(1)In this Act “custody order” means [F1(unless the contrary intention appears)] any such order or authorisation as is mentioned in Schedule 3 to this Act and “custody proceedings” means proceedings in which an order within paragraphs 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 or 9 of that Schedule may be [F2made, varied or revoked].
(2)For the purposes of this Act “part of the United Kingdom” means England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and “the appropriate court”, in relation to England and Wales or Northern Ireland means the High Court and, in relation to Scotland, the Court of Session.
(3)In this Act “local authority” means—
(a)in relation to England and Wales, the council of a non-metropolitan county, a metropolitan district, a London borough or the Common Council of the City of London; and
(b)in relation to Scotland, a [F3council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994].
F4[(4) In this Act a decision relating to rights of access in England and Wales [F5or Northern Ireland][F6or Scotland] means a decision as to the contact which a child may, or may not, have with any person.]
[F7(5) In this Act “ officer of the Service ” has the same meaning as in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. ]
[F8(5A)In this Act “Welsh family proceedings officer” has the meaning given by section 35 of the Children Act 2004]
Textual Amendments
F1Words inserted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:3), s. 68(1), Sch. 1 para. 30
F2Words substituted by Family Law Act 1986 (c. 55, SIF 49:9, 10), s. 67(5)
F3Words in s. 27(3)(b) substituted (S.) (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 39, s. 180(1), Sch. 13 para. 139; S.I. 1996/323, art. 4(1)(c)
F4S. 27(4) added (14.10.1991) by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108, Sch. 13 para. 57(2), Sch. 14 para. 1(1); S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)
F5Words in s. 27(4) inserted (4.11.1996) by S.I. 1995/756, art. 11(4); S.R. 1996/297, art. 3
F6Words in s. 27(4) inserted (1.11.1996 subject to arts. 4-7 of the commencing Act) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(4), Sch. 4 para. 37(5) (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/2203, art. 3(3), Sch.
F7S. 27(5) inserted (1.4.2001) by 2000 c. 43, s. 80(1), Sch. 7 Pt. II para. 81; S.I. 2001/919, art. 2(f)(ii)
F8S. 27(5A) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), s. 67(6), Sch. 3 para. 4; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 27 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.
S. 27 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.