Family Law Act 1996 (c. 27)

Part IV E+W Family Homes and Domestic Violence

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 4 modified (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 82, 263, Sch. 9 para. 25(2); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

Further provisions relating to occupation and non-molestation orders E+W

43 Leave of court required for applications by children under sixteen. E+W

(1) A child under the age of sixteen may not apply for an occupation order or a non-molestation order except with the leave of the court.

(2) The court may grant leave for the purposes of subsection (1) only if it is satisfied that the child has sufficient understanding to make the proposed application for the occupation order or non-molestation order.

44 Evidence of agreement to marry [F1 or form a civil partnership]. E+W

(1) Subject to subsection (2), the court shall not make an order under section 33 or 42 by virtue of section 62(3)(e) unless there is produced to it evidence in writing of the existence of the agreement to marry.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the court is satisfied that the agreement to marry was evidenced by—

(a) the gift of an engagement ring by one party to the agreement to the other in contemplation of their marriage, or

(b) a ceremony entered into by the parties in the presence of one or more other persons assembled for the purpose of witnessing the ceremony.

[F2 (3) Subject to subsection (4), the court shall not make an order under section 33 or 42 by virtue of section 62(3)(eza) unless there is produced to it evidence in writing of the existence of the civil partnership agreement (as defined by section 73 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004).

(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the court is satisfied that the civil partnership agreement was evidenced by—

(a) a gift by one party to the agreement to the other as a token of the agreement, or

(b) a ceremony entered into by the parties in the presence of one or more other persons assembled for the purpose of witnessing the ceremony.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 44 heading inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 82, 263, Sch. 9 para. 10(2); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F2 S. 44(3)(4) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 82, 263, Sch. 9 para. 10(1); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

45 Ex parte orders. E+W

(1) The court may, in any case where it considers that it is just and convenient to do so, make an occupation order or a non-molestation order even though the respondent has not been given such notice of the proceedings as would otherwise be required by rules of court.

(2) In determining whether to exercise its powers under subsection (1), the court shall have regard to all the circumstances including—

(a) any risk of significant harm to the applicant or a relevant child, attributable to conduct of the respondent, if the order is not made immediately;

(b) whether it is likely that the applicant will be deterred or prevented from pursuing the application if an order is not made immediately; and

(c) whether there is reason to believe that the respondent is aware of the proceedings but is deliberately evading service and that the applicant or a relevant child will be seriously prejudiced by the delay [F3 involved] in effecting substituted service.

(3) If the court makes an order by virtue of subsection (1) it must afford the respondent an opportunity to make representations relating to the order as soon as just and convenient at a full hearing.

(4) If, at a full hearing, the court makes an occupation order ( “the full order”), then—

(a) for the purposes of calculating the maximum period for which the full order may be made to have effect, the relevant section is to apply as if the period for which the full order will have effect began on the date on which the initial order first had effect; and

(b) the provisions of section 36(10) or 38(6) as to the extension of orders are to apply as if the full order and the initial order were a single order.

(5) In this section—

• “full hearing” means a hearing of which notice has been given to all the parties in accordance with rules of court;

• “initial order” means an occupation order made by virtue of subsection (1); and

• “relevant section” means section 33(10), 35(10), 36(10), 37(5) or 38(6).

Textual Amendments

F3 Word in s. 45(2)(c) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 11 para. 130; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(e) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

46 Undertakings. E+W

(1) In any case where the court has power to make an occupation order or non-molestation order, the court may accept an undertaking from any party to the proceedings.

(2) No power of arrest may be attached to any undertaking given under subsection (1).

(3) The court shall not accept an undertaking under subsection (1) [F4 instead of making an occupation order] in any case where apart from this section a power of arrest would be attached to the order.

[F5 (3A) The court shall not accept an undertaking under subsection (1) instead of making a non-molestation order in any case where it appears to the court that—

(a) the respondent has used or threatened violence against the applicant or a relevant child; and

(b) for the protection of the applicant or child it is necessary to make a non-molestation order so that any breach may be punishable under section 42A.]

(4) An undertaking given to a court under subsection (1) is enforceable as if [F6 the court had made an occupation order or a non-molestation order in terms corresponding to those of the undertaking].

(5) This section has effect without prejudice to the powers of the High Court and [F7 the family court] apart from this section.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in s. 46(3) inserted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 37(2) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F5 S. 46(3A) inserted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 37(3) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F6 Words in s. 46(4) substituted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 37(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F7 Words in s. 46(5) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 11 para. 131; S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(e) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

47 Arrest for breach of order. E+W

(1) F8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) If—

(a) the court makes [F9 an occupation order]; and

(b) it appears to the court that the respondent has used or threatened violence against the applicant or a relevant child,

it shall attach a power of arrest to one or more provisions of the order unless satisfied that in all the circumstances of the case the applicant or child will be adequately protected without such a power of arrest.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply in any case where [F10 the occupation order] is made by virtue of section 45(1), but in such a case the court may attach a power of arrest to one or more provisions of the order if it appears to it—

(a) that the respondent has used or threatened violence against the applicant or a relevant child; and

(b) that there is a risk of significant harm to the applicant or child, attributable to conduct of the respondent, if the power of arrest is not attached to those provisions immediately.

(4) If, by virtue of subsection (3), the court attaches a power of arrest to any provisions of [F11 an occupation order], it may provide that the power of arrest is to have effect for a shorter period than the other provisions of the order.

(5) Any period specified for the purposes of subsection (4) may be extended by the court (on one or more occasions) on an application to vary or discharge [F12 the occupation order].

(6) If, by virtue of subsection (2) or (3), a power of arrest is attached to certain provisions of an order, a constable may arrest without warrant a person whom he has reasonable cause for suspecting to be in breach of any such provision.

(7) If a power of arrest is attached under subsection (2) or (3) to certain provisions of the order and the respondent is arrested under subsection (6)—

(a) he must be brought before the relevant judicial authority within the period of 24 hours beginning at the time of his arrest; and

(b) if the matter is not then disposed of forthwith, the relevant judicial authority before whom he is brought may remand him.

In reckoning for the purposes of this subsection any period of 24 hours, no account is to be taken of Christmas Day, Good Friday or any Sunday.

(8) [F13 If the court—

(a) has made a non-molestation order, or

(b) has made an occupation order but has not attached a power of arrest under subsection (2) or (3) to any provision of the order, or has attached that power only to certain provisions of the order,]

then, if at any time the applicant considers that the respondent has failed to comply with the order, he may apply to the relevant judicial authority for the issue of a warrant for the arrest of the respondent.

(9) The relevant judicial authority shall not issue a warrant on an application under subsection (8) unless—

(a) the application is substantiated on oath; and

(b) the relevant judicial authority has reasonable grounds for believing that the respondent has failed to comply with the order.

(10) If a person is brought before a court by virtue of a warrant issued under subsection (9) and the court does not dispose of the matter forthwith, the court may remand him.

(11) Schedule 5 (which makes provision corresponding to that applying in magistrates’ courts in civil cases under sections 128 and 129 of the M1 Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980) has effect in relation to the powers of the High Court and [F14 the family court] to remand a person by virtue of this section.

(12) If a person remanded under this section is granted bail F15 ..., he may be required by the relevant judicial authority to comply, before release on bail or later, with such requirements as appear to that authority to be necessary to secure that he does not interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 47(1) repealed (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1)(2), 60, Sch. 10 para. 38(2), Sch. 11 (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c)(d) (with art. 3)

F9 Words in s. 47(2) substituted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 38(3) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F10 Words in s. 47(3) substituted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 38(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F11 Words in s. 47(4) substituted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 38(3) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F12 Words in s. 47(5) substituted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 38(4) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F13 Words in s. 47(8) substituted (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1), 60, Sch. 10 para. 38(5) (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c) (with art. 3)

F14 Words in s. 47(11) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 11 para. 132(a); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(e) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

F15 Words in s. 47(12) omitted (22.4.2014) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 11 para. 132(b); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(e) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956, arts. 3-11)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 47(7) extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 38A, 38B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

S. 47(7) extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 44A, 44B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

C3 S. 47(11) extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 38A, 38B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

S. 47(11) extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 44A, 44B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

C4 S. 47(12) extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 38A, 38B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

S. 47(12) extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 44A, 44B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

Marginal Citations

M1 1980 c. 43.

48 Remand for medical examination and report. E+W

(1) If the relevant judicial authority has reason to consider that a medical report will be required, any power to remand a person under section 47(7)(b) or (10) may be exercised for the purpose of enabling a medical examination and report to be made.

(2) If such a power is so exercised, the adjournment must not be for more than 4 weeks at a time unless the relevant judicial authority remands the accused in custody.

(3) If the relevant judicial authority so remands the accused, the adjournment must not be for more than 3 weeks at a time.

(4) If there is reason to suspect that a person who has been arrested—

(a) under section 47(6), or

(b) under a warrant issued on an application made under section 47(8),

is suffering from [F16 mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983], the relevant judicial authority has the same power to make an order under section 35 of [F17 that Act](remand for report on accused’s mental condition) as the Crown Court has under [F18 that section] in the case of an accused person within the meaning of that section.

Textual Amendments

F16 Words in s. 48(4) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1(4), 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(2)(a); S.I. 2008/1900, arts. 1(1), 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)

F17 Words in s. 48(4) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1(4), 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(2)(b); S.I. 2008/1900, arts. 1(1), 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)

F18 Words in s. 48(4) substituted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1(4), 56(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(2)(c); S.I. 2008/1900, arts. 1(1), 2(a) (with art. 3, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 48 extended (1.10.1997) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 38A, 38B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 1 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

S. 48 extended (1.10.1998) by 1989 c. 41, ss. 44A, 44B (as inserted (1.10.1997) by 1996 c. 27, s. 52, Sch. 6 para. 3 (with Sch. 9 paras. 8-10); S.I. 1997/1892, art. 3)

49 Variation and discharge of orders. E+W

(1) An occupation order or non-molestation order may be varied or discharged by the court on an application by—

(a) the respondent, or

(b) the person on whose application the order was made.

(2) In the case of a non-molestation order made by virtue of section 42(2)(b), the order may be varied or discharged by the court even though no such application has been made.

(3) If [F19 B’s home rights are, under section 31,] are a charge on the estate or interest of [F20 A] or of trustees for [F20 A], an order under section 33 against [F20 A] may also be varied or discharged by the court on an application by any person deriving title under [F20 A] or under the trustees and affected by the charge.

(4) If, by virtue of section 47(3), a power of arrest has been attached to certain provisions of an occupation order F21 . . . , the court may vary or discharge the order under subsection (1) in so far as it confers a power of arrest (whether or not any application has been made to vary or discharge any other provision of the order).

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 49(3) substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 82, 263, Sch. 9 para. 11(a); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F20 Words in s. 49(3) substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 82, 263, Sch. 9 para. 11(b); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F21 Words in s. 49(4) repealed (1.7.2007) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1)(2), 60, Sch. 10 para. 39, Sch. 11 (with Sch. 12 para. 1(11)); S.I. 2007/1845, art. 2(c)(d) (with art. 3)