In section 144 (procedure rules for civil proceedings in magistrates' courts and before justices' clerks) after subsection (1) insert—

“(1ZA)

Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to functions of justices' clerks given under section 31O(1)(a), or specified in section 31O(2), of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (functions in the family court).”