If you are applying for a Child Arrangements Order during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or asking the Court to enforce an existing order, you can still do this. The Court is still operating but has taken steps to provide some local flexibility so that parents and children have access to justice.
Temporary modifications to Child Arrangements Orders due to the coronavirus
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010) have been temporarily modified from 23rd April 2020 until 30th October 2020 to ensure that the administration of justice is carried out, so as not to endanger public health, taking account of available resources.
The Practice Direction will assess modifications that may be necessary during the coronavirus pandemic and provide temporary local flexibility for progressing applications for Child Arrangements Orders.
The aim of the modification is for Child Arrangements Orders to continue to be applied for, applications progressed and orders made, varied and discharged during the coronavirus pandemic.
Between 30th April and 30th October a new provision will ensure that references to a statement of truth being “signed“ are to be read to include an electronic signature, where a standard form or online application process makes provision for an electronic signature.
How Nelsons can help
Melanie Bridgen is a Partner in our expert Family Law team.
If you are in doubt about how these changes will impact upon you then please contact Melanie or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham who will be able to assist you.
Please call 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online enquiry form.