11th January 2011

From 6th April 2011, family law solicitors in London, Brighton and throughout England and Wales will have a new code of procedure to follow in respect of all family proceedings held in magistrates' courts, county courts and the High Court.

The Family Procedure Rules 2010 (the Rules) were laid before parliament on 17th December 2010 and published on the 4th January 2011. They are available to view at the National Archives legislation website.

Dedicated Practice Directions and forms are still to be published but, together with the Rules, they will form a comprehensive body of guidance in relation to family law which will replace the current unconsolidated rules, guidance and forms used in the varying court hierarchy and for the various types of proceedings.

The structure of the Rules has largely been founded upon the example of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 using a similar structure to set out various fundamental matters in the introductory Parts followed by further Parts dealing with specific proceedings in family law.

There are 36 parts in all, covering every aspect of court proceedings under English and Welsh family law.

Prior to implementation, the Family Procedure Rule Committee and Ministry of Justice will be raising awareness of the new Rules amongst family law solicitors, and all practitioners and court users throughout England and Wales.