The Family Proceedings Courts (Children Act 1989) Rules 1991

(SI 1991 No. 1395)

The rules are made as a consequence of the passing of the Children Act 1989 and set out the procedures to be followed in family proceedings courts in public and private law proceedings in which any question with respect to a child arises.

Regulation 2 sets out the matters prescribed for the purposes of the Act of 1989.  Part II contains general provisions.  Regulation 3 provides details on application for leave to commence proceedings.  Regulation 4 applies to the application.  Regulation 5 provides details when an application is withdrawn.  Regulation 6 deals with transfer of proceedings.  Regulation 7 contains provisions relating to the parties in a proceeding.  Regulation 8 considers the service of a document.  Regulation 9 deals with answer to an application.  Regulation 10 provides for the appointment of guardian ad litem.  Regulation 11 sets out the powers and duties of a guardian ad litem.  Regulation 12 sets out provisions for when a solicitor is appointed and represents a child.  Other provisions include details on the welfare officer (Regulation 13), directions (Regulation 14), timing of proceedings (Regulation 15), attendance at directions appointment and hearing (Regulation 16), details on documentary evidence (Regulation 17), expert evidence on the examination of a child (Regulation 18) , oral evidence (Regulation 20) and provisions regarding the hearing (Regulation 21).

Part III contains miscellaneous provisions.  Regulation 22 provides details as to costs.  Regulation 23 addresses the confidentiality of documents.  Regulation 24 applies to the enforcement of residence order.  Other provisions include the notification of consent (Regulation 25), secure accommodation (Regulation 26), details regarding an investigation under Section 37 (Regulation 27).

See here: The Family Proceedings Courts (Children Act 1989) Rules 1991