The Family Procedure Rules — how family court cases are actually run
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29
What the Family Procedure Rules (FPR) are
The Family Procedure Rules 2010 are the rulebook for how family court cases run in England and Wales. They set out:
- How to start and respond to applications
- Deadlines and timetables
- What documents you must file and serve
- What evidence is admissible
- How hearings are conducted
- What happens if you don't comply
They sit under the Family Procedure Rules 2010 with Practice Directions (PDs) that give detailed instructions for specific types of case.
The Practice Directions that matter most to LiPs
| PD | What it covers | |----|---------------| | PD3AA | Vulnerable parties — special measures and participation directions | | PD3B | Interpreters in family proceedings | | PD12B | Allocation of cases to court level | | PD12J | Domestic abuse and contact | | PD27A | Bundles — what goes in, how to paginate, deadlines | | PD28 | Costs in family proceedings |
Key rules for LiPs
| Rule | What it covers | |------|---------------| | r.4.6 | Relief from sanctions (if you missed a deadline) | | r.6 | Service of documents (how to deliver them properly) | | r.22 | Evidence (witness statements, exhibits) | | r.28 | Costs | | r.29 | The multi-track in family proceedings |
Why knowing the rules helps
- If you cite a rule number in your position statement, it shows the court you understand the process
- If the other side breaches a rule, you can reference it and ask for directions
- If you miss a deadline, knowing r.4.6 gives you a route to seek relief
How to find the rules
The full Family Procedure Rules are free at justice.gov.uk. The key Practice Directions are listed above.
Official links
- Family Procedure Rules: https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
- Family court forms: https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/family-court
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with HMCTS or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.