The Family Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2012

Amendments to the Family Procedure Rules 2010

18.  After rule 9.26A(1), insert—

“Adding or removing parties

9.26B.— (1) The court may direct that a person or body be added as a party to proceedings for a financial remedy if—

(a) it is desirable to add the new party so that the court can resolve all the matters in dispute in the proceedings; or

(b) there is an issue involving the new party and an existing party which is connected to the matters in dispute in the proceedings, and it is desirable to add the new party so that the court can resolve that issue.

(2) The court may direct that any person or body be removed as a party if it is not desirable for that person or body to be a party to the proceedings.

(3) If the court makes a direction for the addition or removal of a party under this rule, it may give consequential directions about—

(a) the service of a copy of the application form or other relevant documents on the new party; and

(b) the management of the proceedings.

(4) The power of the court under this rule to direct that a party be added or removed may be exercised either on the court’s own initiative or on the application of an existing party or a person or body who wishes to become a party.

(5) An application for an order under this rule must be made in accordance with the Part 18 procedure and, unless the court directs otherwise, must be supported by evidence setting out the proposed new party’s interest in or connection with the proceedings or, in the case of removal of a party, the reasons for removal.”.

(1)

Rule 9.26A was inserted by S.I. 2011/1328.