NCJ Number
221529
Date Published
January 2008
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This paper presents for consultation the draft court rules for applications for Forced Marriage Protection Orders, which are authorized under the United Kingdom's Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007, a law that provides protection to those at risk of being forced into a marriage as well as recourse for those who have already been forced into marriage.
Abstract
This consultation is intended primarily for professional family court users familiar with family court rules, practices, and procedures as provided by the Family Proceedings Rules 1991, the County Court Rules 1981, and the Rules of the Supreme Court 1965. These professionals are often in a position to advise and explain the rules to victims and third parties when proceedings are initiated for a Forced Marriage Protection Order. The court rules presented support the implementation of the Act by setting out in detail how an application for a Forced Marriage Protection Order should be made and how the court will deal with it. The rules specify who should be served with an application, what notice is required, and how to apply to become a party. The rules for the Act constitute a statutory instrument and will amend the existing Family Proceedings Rules 1991. The Family Proceedings Rule Committee will make the rules. The Committee has already considered the draft rules and approved them for consultation. As part of the implementation of the Act, amendments will be made to other existing family court legislation. This consultation highlights the main areas where the rules differ from family court rules for orders under Part Four of the Family Law Act 1996. Those familiar with existing family court rules and procedure are encouraged to comment on the draft rules. A questionnaire and instructions on how to respond are provided.