The Family Proceedings (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2003

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(a) for the purpose of rules 1 to 3, 5 and 6 and the Schedule, on 1st December 2003; and

(b) otherwise, on the date on which section 111 (Parental responsibility of unmarried father) of the Adoption and Children Act 2002[2] comes into force.

    (2) In these Rules, unless the context requires otherwise, a reference to a rule, Appendix or form by number alone means the rule, Appendix or form so numbered in the Family Proceedings Rules 1991[3].

Transitional provisions
     2. In relation to any of these Rules, other than rules 3, 4, 7 and 8, where proceedings have been commenced before the date on which that Rule comes into force, the Family Proceedings Rules 1991 shall apply to those proceedings as if that Rule had not been made.

Amendments to the Family Proceedings Rules 1991
     3. In rule 2.61(1)(dd), for "14" substitute "21".

     4. In rule 4.1(2)(c), for "4(1)(a)" substitute "4(1)(c)".

     5. In Form M5, in paragraph 3 for the words from "within 28 days" to "proceedings" substitute "file in the Court office an answer to the petition, together with a copy for every other party to the proceedings. You must file your answer within 21 days after the time limit for giving notice for intention to defend has expired, which is in turn 7 working days after the notice has been served on you.".

     6. Substitute the forms set out in the Schedule to these Rules for Forms M7(a), M7(b), M7(c), M7(d) and M7(e).

     7. In Form C45 - 

(a) for "4(3)" substitute "4(2A)";

(b) before "application of the child" insert "the".

     8. In Appendix 3, for "4(1)(a)" substitute "4(1)(c)".


Elizabeth Butler-Sloss,

His Honour Judge Victor Hall,

Mark Harper,

Claire Jenkins,

District Judge Rachel Evans,

Senior District Judge Gerald Angel,

Godfrey Freeman,

Peter Hunt,

Christopher Frazer.

Falconer of Thoroton,
C

Dated 10th November 2003

[2] 2002 c. 38.back

[3] S.I. 1991/1247; the relevant amending instruments are S.I. 1991/2113 and 1994/3155.back