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Family Law Act 1996

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Status

The term provision is used to describe a definable element in a piece of legislation that has legislative effect – such as a Part, Chapter or section. A version of a provision is prospective either:

  1. where the provision (Part, Chapter or section) has never come into force or;
  2. where the text of the provision is subject to change, but no date has yet been appointed by the appropriate person or body for those changes to come into force.

Commencement Orders listed in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ box as not yet applied may bring this prospective version into force.

Changes to legislation:

Family Law Act 1996, Part I is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 04 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

View outstanding changes

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

Part IE+W Amendments connected with Part II

Prospective

The Wills Act 1837 (c. 26)E+W

F11E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports) Act 1926 (c. 61)E+W

F12E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Maintenance Orders Act 1950 (c. 37)E+W

F13E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

The Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (c. 18)E+W

Prospective

4E+WThe 1973 Act is amended as follows.

Prospective

F15E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F16E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F17E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F18E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F19E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F110U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F111E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F111AE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F112E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F113E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F114E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F115E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

16(1)Section 31 (variation etc. of orders) is amended as follows.E+W

F1(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(3A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(4AB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(4A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)In subsection (5)—

(a)insert, at the beginning, “Subject to subsections (7A) to (7F) below and without prejudice to any power exercisable by virtue of subsection (2)(d),(dd) or (e) above or otherwise than by virtue of this section,”; and

F1(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In subsection (7)(a)—

F1(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)after “sufficient” insert “ (in the light of any proposed exercise by the court, where the marriage has been dissolved, of its powers under subsection (7B) below)”.

(7)After subsection (7), insert—

“(7A)Subsection (7B) below applies where, after the dissolution of a marriage, the court—

(a)discharges a periodical payments order or secured periodical payments order made in favour of a party to the marriage; or

(b)varies such an order so that payments under the order are required to be made or secured only for such further period as is determined by the court.

(7B)The court has power, in addition to any power it has apart from this subsection, to make supplemental provision consisting of any of—

(a)an order for the payment of a lump sum in favour of a party to the marriage;

(b)one or more property adjustment orders in favour of a party to the marriage;

(c)a direction that the party in whose favour the original order discharged or varied was made is not entitled to make any further application for—

(i)a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order, or

(ii)an extension of the period to which the original order is limited by any variation made by the court.

(7C)An order for the payment of a lump sum made under subsection (7B) above may—

(a)provide for the payment of that sum by instalments of such amount as may be specified in the order; and

(b)require the payment of the instalments to be secured to the satisfaction of the court.

(7D)Subsections (7) and (8) of section 22A above apply where the court makes an order for the payment of a lump sum under subsection (7B) above as they apply where it makes such an order under section 22A above.

(7E)If under subsection (7B) above the court makes more than one property adjustment order in favour of the same party to the marriage, each of those orders must fall within a different paragraph of section 21(2) above.

(7F)Sections 24A and 30 above apply where the court makes a property adjustment order under subsection (7B) above as they apply where it makes such an order under section 23A above.”

F1(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Commencement Information

I1Sch. 8 para. 16 partly in force; Sch. 8 para. 16 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 67(3); Sch. 8 para. 16(5)(a)(6)(b)(7) in force at 1.11.1998 by S.I. 1998/2572, art. 3

Prospective

F116AE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F117E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F118E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F119E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F120E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F121E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F122E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F123E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F124E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F125E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

F125AE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 (c. 45)E+W

F126E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (c. 63)E+W

F127E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates’ Courts Act 1978 (c. 22)E+W

F128E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Housing Act 1980 (c. 51)E+W

F129E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

Senior Courts Act 1981(c. 54)E+W

F130E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 (c. 27)U.K.

F131U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (c. 42)E+W

F132E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Finance Act 1985 (c. 54)U.K.

F133U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Housing Act 1985 (c. 68)E+W

F134E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Housing Associations Act 1985 (c. 69)E+W

F135E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 (c. 5)E+W

F136E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55)U.K.

F137U.K.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 (c. 31)E+W

F138E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Legal Aid Act 1988 (c. 34)E+W

F139E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Housing Act 1988 (c. 50)E+W

F140E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Children Act 1989 (c. 41)E+W

F141E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42)E+W

F142E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26)E+W

F143E+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

Prospective

The Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999E+W

F143AE+W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 8 Pt. I repealed (except for paras. 4, 16(1)(5)(a)(6)(b)(7)) (13.5.2014) by Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6), ss. 18(2)(e), 139(4)

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