Service

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The rules relating to service are contained within Part 6 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955 and are divided into three main sections:

  1. •

    service of applications for matrimonial and civil partnership orders within the jurisdiction

  2. •

    service of documents in family proceedings other than applications for matrimonial and civil partnership orders in the UK, and

  3. •

    service of documents outside the jurisdiction

Service of applications for matrimonial and civil partnership orders issued on or after 6 April 2022

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) came into force on 6 April 2022. DDSA 2020 made significant changes to the law and procedure with regard to proceedings for divorce, dissolution, (judicial) separation and nullity. The changes included, inter alia, the introduction of no-fault divorce, the ability for parties to make joint applications and in relation to divorce and dissolution proceedings, the introduction of a 20-week period between the start of the proceedings (when the court issues the application) and when the applicant(s) may apply for a conditional order. For further details of the provisions of DDSA 2020, see Practice Note: Introduction to...

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