Note that the divorce, dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) is in force from 6 April 2022. Proceedings issued by the court on or after 6 April 2022 will be subject to the provisions of DDSA 2020 and the changes to procedure under the amended family procedure rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955. For further information, see Practice Note: Introduction to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.

Proceedings issued by the court on or before 5 April 2022 will continue to progress under the pre-DDSA 2020 law, whether submitted on the digital system or via paper forms. Such applications will not be impacted by the coming into force of DDSA 2020, nor the consequential changes to procedure. This document covers the position for proceedings issued prior to 6 April 2022.

Legislative changes have been made as a consequence of DDSA 2020, including to FPR 2010, Pt 7. To view a historic version of FPR 2010, Pt 7, and FPR 2010, Practice Direction 7A as applicable to proceedings issued prior to 6 April 2022, see below:

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