been or is likely to be prevented from doing so by being refused entry to the premises concerned or refused access to the child concerned (section 48(9) of the 1989 Act).	As above.
A warrant authorising a constable to assist in exercise of certain powers to search for children and inspect premises (section 102 of the 1989 Act).	Any person attempting to exercise powers under the enactments mentioned in section 102(6) of the 1989 Act who has been or is likely to be prevented from doing so by being refused entry to the premises concerned or refused access to the child concerned (section 102(1) of that Act).	As above.
An order revoking an enforcement order (paragraph 4 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act).	The person subject to the enforcement order.	The person who was the applicant for the enforcement order; and,where the child was a party to the proceedings in which the enforcement order was made, the child.
An order amending an enforcement order (paragraphs 5 to 7 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act).	The person subject to the enforcement order.	The person who was the applicant for the enforcement order.(Rule 12.33 makes provision about applications under paragraph 5 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act.)
An order following breach of an enforcement order (paragraph 9 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act).	Any person who is, for the purposes of the child arrangements order, the person with whom the child lives or is to live;any person whose contact with the child concerned is provided for in the child arrangements order;any individual subject to a condition under section 11(7)(b) of the 1989 Act or an activity condition imposed by a child arrangements order;; orwith the court's permission, the child (paragraph 9 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act).	The person the applicant alleges has failed to comply with the unpaid work requirement imposed by an enforcement order; andwhere the child was a party to the proceedings in which the enforcement order was made, the child.
An order permitting the local authority to arrange for any child in its care to live outside England and Wales (Schedule 2, paragraph 19(1), to the 1989 Act).	The local authority (Schedule 2, paragraph 19(1), to the 1989 Act).	As for a parental responsibility order.
A contribution order (Schedule 2, paragraph 23(1), to the 1989 Act).	The local authority (Schedule 2, paragraph 23(1), to the 1989 Act).	As above and the contributor.
An order revoking a contribution order (Schedule 2, paragraph 23(8), to the 1989 Act).	The contributor; orthe local authority.	As above.
An order relating to contact with the child in care and any named person (section 34(2) of the 1989 Act) or permitting the local authority to refuse contact (section 34(4) of that Act).	The local authority; orthe child (section 34(2) or 34(4) of the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe person whose contact with the child is the subject of the application.
An order relating to contact with the child in care (section 34(3) of the 1989 Act).	The child's parents;any guardian or special guardian of the child;any person who by virtue of section 4A of the 1989 Act has parental responsibility for the child; where there was a child arrangements order in force with respect to the child immediately before the care order was made, any person named in that order as a person with whom the child was to live; a person who by virtue of an order made in the exercise of the High Court's inherent jurisdiction with respect to children had care of the child immediately before the care order was made (section 34(3)(a) of the 1989 Act); orwith the court's permission, any person (section 34(3) (b) of that Act).	As above; andthe person whose contact with the child is the subject of the application.
An order varying or discharging an order for contact with a child in care under section 34 (section 34((9) of the 1989 Act).	The local authority;the child; orany person named in the order (section 34(9) of the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe person whose contact with the child is the subject of the application.
An education supervision order (section 36 of the 1989 Act).	Any local authority (section 36(1) of the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe child.
An order varying or discharging a supervision order (section 39(2) of the 1989 Act).	Any person who has parental responsibility for the child;the child; orthe supervisor (section 39(2) of the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe supervisor.
An order varying a supervision order in so far as it affects the person with whom the child is living (section 39(3) of the 1989 Act).	The person with whom the child is living who is not entitled to apply for the order to be discharged (section 39(3) of the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe supervisor.
An order varying a direction under section 44(6) of the 1989 Act in an emergency protection order (section 44(9)(b) of that Act).	The parties to the application for the emergency protection order in respect of which it is sought to vary the directions;the children's guardian;the local authority in whose area the child is ordinarily resident; orany person who is named in the directions.	As above, andthe parties to the application for the order in respect of which it is sought to vary the directions;any person who was caring for the child prior to the making of the order; andany person named in a child arrangements order as a person with whom the child is to spend time or otherwise have contact and who is affected by the direction which it is sought to have varied.
A recovery order (section 50 of the 1989 Act).	Any person who has parental responsibility for the child by virtue of a care order or an emergency protection order; orwhere the child is in police protection the officer designated for the purposes of section 46(3)(e) of the 1989 Act (section 50(4) of the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe person whom the applicant alleges to have effected or to have been or to be responsible for the taking or keeping of the child.
An order discharging an education supervision order (Schedule 3, paragraph 17(1), to the 1989 Act).	The child concerned;a parent of the child; orthe local authority concerned (Schedule 3, paragraph 17(1), to the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe local authority concerned; andthe child.
An order extending an education supervision order (Schedule 3, paragraph, 15(2), to the 1989 Act).	The local authority in whose favour the education supervision order was made (Schedule 3, paragraph 15(2), to the 1989 Act).	As above; andthe child.
An appeal under paragraph (8) of Schedule 8 to the 1989 Act.	A person aggrieved by the matterslisted in paragraph 8(1) of Schedule8 to the 1989 Act.	The appropriate local authority.
An order for the disclosure of information as to the whereabouts of a child under section 33 of the 1986 Act.	Any person with a legitimate interest in proceedings for an order under Part 1 of the 1986 Act; ora person who has registered an order made elsewhere in the United Kingdom or a specified dependent territory.	Any person alleged to have information as to the whereabouts of the child.
An order authorising the taking charge of and delivery of a child under section 34 of the 1986 Act.	The person to whom the child is to be given up under section 34(1) of the 1986 Act.	As above; andthe person who is required to give up the child in accordance with section 34(1) of the 1986 Act.
An order relating to the exercise of the court's inherent jurisdiction (including wardship proceedings).	A local authority (with the court's permission);any person with a genuine interest in or relation to the child; orthe child (wardship proceedings only).	The parent or guardian of the child;any other person who has an interest in or relationship to the child; andthe child (wardship proceedings only and with the court's permission as described at rule 12.37).
A warrant under section 79 of the 2006 Act authorising any constable to assist His Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education, Children's Services and Skills in the exercise of powers conferred on him by section 77 of the 2006 Act.	His Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education, Children's Services and Skills.	Any person preventing or likely to prevent His Majesty’s Chief Inspector for Education, Children's Services and Skills from exercising powers conferred on him by section 77 of the 2006 Act.
An order in respect of a child under the 1980 Hague Convention.	Any person, institution or body who claims that a child has been removed or retained in breach of rights of custody or claims that there has been a breach of rights of access in relation to the child.	The person alleged to have brought the child into the United Kingdom;the person with whom the child is alleged to be;any parent or guardian of the child who is within the United Kingdom and is not otherwise a party;any person in whose favour a decision relating to custody has been made if that person is not otherwise a party; andany other person who appears to the court to have sufficient interest in the welfare of the child.
An order concerning the recognition and enforcement of decisions relating to custody under the European Convention.	Any person who has a court order giving that person rights of custody in relation to the child.	As above.
An application for the High Court to request transfer of jurisdiction under ... Article 9 of the 1996 Hague Convention (rule 12.65).	Any person with sufficient interest in the welfare of the child and who would be entitled to make a proposed application in relation to that child, or who intends to seek the permission of the court to make such application if the transfer is agreed.	As directed by the court in accordance with rule 12.65.
An application under rule 12.71 for a declaration as to the existence, or extent, of parental responsibility under Article 16 of the 1996 Convention.	Any interested person including a person who holds, or claims to hold, parental responsibility for the child under the law of another State which subsists in accordance with Article 16 of the 1996 Hague Convention following the child becoming habitually resident in a territorial unit of the United Kingdom.	Every person whom the applicant believes to have parental responsibility for the child;any person whom the applicant believes to hold parental responsibility for the child under the law of another State which subsists in accordance with Article 16 of the 1996 Hague Convention following the child becoming habitually resident in a territorial unit of the United Kingdom; andwhere the child is the subject of a care order, every person whom the applicant believes to have had parental responsibility immediately prior to the making of the care order.
A warning notice.	The person who is, for the purposes of the child arrangements order, the person with whom the child concerned lives or is to live;the person whose contact with the child concerned is provided for in the child arrangements order;any individual subject to a condition under section 11(7)(b) of the 1989 Act or an activity condition imposed by the child arrangements order; orwith the court's permission, the child.	Any person who was a party to the proceedings in which the child arrangements order was made.(Rule 12.33 makes provision about applications for warning notices).

• (2) The court will direct that a person with parental responsibility be made a party to proceedings where that person requests to be one.

• (3) Subject to rule 16.2, the court may at any time direct that—

• (a) any person or body be made a party to proceedings; or

• (b) a party be removed.

• (4) If the court makes a direction for the addition or removal of a party under this rule, it may give consequential directions about—

• (a) the service of a copy of the application form or other relevant documents on the new party;

• (b) the management of the proceedings.

• (5) In this rule—

• “a local authority foster parent” has the meaning assigned to it by section 23(3) of the 1989 Act; and

• “care home”, “independent hospital”, “local authority” and “integrated care board” have the meanings assigned to them by section 105 of the 1989 Act.

Notice of proceedings to person with foreign parental responsibility

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• (1) This rule applies where a child is subject to proceedings to which this Part applies and —

• (a) a person holds or is believed to hold parental responsibility for the child under the law of another State which subsists in accordance with Article 16 of the 1996 Hague Convention following the child becoming habitually resident in a territorial unit of the United Kingdom; and

• (b) that person is not otherwise required to be joined as a respondent under rule 12.3.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (2A), the applicant shall give notice of the proceedings to any person to whom the applicant believes paragraph (1) applies in any case in which a person whom the applicant believed to have parental responsibility under the 1989 Act would be a respondent to those proceedings in accordance with rule 12.3.

• (2A) Notice shall not be given to a person to whom the applicant believes paragraph (1) applies if the court directs that such notice is not necessary.

• (3) Unless a direction has been made under paragraph (2A), the applicant and every respondent to the proceedings shall provide such details as they possess as to the identity and whereabouts of any person they believe to hold parental responsibility for the child in accordance with paragraph (1) to the court officer, upon making, or responding to the application as appropriate.

• (4) Where the existence of a person who is believed to have parental responsibility for the child in accordance with paragraph (1) only becomes apparent to a party at a later date during the proceedings, that party must notify the court officer of those details at the earliest opportunity.

• (5) Where a person to whom paragraph (1) applies receives notice of proceedings, that person may apply to the court to be joined as a party using the Part 18 procedure.

What the court will do when the application has been issued

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• (1) When ... proceedings other than public law proceedings have been issued the court will consider—

• (a) setting a date for—

• (i) a directions appointment;

• (ii) in private law proceedings, a First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment; or

• (iii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (iv) the hearing of the application ...,

and if the court sets a date it will do so in accordance with rule 12.13 and Practice Direction 12B;

• (b) giving any of the directions listed in rule 12.12 or, where Chapter 6, section 1 applies, rule 12.48; and

• (c) doing anything else which is set out in Practice Direction 12B or any other practice direction.

(Practice Direction 12A sets out details relating to the Case Management Hearing. Practice Direction 12B supplementing this Part sets out details relating to the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment.)

• (2) When Part 4 proceedings and in so far as practicable other public law proceedings have been issued the court will—

• (a) set a date for the Case Management Hearing in accordance with Practice Direction 12A;

• (b) set a date for the hearing of an application for an interim order if necessary;

• (c) give any directions listed in rule 12.12; and

• (d) do anything else which is set out in Practice Direction 12A.

Children's guardian, solicitor and reports under section 7 of the 1989 Act

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Within a day of the issue of Part 4 proceedings or the transfer of Part 4 Proceedings to the court and as soon as practicable after the issue of other proceedings or the transfer of the other proceedings to the court, the court will—

• (a) in specified proceedings, appoint a children's guardian under rule 16.3(1) unless—

• (i) such an appointment has already been made by the court which made the transfer and is subsisting; or

• (ii) the court considers that such an appointment is not necessary to safeguard the interests of the child;

• (b) where section 41(3) of the 1989 Act applies, consider whether a solicitor should be appointed to represent the child, and if so, appoint a solicitor accordingly;

• (c) consider whether to ask an officer of the service or a Welsh family proceedings officer for advice relating to the welfare of the child;

• (d) consider whether a report relating to the welfare of the child is required, and if so, request such a report in accordance with section 7 of the 1989 Act.

What a court officer will do

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• (1) As soon as practicable after the issue of proceedings the court officer will return to the applicant the copies of the application together with the forms referred to in Practice Direction 5A.

• (2) As soon as practicable after the issue of proceedings or the transfer of proceedings to the court or at any other stage in the proceedings the court officer will—

• (a) give notice of any hearing set by the court to the applicant; and

• (b) do anything else set out in Practice Directions 12A or 12B or any other practice direction.

Service

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• (1) After the issue of proceedings under this Part, the documents specified in paragraph (5) must be served on the respondent or respondents.

• (2) In section 8 private law proceedings, subject to rule 6.23A, service under paragraph (1) will be effected by the court officer, unless—

• (a) the applicant requests to do so; or

• (b) the court directs the applicant to do so.

• (3) In this Rule, “section 8 private law proceedings” are proceedings for a section 8 order except proceedings for a child arrangements order to which section 9(6B) of the 1989 Act applies with respect to a child who is in the care of a local authority.

• (4) In any other proceedings to which this Part applies, subject to rule 6.23A, service under paragraph (1) must be effected by the applicant.

• (5) The documents are—

• (a) the application together with the documents referred to in Practice Direction 12C; and

• (b) notice of any hearing set by the court.

• (6) Service under this rule must be carried out in accordance with Practice Direction 12C.

• (7) The general rules about service in Part 6 apply but are subject to this rule.

(Practice Direction 12C (Service of Application in Children Proceedings) provides that in Part 4 proceedings (except proceedings for an interim order) the minimum number of days prior to the Case Management Hearing for service of the application and accompanying documents is 7 days. The Court has discretion to extend or shorten this time (see rule 4.1(3)(a)).

Request for transfer from magistrates' court to county court or to another magistrates' court

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Procedure following refusal of magistrates' court to order transfer

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Transfer of proceedings from one court to another court

12

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Directions

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• (1) This rule does not apply to proceedings under Chapter 6 of this Part.

• (2) At any stage in the proceedings, the court may give directions about the conduct of the proceedings including—

• (a) the management of the case;

• (b) the timetable for steps to be taken between the giving of directions and the final hearing;

• (c) the joining of a child or other person as a party to the proceedings in accordance with rules 12.3(2) and (3);

• (d) the attendance of the child;

• (e) the appointment of a children's guardian or of a solicitor under section 41(3) of the 1989 Act;

• (f) the appointment of a litigation friend;

• (g) the service of documents;

• (h) the filing of evidence including experts' reports; and

• (i) the exercise by an officer of the Service, Welsh family proceedings officer or local authority officer of any duty referred to in rule 16.38(1)

• (3) Paragraph (4) applies where—

• (a) an officer of the Service or a Welsh family proceedings officer has filed a report or a risk assessment as a result of exercising a duty referred to in rule 16.38(1)(a); or

• (b) a local authority officer has filed a report as a result of exercising a duty referred to in rule 16.38(1)(b).

• (4) The court may—

• (a) give directions setting a date for a hearing at which that report or risk assessment will be considered; and

• (b) direct that the officer who prepared the report or risk assessment attend any such hearing.

• (5) The court may exercise the powers in paragraphs (2) and (4) on an application or of its own initiative.

• (6) Where the court proposes to exercise its powers of its own initiative the procedure set out in rule 4.3(2) to (6) applies.

• (7) Directions of a court which are still in force immediately prior to the transfer of proceedings to another court will continue to apply following the transfer subject to—

• (a) any changes of terminology which are required to apply those directions to the court to which the proceedings are transferred; and

• (b) any variation or revocation of the direction.

• (8) The court or court officer will—

• (a) take a note of the giving, variation or revocation of a direction under this rule; and

• (b) as soon as practicable serve a copy of the note on every party.

(Rule 12.48 provides for directions in proceedings under the 1980 Hague Convention and the European Convention.)

Setting dates for hearings and setting or confirming the timetable and date for the final hearing

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• (1) At the—

• (a) transfer to a court of proceedings;

• (b) postponement or adjournment of any hearing; or

• (c) conclusion of any hearing at which the proceedings are not finally determined,

the court will set a date for the proceedings to come before the court again for the purposes of giving directions or for such other purposes as the court directs.

• (2) At any hearing the court may—

• (a) confirm a date for the final hearing or the week within which the final hearing is to begin (where a date or period for the final hearing has already been set);

• (b) set a timetable for the final hearing unless a timetable has already been fixed, or the court considers that it would be inappropriate to do so; or

• (c) set a date for the final hearing or a period within which the final hearing of the application is to take place.

• (3) The court officer will notify the parties of—

• (a) the date of a hearing fixed in accordance with paragraph (1);

• (b) the timetable for the final hearing; and

• (c) the date of the final hearing or the period in which it will take place.

• (4) Where the date referred to in paragraph (1) is set at the transfer of proceedings, the date will be as soon as possible after the transfer.

• (5) The requirement in paragraph (1) to set a date for the proceedings to come before the court again is satisfied by the court setting or confirming a date for the final hearing.

Attendance at hearings

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• (1) This rule does not apply to proceedings under Chapter 6 of this Part except for proceedings for a declaration under rule 12.71.

• (2) Unless the court directs otherwise and subject to paragraph (3), the persons who must attend a hearing are—

• (a) any party to the proceedings;

• (b) any litigation friend for any party or legal representative instructed to act on that party's behalf; and

• (c) any other person directed by the court or required by Practice Directions 12A or 12B or any other practice direction to attend.

(Practice Direction 27C makes provision for the attendance at hearings of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers.)

• (3) Proceedings or any part of them will take place in the absence of a child who is a party to the proceedings if—

• (a) the court considers it in the interests of the child, having regard to the matters to be discussed or the evidence likely to be given; and

• (b) the child is represented by a children's guardian or solicitor.

• (4) When considering the interests of the child under paragraph (3) the court will give—

• (a) the children's guardian;

• (b) the solicitor for the child; and

• (c) the child, if of sufficient understanding,

an opportunity to make representations.

• (5) Subject to paragraph (6), where at the time and place appointed for a hearing, the applicant appears but one or more of the respondents do not, the court may proceed with the hearing.

• (6) The court will not begin to hear an application in the absence of a respondent unless the court is satisfied that—

• (a) the respondent received reasonable notice of the date of the hearing; or

• (b) the circumstances of the case justify proceeding with the hearing.

• (7) Where, at the time and place appointed for a hearing one or more of the respondents appear but the applicant does not, the court may—

• (a) refuse the application; or

• (b) if sufficient evidence has previously been received, proceed in the absence of the applicant.

• (8) Where at the time and place appointed for a hearing neither the applicant nor any respondent appears, the court may refuse the application.

• (9) Paragraphs (5) to (8) do not apply to a hearing where the court—

• (a) is considering—

• (i) whether to make an activity direction or to attach an activity condition to a child arrangements order; or

• (ii) an application for a financial compensation order, an enforcement order or an order under paragraph 9 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act following a breach of an enforcement order; and

• (b) has yet to obtain sufficient evidence from, or in relation to, the person who may be the subject of the direction, condition or order to enable it to determine the matter.

• (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

( ...)

Steps taken by the parties

12

If—

• (a) the parties or any children's guardian agree proposals for the management of the proceedings (including a proposed date for the final hearing or a period within which the final hearing is to take place); and

• (b) the court considers that the proposals are suitable,

it may approve them without a hearing and give directions in the terms proposed.

(Practice Direction 12A gives guidance as to the application of this rule to Part 4 proceedings in the light of the period that is for the time being allowed under section 32(1)(a)(ii) of the 1989 Act)

Applications without notice

12

• (1) This rule applies to—

• (a) proceedings for a section 8 order;

• (b) emergency proceedings; and

• (c) proceedings relating to the exercise of the court's inherent jurisdiction (other than an application for the court's permission to start such proceedings and proceedings for collection, location and passport orders where Chapter 6 applies).

• (2) An application in proceedings referred to in paragraph (1) may ... be made without notice in which case the applicant must file the application—

• (a) where the application is made by telephone, the next business day after the making of the application; or

• (b) in any other case, at the time when the application is made.

• (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (4) Where—

• (a) a section 8 order;

• (b) an emergency protection order;

• (c) an order for the disclosure of information as to the whereabouts of a child under section 33 of the 1986 Act; or

• (d) an order authorising the taking charge of and delivery of a child under section 34 of the 1986 Act,

is made without notice, the applicant must serve a copy of the application on each respondent within 48 hours after the order is made.

• (5) Within 48 hours after the making of an order without notice, the applicant must serve a copy of the order on—

• (a) the parties, unless the court directs otherwise;

• (b) any person who has actual care of the child or who had such care immediately prior to the making of the order; and

• (c) in the case of an emergency protection order and a recovery order, the local authority in whose area the child lives or is found.

• (6) Where the court refuses to make an order on an application without notice it may direct that the application is made on notice in which case the application will proceed in accordance with rules 12.13 to 12.15.

• (7) Where the hearing takes place outside the hours during which the court office is normally open, the court or court officer will take a note of the proceedings. (Practice Direction 12E (Urgent Business) provides further details of the procedure for out of hours applications. See also Practice Direction 12D (Inherent Jurisdiction (including Wardship Proceedings).) (Rule 12.47 provides for without-notice applications in proceedings under Chapter 6, section 1 of this Part, (proceedings under the 1980 Hague Convention and the European Convention).)

Investigation under section 37 of the 1989 Act

12

• (1) This rule applies where a direction is given to an appropriate authority by the court under section 37(1) of the 1989 Act.

• (2) On giving the direction the court may adjourn the proceedings.

• (3) As soon as practicable after the direction is given the court will record the direction.

• (4) As soon as practicable after the direction is given the court officer will—

• (a) serve the direction on—

• (i) the parties to the proceedings in which the direction is given; and

• (ii) the appropriate authority where it is not a party;

• (b) serve any documentary evidence directed by the court on the appropriate authority.

• (5) Where a local authority informs the court of any of the matters set out in section 37(3)(a) to (c) of the 1989 Act it will do so in writing.

• (6) Unless the court directs otherwise, the court officer will serve a copy of any report to the court under section 37 of the 1989 Act on the parties. (Section 37 of the 1989 Act refers to the appropriate authority and section 37(5) of that Act sets out which authority should be named in a particular case.)

Disclosure of a report under section 14A(8) or (9) of the 1989 Act

12

• (1) In proceedings for a special guardianship order, the local authority must file the report under section 14A(8) or (9) of the 1989 Act within the timetable fixed by the court.

• (2) The court will consider whether to give a direction that the report under section 14A(8) or (9) of the 1989 Act be disclosed to each party to the proceedings.

• (3) Before giving a direction for the report to be disclosed, the court must consider whether any information should be deleted from the report.

• (4) The court may direct that the report must not be disclosed to a party.

• (5) The court officer must serve a copy of the report in accordance with any direction under paragraph (2).

• (6) In paragraph (3), information includes information which a party has declined to reveal under rule 29.1(1).

Additional evidence

12

• (1) This rule applies to proceedings for a section 8 order or a special guardianship order.

• (2) Unless the court directs otherwise, a party must not—

• (a) file or serve any document other than in accordance with these rules or any practice direction;

• (b) in completing a form prescribed by these rules or any practice direction, give information or make a statement which is not required or authorised by that form; or

• (c) file or serve at a hearing—

• (i) any witness statement of the substance of the oral evidence which the party intends to adduce; or

• (ii) any copy of any document (including any experts' report) which the party intends to rely on.

• (3) Where a party fails to comply with the requirements of this rule in relation to any witness statement or other document, the party cannot seek to rely on that statement or other document unless the court directs otherwise.

Expert evidence-examination of child

12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hearings

12

• (1) The court may give directions about the order of speeches and the evidence at a hearing.

• (2) Subject to any directions given under paragraph (1), the parties and the children's guardian must adduce their evidence at a hearing in the following order—

• (a) the applicant;

• (b) any party with parental responsibility for the child;

• (c) other respondents;

• (d) the children's guardian;

• (e) the child, if the child is a party to proceedings and there is no children's guardian.

CHAPTER 3 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS ABOUT PUBLIC LAW PROCEEDINGS

Timetable for the proceedings

12

In public law proceedings other than Part 4 proceedings, in so far as practicable the court will draw up the timetable for the proceedings or revise that timetable with a view to disposing of the application without delay and in any event within 26 weeks beginning with the date on which the application is issued.

(In relation to Part 4 proceedings, section 32(1)(a) of the 1989 Act requires the court to draw up a timetable with a view to disposing of the application without delay and in any event within 26 weeks beginning with the day on which the application is issued.)

Application of rules 12.24 to 12.26C

12

Rules 12.24 to 12.26C apply to Part 4 proceedings and in so far as practicable other public law proceedings.

Directions

12

The court will direct the parties to—

• (a) monitor compliance with the court's directions; and

• (b) tell the court or court officer about—

• (i) any failure to comply with a direction of the court; and

• (ii) any other delay in the proceedings.

The Case Management Hearing and the Issues Resolution Hearing

12

• (1) The court will conduct the Case Management Hearing with the objective of—

• (a) confirming the level of judge to which the proceedings have been allocated;

• (b) drawing up a timetable for the proceedings including the time within which the proceedings are to be resolved;

• (c) identifying the issues; and

• (d) giving directions in accordance with rule 12.12 and Practice Direction 12A to manage the proceedings.

• (2) The court may hold a further Case Management Hearing only where this hearing is necessary to fulfil the objectives of the Case Management Hearing set out in paragraph (1).

• (3) The court will conduct the Issues Resolution Hearing with the objective of—

• (a) identifying the remaining issues in the proceedings;

• (b) as far as possible resolving or narrowing those issues; and

• (c) giving directions to manage the proceedings to the final hearing in accordance with rule 12.12 and Practice Direction 12A.

• (4) Where it is possible for all the issues in the proceedings to be resolved at the Issues Resolution Hearing, the court may treat the Issues Resolution Hearing as a final hearing and make orders disposing of the proceedings.

• (5) The court may set a date for the Case Management Hearing, a further Case Management Hearing and the Issues Resolution Hearing at the times referred to in Practice Direction 12A.

• (6) The matters which the court will consider at the hearings referred to in this rule are set out in Practice Direction 12A.

(Rule 25.6 (experts: when to apply for the court’s permission) provides that unless the court directs otherwise, parties must apply for the court’s permission as mentioned in section 13(1), (3) and (5) of the 2014 Act as soon as possible and in Part 4 proceedings and in so far as practicable other public law proceedings no later than the Case Management Hearing.)

Discussion between advocates

12

• (1) When setting a date for the Case Management Hearing or the Issues Resolution Hearing the court will direct a discussion between the parties’ advocates to—

• (a) discuss the provisions of a draft of the Case Management Order; and

• (b) consider any other matter set out in Practice Direction 12A.

• (2) Where there is a litigant in person the court will give directions about how that person may take part in the discussions between the parties’ advocates.

• (3) Unless the court directs otherwise—

• (a) any discussion between advocates must take place no later than 2 days before the Case Management Hearing; and

• (b) a draft of the Case Management Order must be filed with the court no later than 11a.m. on the day before the Case Management Hearing.

• (4) Unless the court directs otherwise—

• (a) any discussion between advocates must take place no later than 7 days before the Issues Resolution Hearing; and

• (b) a draft of the Case Management Order must be filed with the court no later than 11a.m. on the day before the Issues Resolution Hearing.

• (5) For the purposes of this rule “advocate” includes a litigant in person.

Application for extension of the time limit for disposing of the application

12.26A

• (1) An application requesting the court to grant an extension must state—

• (a) the reasons for the request;

• (b) the period of extension being requested; and

• (c) a short explanation of—

• (i) why it is necessary for the request to be granted to enable the court to resolve the proceedings justly;

• (ii) the impact which any ensuing timetable revision would have on the welfare of the child to whom the application relates;

• (iii) the impact which any ensuing timetable revision would have on the duration and conduct of the proceedings; and

• (iv) the reasons for the grant or refusal of any previous request for extension.

• (2) Part 18 applies to an application requesting the grant of an extension.

• (3) In this rule

• “ensuing timetable revision” has the meaning given to it by section 32(6) of the 1989 Act;

• “extension” means an extension of the period for the time being allowed under section 32(1)(a)(ii) of the 1989 Act which is to end no more than 8 weeks after the later of the times referred to in section 32(8) of that Act.

Disapplication of rule 4.1(3)(a) court’s power to extend or shorten the time for compliance with a rule

12.26B

Rule 4.1(3)(a) does not apply to any period that is for the time being allowed under section 32(1)(a)(ii) of the 1989 Act.

Extension of time limit: reasons for court’s decision

12.26C

• (1) When refusing or granting an extension of the period that is for the time being allowed under section 32(1)(a)(ii) in the case of the application, the court will announce its decision and—

• (a) the reasons for that decision; and

• (b) where an extension is granted or refused, a short explanation of the impact which the decision would have on the welfare of the child.

• (2) The court office will supply a copy of the order granting or refusing the extension including the reasons for the court’s decision and the period of any extension and short explanation given under paragraph (1)(b) to—

• (a) the parties; and

• (b) any person who has actual care of the child who is the subject of the proceedings.

Matters prescribed for the purposes of the Act

12

• (1) Proceedings for an order under any of the following provisions of the 1989 Act—

• (a) a secure accommodation order under section 25;

• (b) an order giving permission to change a child's surname or remove a child from the United Kingdom under section 33(7);

• (c) an order permitting the local authority to arrange for any child in its care to live outside England and Wales under paragraph 19(1) of Schedule 2;

• (d) the extension or further extension of a supervision order under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 3;

• (e) appeals against the determination of proceedings of a kind set out in sub-paragraphs (a) to (d);

are specified for the purposes of section 41 of that Act in accordance with section 41(6)(i) of that Act.

• (2) The persons listed as applicants in the table set out in rule 12.3 to proceedings for the variation of directions made with interim care or interim supervision orders under section 38(8)of the 1989 Act are the prescribed class of persons for the purposes of that section.

• (3) The persons listed as applicants in the table set out in rule 12.3 to proceedings for the variation of a direction made under section 44(6) of the 1989 Act in an emergency protection order are the prescribed class of persons for the purposes of section 44(9) of that Act.

Exclusion requirements: interim care orders and emergency protection orders

12

• (1) This rule applies where the court includes an exclusion requirement in an interim care order or an emergency protection order.

• (2) The applicant for an interim care order or emergency protection order must—

• (a) prepare a separate statement of the evidence in support of the application for an exclusion requirement;

• (b) serve the statement personally on the relevant person with a copy of the order containing the exclusion requirement (and of any power of arrest which is attached to it);

• (c) inform the relevant person of that person's right to apply to vary or discharge the exclusion requirement.

• (3) Where a power of arrest is attached to an exclusion requirement in an interim care order or an emergency protection order, the applicant will deliver—

• (a) a copy of the order; and

• (b) a statement showing that the relevant person has been served with the order or informed of its terms (whether by being present when the order was made or by telephone or otherwise),

to the officer for the time being in charge of the police station for the area in which the dwelling-house in which the child lives is situated (or such other police station as the court may specify).

• (4) Rules 10.6(2) and 10.10 to 10.17 will apply, with the necessary modifications, for the service, variation, discharge and enforcement of any exclusion requirement to which a power of arrest is attached as they apply to an order made on an application under Part 4 of the 1996 Act.

• (5) The relevant person must serve the parties to the proceedings with any application which that person makes for the variation or discharge of the exclusion requirement.

• (6) Where an exclusion requirement ceases to have effect whether—

• (a) as a result of the removal of a child under section 38A(10) or 44A(10) of the 1989 Act ;

• (b) because of the discharge of the interim care order or emergency protection order; or

• (c) otherwise,

the applicant must inform—

• (i) the relevant person;

• (ii) the parties to the proceedings;

• (iii) any officer to whom a copy of the order was delivered under paragraph (3); and

• (iv) (where necessary) the court.

• (7) Where the court includes an exclusion requirement in an interim care order or an emergency protection order of its own motion, paragraph (2) will apply with the omission of any reference to the statement of the evidence.

• (8) In this rule, “the relevant person” has the meaning assigned to it by sections 38A(2) and 44A(2) of the 1989 Act.

Notification of consent

12

• (1) Consent for the purposes of the following provisions of the 1989 Act—

• (a) section 16(3) ;

• (b) section 38A(2)(b)(ii) or 44A(2)(b)(ii); or

• (c) paragraph 19(3)(c) or (d) of Schedule 2,

must be given either—

• (i) orally to the court; or

• (ii) in writing to the court signed by the person giving consent.

• (2) Any written consent for the purposes of section 38A(2) or 44A(2) of the 1989 Act must include a statement that the person giving consent—

• (a) is able and willing to give to the child the care which it would be reasonable to expect a parent to give; and

• (b) understands that the giving of consent could lead to the exclusion of the relevant person from the dwelling-house in which the child lives.

Proceedings for secure accommodation orders: copies of reports

12

In proceedings under section 25 of the 1989 Act, the court will, if practicable, arrange for copies of all written reports filed in the case to be made available before the hearing to—

• (a) the applicant;

• (b) the parent or guardian of the child to whom the application relates;

• (c) any legal representative of the child;

• (d) the children's guardian; and

• (e) the child, unless the court directs otherwise,

and copies of the reports may, if the court considers it desirable, be shown to any person who is entitled to notice of any hearing in accordance with Practice Direction 12C.

CHAPTER 4 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS ABOUT PRIVATE LAW PROCEEDINGS

The First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment

12

• (1) The court may set a date for the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment after the proceedings have been issued.

• (2) The court officer will give notice of any of the dates so fixed to the parties. (Provisions relating to the timing of and issues to be considered at the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment are contained in Practice Direction 12B.)

Answer

12

A respondent must file and serve on the parties an answer to the application for an order in private law proceedings within 14 days beginning with the date on which the application is served.

Applications for warning notices or applications to amend enforcement orders by reason of change of residence

12

• (1) This rule applies in relation to an application ... for—

• (a) a warning notice to be attached to a child arrangements order; or

• (b) an order under paragraph 5 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act to amend an enforcement order by reason of change of residence.

• (2) The application must be made without notice.

• (3) The court may deal with the application without a hearing.

• (4) If the court decides to deal with the application at a hearing, rules 12.5, 12.7 and 12.8 will apply.

Service of a risk assessment

12

• (1) Where an officer of the Service or a Welsh family proceedings officer has filed a risk assessment with the court, subject to paragraph (2), the court officer will as soon as practicable serve copies of the risk assessment on each party.

• (2) Before serving the risk assessment, the court must consider whether, in order to prevent a risk of harm to the child, it is necessary for—

• (a) information to be deleted from a copy of the risk assessment before that copy is served on a party; or

• (b) service of a copy of the risk assessment (whether with information deleted from it or not) on a party to be delayed for a specified period,

and may make directions accordingly.

Service of enforcement orders or orders amending or revoking enforcement orders

12

• (1) Paragraphs (2) and (3) apply where the court makes—

• (a) an enforcement order; or

• (b) an order under paragraph 9(2) of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act (enforcement order made following a breach of an enforcement order).

• (2) As soon as practicable after an order has been made, a copy of it must be served by the court officer on—

• (a) the parties, except the person against whom the order is made;

• (b) the officer of the Service or the Welsh family proceedings officer who is to comply with a request under section 11M of the 1989 Act to monitor compliance with the order; and

• (c) the responsible officer.

• (3) Unless the court directs otherwise and subject to rule 6.23A, the applicant must serve a copy of the order personally on the person against whom the order is made.

• (4) The court officer must send a copy of an order made under paragraph 4, 5, 6 or 7 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act (revocation or amendment of an enforcement order) to—

• (a) the parties;

• (b) the officer of the Service or the Welsh family proceedings officer who is to comply with a request under section 11M of the 1989 Act to monitor compliance with the order;

• (c) the responsible officer; and

• (d) in the case of an order under paragraph 5 of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act (amendment of enforcement order by reason of change of residence), the responsible officer in the former local justice area.

• (5) In this rule, “responsible officer” has the meaning given in paragraph 8(8) of Schedule A1 to the 1989 Act.

CHAPTER 5 — SPECIAL PROVISIONS ABOUT INHERENT JURISDICTION PROCEEDINGS

Where to start proceedings

12

• (1) An application for proceedings under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the court must be started in the High Court.

• (2) Wardship proceedings, except applications for an order that a child be made or cease to be a ward of court, may be transferred to the family court unless the issues of fact or law make them more suitable for hearing in the High Court. (The question of suitability for hearing in the High Court is explained in Practice Direction 12D (Inherent Jurisdiction (including Wardship Proceedings)).)

Child as respondent to wardship proceedings

12

• (1) A child who is the subject of wardship proceedings must not be made a respondent to those proceedings unless the court gives permission following an application under paragraph (2).

• (2) Where nobody other than the child would be a suitable respondent to wardship proceedings, the applicant may apply without notice for permission to make the wardship application—

• (a) without notice; or

• (b) with the child as the respondent.

Registration requirements

12

The court officer will send a copy of every application for a child to be made a ward of court to the principal registry for recording in the register of wards.

Notice of child's whereabouts

12

• (1) Every respondent, other than a child, must file with the acknowledgment of service a notice stating—

• (a) the respondent's address; and

• (b) either—

• (i) the whereabouts of the child; or

• (ii) that the respondent is unaware of the child's whereabouts if that is the case.

• (2) Unless the court directs otherwise, the respondent must serve a copy of that notice on the applicant.

• (3) Every respondent other than a child must immediately notify the court in writing of—

• (a) any subsequent changes of address; or

• (b) any change in the child's whereabouts,

and, unless the court directs otherwise, serve a copy of that notice on the applicant.

• (4) In this rule a reference to the whereabouts of a child is a reference to—

• (a) the address at which the child is living;

• (b) the person with whom the child is living; and

• (c) any other information relevant to where the child may be found.

Enforcement of orders in wardship proceedings

12

The High Court may secure compliance with any direction relating to a ward of court by an order addressed to the tipstaff. (The role of the tipstaff is explained in Practice Direction 12D (Inherent Jurisdiction (including Wardship Proceedings)).)

Child ceasing to be ward of court

12

• (1) A child who, by virtue of section 41(2) of the Senior Courts Act 1981, automatically becomes a ward of court on the making of a wardship application will cease to be a ward on the determination of the application unless the court orders that the child be made a ward of court.

• (2) Nothing in paragraph (1) affects the power of the court under section 41(3) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 to order that any child cease to be a ward of court.

Adoption of a child who is a ward of court

12

An application for permission—

• (a) to start proceedings to adopt a child who is a ward of court;

• (b) to place such a child for adoption with parental consent; or

• (c) to start proceedings for a placement order in relation to such a child,

may be made without notice in accordance with Part 18.

Application for a writ of habeas corpus for release in relation to a minor

12.42A

• (1) Part 87 of the CPR applies in respect of an application for a writ of habeas corpus for release in relation to a minor—

• (a) as if—

• (i) for rule 87.2(1)(a) of the CPR there were substituted—

(a) an application notice; and

; and

• (ii) for rule 87.2(4) of the CPR there were substituted—

(4) The application notice must be filed in the Family Division of the High Court.

; and

• (b) subject to any additional necessary modifications.

• (2) Rules 12.5 to 12.8, 12.12 to 12.16, 12.21 and 12.39 do not apply to an application to which this rule applies.

(The term “application notice” is defined in rule 2.3(1).)

Application to set aside an inherent jurisdiction order

12.42B

• (1) In this rule—

• “inherent jurisdiction order” means an order, declaration or judgment made under the inherent jurisdiction, and includes—a part of such an order, declaration or judgment; ora consent order; and

• “set aside” means to set aside pursuant to section 17(2) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 and this rule.

• (2) A party may apply under this rule to set aside an inherent jurisdiction order where no error of the court is alleged.

• (3) An application under this rule must be made within the proceedings in which the inherent jurisdiction order was made.

• (4) An application under this rule must be made in accordance with the Part 18 procedure, subject to the modifications contained in this rule.

• (5) Where the court decides to set aside an inherent jurisdiction order, it shall give directions for a rehearing or make such other orders as may be appropriate to dispose of the application.

• (6) This rule is without prejudice to any power the High Court has to vary, revoke, discharge or set aside other orders, declarations or judgments where no error of the court is alleged.

CHAPTER 6 — PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE 1980 HAGUE CONVENTION, THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION, ... AND THE 1996 HAGUE CONVENTION

Scope

12

This Chapter applies to —

• (a) children proceedings under the 1980 Hague Convention or the European Convention; and

• (b) applications relating to ... the 1996 Hague Convention in respect of children.

SECTION 1 — Proceedings under the 1980 Hague Convention or the European Convention

Interpretation

12

In this section—

• “the 1985 Act” means the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985;

• “Central Authority” means, in relation to England and Wales, the Lord Chancellor;

• “Contracting State” has the meaning given in—section 2 of the 1985 Act in relation to the 1980 Hague Convention; andsection 13 of the 1985 Act in relation to the European Convention; and

• “decision relating to custody” has the same meaning as in the European Convention.

(“the 1980 Hague Convention” and the “the European Convention” are defined in rule 2.3)

Where to start proceedings

12

Every application under the 1980 Hague Convention or the European Convention must be—

• (a) made in the High Court and issued in the principal registry; and

• (b) heard by a Judge of the High Court unless the application is;

• (i) to join a respondent; or

• (ii) to dispense with service or extend the time for acknowledging service.

Evidence in support of application

12

Where the party making an application under this section does not produce the documents referred to in Practice Direction 12F, the court may—

• (a) fix a time within which the documents are to be produced;

• (b) accept equivalent documents; or

• (c) dispense with production of the documents if the court considers it has sufficient information.

Without-notice applications

12

• (1) This rule applies to applications—

• (a) commencing or in proceedings under this section;

• (b) for interim directions under section 5 or 19 of the 1985 Act ;

• (c) for the disclosure of information about the child and for safeguarding the child's welfare, under rule 12.57;

• (d) for the disclosure of relevant information as to where the child is, under section 24A of the 1985 Act ; or

• (e) for a collection order, location order or passport order.

• (2) Applications under this rule may be made without notice, in which case the applicant must file the application—

• (a) where the application is made by telephone, the next business day after the making of the application; or

• (b) in any other case, at the time when the application is made.

• (3) Where an order is made without notice, the applicant must serve a copy of the order on the other parties as soon as practicable after the making of the order, unless the court otherwise directs.

• (4) Where the court refuses to make an order on an application without notice, it may direct that the application is made on notice.

• (5) Where any hearing takes place outside the hours during which the court office is usually open—

• (a) if the hearing takes place by telephone, the applicant's solicitors will, if practicable, arrange for the hearing to be recorded; and

• (b) in all other cases, the court or court officer will take a note of the proceedings.

(Practice Direction 12E (Urgent Business) provides further details of the procedure for out of hours applications. See also Practice Direction 12D (Inherent Jurisdiction (including Wardship Proceedings)).)

Directions

12

• (1) As soon as practicable after an application to which this section applies has been made, the court may give directions as to the following matters, among others—

• (a) whether service of the application may be dispensed with;

• (b) whether the proceedings should be transferred to another court under rule 12.54;

• (c) expedition of the proceedings or any part of the proceedings (and any direction for expedition may specify a date by which the court must issue its final judgment in the proceedings or a specified part of the proceedings);

• (d) the steps to be taken in the proceedings and the time by which each step is to be taken;

• (e) whether the child or any other person should be made a party to the proceedings;

• (f) if the child is not made a party to the proceedings, the manner in which the child's wishes and feelings are to be ascertained, having regard to the child's age and maturity and in particular whether an officer of the Service or a Welsh family proceedings officer should report to the court for that purpose;

• (g) where the child is made a party to the proceedings, the appointment of a children's guardian for that child unless a children's guardian has already been appointed;

• (h) the attendance of the child or any other person before the court;

• (i) the appointment of a litigation friend for a child or for any protected party, unless a litigation friend has already been appointed;

• (j) the service of documents;

• (k) the filing of evidence including expert evidence; and

• (l) whether the parties and their representatives should meet at any stage of the proceedings and the purpose of such a meeting.

(Rule 16.2 provides for when the court may make the child a party to the proceedings and rule 16.4 for the appointment of a children's guardian for the child who is made a party. Rule 16.5 (without prejudice to rule 16.6) requires a child who is a party to the proceedings but not the subject of those proceedings to have a litigation friend.)

• (2) Directions of a court which are in force immediately prior to the transfer of proceedings to another court under rule 12.54 will continue to apply following the transfer subject to—

• (a) any changes of terminology which are required to apply those directions to the court to which the proceedings are transferred; and

• (b) any variation or revocation of the directions.

• (3) The court or court officer will—

• (a) take a note of the giving, variation or revocation of directions under this rule; and

• (b) as soon as practicable serve a copy of the directions order on every party.

Answer

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• (1) Subject to paragraph (2) and to any directions given under rule 12.48, a respondent must file and serve on the parties an answer to the application within 7 days beginning with the date on which the application is served.

• (2) The court may direct a longer period for service where the respondent has been made a party solely on one of the following grounds—

• (a) a decision relating to custody has been made in the respondent's favour; or

• (b) the respondent appears to the court to have sufficient interest in the welfare of the child.

Filing and serving written evidence

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• (1) The respondent to an application to which this section applies may file and serve with the answer a statement verified by a statement of truth, together with any further evidence on which the respondent intends to rely.

• (2) The applicant may, within 7 days beginning with the date on which the respondent's evidence was served under paragraph (1), file and serve a statement in reply verified by a statement of truth, together with any further evidence on which the applicant intends to rely.

Adjournment

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The court will not adjourn the hearing of an application to which this section applies for more than 21 days at at any one time.

Stay of proceedings upon notification of wrongful removal etc.

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