Part I Matrimonial Proceedings in Magistrates’ Courts
Powers of court as to the custody etc. of children
F18 Restriction on making of orders under this Act: welfare of children.
Where an application is made by a party to a marriage for an order under section 2, 6 or 7 of this Act, then, if there is a child of the family who is under the age of eighteen, the court shall not dismiss or make a final order on the application until it has decided whether to exercise any of its powers under the Children Act 1989 with respect to the child.