The new procedural rules brought into force by The Family Proceedings (Amendment
No 2) Rules 1999 apply to all County Courts and to the Principal Registry in
London. Their purpose is to provide increased Court control of the proceedings
and a clear framework to the proceedings. For further background information to
these changes
In theory the issue of Court proceedings should be a last resort but in
practice - with a First Appointment 3 to 4 months after the issue of those
proceedings - it is becoming increasingly common to issue the application in
order to "get the show on the road" as soon as possible. It remains to be seen
whether this will be regarded as a hostile or essential step in the
negotiations.
For the full text of the new rules please go to www.hmso.gov.uk/hmso.htm