# The Children (Allocation of Proceedings) Order 1991

S.I. 1991/1677 · made 20 June 1991

This Order provides for the allocation of certain proceedings concerning children between the High Court, the county courts and the magistrates' courts.

Made under: Children Act 1989 (Section 92, Schedule 11)

## Introductory text

FAMILY PROCEEDINGS
Made 20th June 1991
Laid before Parliament 1st August 1991
Coming into force 14th October 1991
The Lord Chancellor, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 92(9) and (10) of, and Part I of Schedule 11 to, the Children Act 1989, and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, hereby makes the following Order:–

## 1 Citation, commencement and interpretation

(1) This Order may be cited as the Children (Allocation of Proceedings) Order 1991 and shall come into force on 14th October 1991.
(2) In this Order, unless the context otherwise requires–
“child”–
(a) means, subject to sub-paragraph (b), a person under the age of 18 with respect to whom proceedings are brought, and
(b) where the proceedings are under Schedule 1, also includes a person who has reached the age of 18;
“London commission area” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2(1) of the Justices of the Peace Act 1979;
“petty sessions area” has the meaning assigned to it by section 4 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1979;and
“the Act” means the Children Act 1989, and a section, Part or Schedule referred to by number alone means the section, Part or Schedule so numbered in that Act.

## 2 Classes of county court

For the purposes of this Order there shall be the following classes of county court:
(a) divorce county courts, being those courts designated for the time being as divorce county courts by an order under section 33 of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984;
(b) family hearing centres, being those courts set out in Schedule 1 to this Order;
(c) care centres, being those courts set out in column (ii) of Schedule 2 to this Order.

## Part: COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS

## 3 Proceedings to be commenced in magistrates' court

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and to article 4, proceedings under any of the following provisions shall be commenced in a magistrates' court:
(a) section 25 (use of accommodation for restricting liberty);
(b) section 31 (care and supervision orders);
(c) section 33(7) (leave to change name of or remove from United Kingdom child in care);
(d) section 34 (parental contact);
(e) section 36 (education supervision orders);
(f) section 43 (child assessment orders);
(g) section 44 (emergency protection orders);
(h) section 45 (duration of emergency protection orders etc.);
(i) section 46(7) (application for emergency protection order by police officer);
(j) section 48 (powers to assist discovery of children etc.);
(k) section 50 (recovery orders);
(l) section 75 (protection of children in an emergency);
(m) section 77(6) (appeal against steps taken under section 77(1));
(n) section 102 (powers of constable to assist etc.);
(o) paragraph 19 of Schedule 2 (approval of arrangements to assist child to live abroad);
(p) paragraph 23 of Schedule 2 (contribution orders);
(q) paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 (certain appeals);
(r) section 21 of the Adoption Act 1976.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (l) and subject to paragraph (3), proceedings of a kind set out in sub-paragraph (b), (e), (f), (g), (i) or (j) of paragraph (1), and which arise out of an investigation directed, by the High Court or a county court, under section 37(1), shall be commenced—
(a) in the court which directs the investigation, where that court is the High Court or a care centre, or
(b) in such care centre as the court which directs the investigation may order.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (l) and (2), proceedings of a kind set out in subparagraph (a) to (k), (n) or (o) of paragraph (l) shall be made to a court in which are pending other proceedings, in respect of the same child, which are also of a kind set out in those sub-paragraphs.

## 4 Application to extend, vary or discharge order

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), proceedings under the Act, or under the Adoption Act 1976–
(a) to extend, vary or discharge an order, or
(b) the determination of which may have the effect of varying or discharging an order,
shall be made to the court which made the order.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an application for an order under section 8 which would have the effect of varying or discharging an order made, by a county court, in accordance with section 10(l)(b) shall be made to a divorce county court.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an application to extend, vary or discharge an order made, by a county court, under section 38, or for an order which would have the effect of extending, varying or discharging such an order, shall be made to a care centre.
(4) A court may transfer proceedings made in accordance with paragraph (l) to any other court in accordance with the provisions of articles 5 to 13.

## Part: TRANSFER OF PROCEEDINGS

## 5 Disapplication of enactments about transfer

Sections 38 and 39 of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 shall not apply to proceedings under the Act or under the Adoption Act 1976.

## 6 Transfer from one magistrates' court to another

A magistrates' court (the “transferring court”) shall transfer proceedings under the Act or under the Adoption Act 1976 to another magistrates' court (the “receiving court”) where–
(a) having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2), the transferring court considers that the transfer is in the interests of the child–
(i) because it is likely significantly to accelerate the determination of the proceedings,
(ii) because it would be appropriate for those proceedings to be heard together with other family proceedings which are pending in the receiving court, or
(iii) for some other reason, and
(b) the receiving court, by its justices' clerk (as defined by rule 1(2) of the Family Proceedings Courts (Children Act 1989) Rules 1991), consents to the transfer.

## 7 Transfer from magistrates' court to county court by magistrates' court

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) and to articles 15 to 18, a magistrates" court may, upon application by a party or of its own motion, transfer to a county court proceedings of any of the kinds mentioned in article 3(1) where it considers it in the interests of the child to do so having regard, first, to the principle set out in section 1(2) and, secondly, to the following questions:
(a) whether the proceedings are exceptionally grave, important or complex, in particular–
(i) because of complicated or conflicting evidence about the risks involved to the child"s physical or moral well-being or about other matters relating to the welfare of the child;
(ii) because of the number of parties;
(iii) because of a conflict with the law of another jurisdiction;
(iv) because of some novel and difficult point of law; or
(v) because of some question of general public interest;
(b) whether it would be appropriate for those proceedings to be heard together with other family proceedings which are pending in another court; and
(c) whether transfer is likely significantly to accelerate the determination of the proceedings, where–
(i) no other method of doing so, including transfer to another magistrates' court, is appropriate, and
(ii) delay would seriously prejudice the interests of the child who is the subject of the proceedings.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), proceedings of the kind mentioned in subparagraph (g) to (j), (1), (m), (p) or (q) of article 3(1) shall not be transferred from a magistrates' court.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), proceedings of the kind mentioned in subparagraph (a) or (n) of article 3(1) shall only be transferred from a magistrates'court to a county court in order to be heard together with other family proceedings which arise out of the same circumstances as gave rise to the proceedings to be transferred and which are pending in another court.
(4) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (3), proceedings of the kind mentioned in article 3(1)(a) shall not be transferred from a magistrates' court which is not a family proceedings court within the meaning of section 92(1).

## 8 Transfer from magistrates' court to county court by magistrates' court

Subject to articles 15 to 18, a magistrates" court may transfer to a county court proceedings under the Act or under the Adoption Act 1976, being proceedings to which article 7 does not apply, where, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2), it considers that in the interests of the child the proceedings can be dealt with more appropriately in that county court.

## 9 Transfer from magistrates' court following refusal of magistrates' court to transfer

(1) Where a magistrates' court refuses to transfer proceedings under article 7, a party to those proceedings may apply to the care centre listed in column (ii) of Schedule 2 to this Order against the entry in column (i) for the petty sessions area or London commission area in which the magistrates' court is situated for an order under paragraph (2).
(2) Upon hearing an application under paragraph (l) the court may transfer the proceedings to itself where, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2) and the questions set out in article 7(1)(a) to (c), it considers it in the interests of the child to do so.
(3) Upon hearing an application under paragraph (l) the court may transfer the proceedings to the High Court where, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2), it considers–
(a) that the proceedings are appropriate for determination in the High Court, and
(b) that such determination would be in the interests of the child.

## 10 Transfer from one county court to another

Subject to articles 15 to 17, a county court (the “transferring court”) shall transfer proceedings under the Act or under the Adoption Act 1976 to another county court (the “receiving court”) where–
(a) the transferring court, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2), considers the transfer to be in the interests of the child, and
(b) the receiving court is–
(i) of the same class or classes, within the meaning of article 2, as the transferring court, or
(ii) to be presided over by a judge or district judge who is specified by directions under section 9 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 for the same purposes as the judge or district judge presiding over the transferring court.

## 11 Transfer from county court to magistrates' court by county court

A county court may transfer to a magistrates" court before trial proceedings which were transferred under article 7(1) where the county court, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2) and the interests of the child, considers that the criterion cited by the magistrates' court as the reason for transfer–
(a) in the case of the criterion in article 7(1)(a), does not apply,
(b) in the case of the criterion in article 7(1)(b), no longer applies, because the proceedings with which the transferred proceedings were to be heard have been determined,
(c) in the case of the criterion in article 7(1)(c), no longer applies.

## 12 Transfer from county court to High Court by county court

A county court may transfer proceedings under the Act or the Adoption Act 1976 to the High Court where, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2), it considers–
(a) that the proceedings are appropriate for determination in the High Court, and
(b) that such determination would be in the interests of the child.

## 13 Transfer from High Court to county court

Subject to articles 15, 16 and 18, the High Court may transfer to a county court proceedings under the Act or the Adoption Act 1976 where, having regard to the principle set out in section 1(2), it considers that the proceedings are appropriate for determination in such a court and that such determination would be in the interests of the child.

## Part: ALLOCATION OF PROCEEDINGS TO PARTICULAR COUNTY COURTS

## 14 Commencement

Subject to articles 18, 19 and 20 and to rule 2.40 of the Family Proceedings Rules 1991 (Application under Part I or II of the Children Act 1989 where matrimonial cause is pending), an application under the Act or under the Adoption Act 1976 which is to be commenced in a county court shall be commenced in a divorce county court.

## 15 Proceedings under Part I or II or Schedule 1

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), where an application under Part I or II or Schedule 1 is to be transferred from a magistrates" court to a county court, it shall be transferred to a divorce county court.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), where an application under Part I or II or Schedule 1, other than an application for an order under section 8, is to be transferred from the High Court to a county court, it shall be transferred to a divorce county court.
(3) Where an application under Part I or II or Schedule 1, other than an application for an order under section 8, is to be transferred to a county court for the purpose of consolidation with other proceedings, it shall be transferred to the court in which those other proceedings are pending.

## 16 Orders under section 8 of the Children Act 1989

(1) An application for an order under section 8 in a divorce county court, which is not also a family hearing centre, shall, if the court is notified that the application will be opposed, be transferred for trial to a family hearing centre.
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), where an application for an order under section 8 is to be transferred from the High Court to a county court it shall be transferred to a family hearing centre.
(3) Where an application for an order under section 8 is to be transferred to a county court for the purpose of consolidation with other proceedings, it may be transferred to the court in which those other proceedings are pending whether or not it is a family hearing centre; but paragraph (l) shall apply to the application following the transfer.

## 17 Application for adoption or freeing for adoption

(1) Subject to article 22, proceedings in a divorce county court, which is not also a family hearing centre, under section 12 or 18 of the Adoption Act 1976 shall, if the court is notified that the proceedings will be opposed, be transferred for trial to a family hearing centre.
(2) Where proceedings under the Adoption Act 1976 are to be transferred from a magistrates' court to a county court, they shall be transferred to a divorce county court.

## 18 Applications under Part III, IV or V

(1) An application under Part III, IV or V, if it is to be commenced in a county court, shall be commenced in a care centre.
(2) An application under Part III, IV or V which is to be transferred from the High Court to a county court shall be transferred to a care centre.
(3) An application under Part III, IV or V which is to be transferred from a magistrates" court to a county court shall be transferred to the care centre listed against the entry in column (i) of Schedule 2 to this Order for the petty sessions area or London commission area in which the relevant magistrates' court is situated.

## 19 Principal Registry of the Family Division

The principal registry of the Family Division of the High Court shall be treated, for the purposes of this Order, as if it were a divorce county court, a family hearing centre and a care centre listed against every entry in column (i) of Schedule 2 to this Order (in addition to the entries against which it is actually listed).

## 20 Lambeth and Woolwich County Courts

Notwithstanding articles 14, 16 and 17, an application for an order under section 8 or under the Adoption Act 1976 may be commenced and tried in Lambeth County Court or in Woolwich County Court.

## Part: MISCELLANEOUS

## 21 Contravention of provision of this Order

Where proceedings are commenced or transferred in contravention of a provision of this Order, the contravention shall not have the effect of making the proceedings invalid; and no appeal shall lie against the determination of proceedings on the basis of such contravention alone.

## 22 Transitional provision – proceedings under Adoption Act 1976

Proceedings under the Adoption Act 1976 which are commenced in a county court prior to the coming into force of this Order may, notwithstanding article 17(1), remain in that court for trial.

## Signature

Mackay of Clashfern, C.
20th June 1991

## Schedule 1 FAMILY HEARING CENTRES

Birmingham County Court
Coventry County Court
Derby County Court
Leicester County Court
Lincoln County Court
Mansfield County Court
Northampton County Court
Nottingham County Court
Oxford County Court
Peterborough County Court
Stafford County Court
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Telford County Court
Walsall County Court
Wolverhampton County Court
Worcester County Court

## Schedule 2 CARE CENTRES

(i)
(ii)
Petty Sessions Areas
Care Centres
Midland and Oxford Circuit
Abingdon
Oxford County Court
Aldridge and Brownhills
Wolverhampton County Court
Alfreton and Belper
Derby County Court
Ashby-De-La-Zouch
Leicester County Court
Atherstone and Coleshill
Coventry County Court
Barton-on-Humber
Lincoln County Court
Bewdley and Stourport
Worcester County Court
Bicester
Oxford County Court
Birmingham
Birmingham County Court
Boston
Lincoln County Court
Bourne and Stamford
Lincoln County Court
Bridgnorth
Telford County Court
Brigg
Lincoln County Court
Bromsgrove
Worcester County Court
Burton-upon-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Caistor
Lincoln County Court
Cannock
Wolverhampton County Court
Cambridge
Peterborough County Court
Cheadle
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Chesterfield
Derby County Court
City of Hereford
Worcester County Court
Congleton
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Corby
Northampton County Court
Coventry
Coventry County Court
Crewe and Nantwich
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Daventry
Northampton County Court
Derby and South Derbyshire
Derby County Court
Didcot and Wantage
Oxford County Court
Drayton
Telford County Court
Dudley
Wolverhampton County Court
East Retford
Nottingham County Court
East Oxfordshire
Oxford County Court
Eccleshall
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Elloes
Lincoln County Court
Ely
Peterborough County Court
Epworth and Goole
Lincoln County Court
Gainsborough
Lincoln County Court
Glossop
Derby County Court
Grantham
Lincoln County Court
Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Lincoln County Court
Halesowen
Wolverhampton County Court
Henley
Oxford County Court
High Peak
Derby County Court
Huntingdon
Peterborough County Court
Ilkeston
Derby County Court
Kettering
Northampton County Court
Kidderminster
Worcester County Court
Leek
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Leicester (City)
Leicester County Court
Leicester (County)
Leicester County Court
Lichfield
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Lincoln District
Lincoln County Court
Loughborough
Leicester County Court
Louth
Lincoln County Court
Ludlow
Telford County Court
Lutterworth
Leicester County Court
Malvern Hills
Worcester County Court
Mansfield
Nottingham County Court
Market Bosworth
Leicester County Court
Market Harborough
Leicester County Court
Market Rasen
Lincoln County Court
Melton and Belvoir
Leicester County Court
Mid-Warwickshire
Coventry County Court
Mid-Worcestershire
Worcester County Court
Newark and Southwell
Nottingham County Court
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Newmarket
Peterborough County Court or Ipswich County Court
Northampton
Northampton County Court
North Herefordshire
Worcester County Court
North Oxfordshire and Chipping Norton
Oxford County Court
North Witchford
Peterborough County Court
Nottingham
Nottingham County Court
Nuneaton
Coventry County Court
Oswestry
Telford County Court
Oxford
Oxford County Court
Peterborough
Peterborough County Court
Pirehill North
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Redditch
Worcester County Court
Rugby
Coventry County Court
Rugeley
Wolverhampton County Court
Rutland
Leicester County Court
Scunthorpe
Lincoln County Court
Seisdon
Wolverhampton County Court
Sleaford
Lincoln County Court
Shrewsbury
Telford County Court
Solihull
Birmingham County Court
South Herefordshire
Worcester County Court
South Warwickshire
Coventry County Court
Spilsby and Skegness
Lincoln County Court
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Stone
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Stourbridge
Wolverhampton County Court
Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham County Court
Tamworth
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Telford
Telford County Court
Toseland
Peterborough County Court
Towcester
Northampton County Court
Uttoxeter
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Vale of Evesham
Worcester County Court
Warley
Wolverhampton County Court
Walsall
Wolverhampton County Court
Wellingborough
Northampton County Court
West Bromwich
Wolverhampton County Court
West Derbyshire
Derby County Court
Wisbech
Peterborough County Court
Witney
Oxford County Court
Wolds
Lincoln County Court
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton County Court
Woodstock
Oxford County Court
Worcester City
Worcester County Court
Worksop
Nottingham County Court
Northern Circuit
Appleby
Carlisle County Court
Ashton-under-Lyne
Manchester County Court
Barrow with Bootle
Lancaster County Court
Blackburn
Blackburn County Court
Blackpool
Lancaster County Court
Bolton
Manchester County Court
Burnley
Blackburn County Court
Bury
Manchester County Court
Carlisle
Carlisle County Court
Chorley
Blackburn County Court
Darwen
Blackburn County Court
Eccles
Manchester County Court
Fylde
Lancaster County Court
Hyndburn
Blackburn County Court
Kendal and Lonsdale
Lancaster County Court
Keswick
Carlisle County Court
Knowsley
Liverpool County Court
Lancaster
Lancaster County Court
Leigh
Manchester County Court
Liverpool
Liverpool County Court
Manchester
Manchester County Court
Middleton and Heywood
Manchester County Court
North Lonsdale
Lancaster County Court
North Sefton
Liverpool County Court
Oldham
Manchester County Court
Ormskirk
Liverpool County Court
Pendle
Blackburn County Court
Penrith and Alston
Carlisle County Court
Preston
Blackburn County Court
Ribble Valley
Blackburn County Court
Rochdale
Manchester County Court
Rossendale
Blackburn County Court
St Helens
Liverpool County Court
Salford
Manchester County Court
South Lakes
Lancaster County Court
South Ribble
B1ackburn County Court
South Sefton
Liverpool County Court
South Tameside
Manchester County Court
Stockport
Manchester County Court
Trafford
Manchester County Court
West Allerdale
Carlisle County Court
Whitehaven
Carlisle County Court
Wigan
Liverpool County Court
Wigton
Carlisle County Court
Wirral
Liverpool County Court
Wyre
Lancaster County Court
North Eastern Circuit
Bainton Beacon
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Barnsley
Sheffield County Court
Batley and Dewsbury
Leeds County Court
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Beverley
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Blyth Valley
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Bradford
Leeds County Court
Brighouse
Leeds County Court
Calder
Leeds County Court
Chester-le-Street
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Claro
York County Court
Coquetdale
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Darlington
Teesside County Court
Derwentside
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Dickering
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Doncaster
Sheffield County Court
Durham
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Easington
Sunderland County Court
Easingwold
York County Court
Gateshead
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Hartlepool
Teesside County Court
Holme Beacon
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Houghton-le-Spring
Sunderland County Court
Howdenshire
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Huddersfield
Leeds County Court
Keighley
Leeds County Court
Kingston-upon-Hull
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Langbaurgh East
Teesside County Court
Leeds
Leeds County Court
Middle Holderness
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
Morley
Leeds County Court
Morpeth Ward
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Northallerton
Teesside County Court
North Holderness
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
North Tyneside
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Pontefract
Leeds County Court
Pudsey and Otley
Leeds County Court
Richmond
Teesside County Court
Ripon Liberty
York County Court
Rotherham
Sheffield County Court
Ryedale
York County Court
Scarborough
York County Court
Sedgefield
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Selby
York County Court
Sheffield
Sheffield County Court
Skyrack and Wetherby
Leeds County Court
South Holderness
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
South Hunsley Beacon
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
South Tyneside
Sunderland County Court
Staincliffe
Leeds County Court
Sunderland
Sunderland County Court
Teesdale and Wear Valley
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Teesside
Teesside County Court
Todmorden
Leeds County Court
Tynedale
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Court
Wakefield
Leeds County Court
Wansbeck
Newcastle-upon-Tyne County Court
Whitby Strand
Teesside County Court
Wilton Beacon
Kingston-upon-Hull County Court
York
York County Court
South Eastern Circuit
Ampthill
Luton County Court
Arundel
Brighton County Court
Ashford and Tenterden
Medway County Court
Aylesbury
Milton Keynes County Court
Barnet
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Barking and Dagenham
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Basildon
Chelmsford County Court
Battle and Rye
Brighton County Court
Beccles
Ipswich County Court
Bedford
Luton County Court
Bexhill
Brighton County Court
Bexley
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Biggleswade
Luton County Court
Bishop’s Stortford
Watford County Court
Brent
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Brentwood
Chelmsford County Court
Brighton
Brighton County Court
Bromley
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Buckingham
Milton Keynes County Court
Burnham
Milton Keynes County Court
Cambridge
Peterborough County Court
Canterbury and St Augustine
Medway County Court
Chelmsford
Chelmsford County Court
Chertsey
Guildford County Court
Cheshunt
Watford County Court
Chichester and District
Brighton County Court
Chiltern
Milton Keynes County Court
Colchester
Chelmsford County Court
Crawley
Brighton County Court
Cromer
Norwich County Court
Crowborough
Brighton County Court
Croydon
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Dacorum
Watford County Court
Dartford
Medway County Court
Diss
Norwich County Court
Dorking
Guildford County Court
Dover and East Kent
Medway County Court
Downham Market
Norwich County Court
Dunmow
Chelmsford County Court
Dunstable
Luton County Court
Ealing
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Eastbourne
Brighton County Court
East Dereham
Norwich County Court
Ely
Peterborough County Court
Enfield
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Epping and Ongar
Chelmsford County Court
Epsom
Guildford County Court
Esher and Walton
Guildford County Court
Fakenham
Norwich County Court
Farnham
Guildford County Court
Faversham and Sittingbourne
Medway County Court
Felixstowe
Ipswich County Court
Folkestone and Hythe
Medway County Court
The Forest
Reading County Court
Freshwell and South Hinckford
Chelmsford County Court
Godstone
Guildford County Court
Guildford
Guildford County Court
Gravesham
Medway County Court
Great Yarmouth
Norwich County Court
Hailsham
Brighton County Court
Halstead and Hedingham
Chelmsford County Court
Harlow
Chelmsford County Court
Harrow Gore
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Haringey
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Harwich
Chelmsford County Court
Hastings
Brighton County Court
Havering
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Hertford and Ware
Watford County Court
Hillingdon
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Horsham
Brighton County Court
Hounslow
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Hove
Brighton County Court
Hunstanton
Norwich County Court
Huntingdon
Peterborough County Court
Ipswich
Ipswich County Court.
King’s Lynn
Norwich County Court
Kingston-upon-Thames
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Leighton Buzzard
Luton County Court
Lewes
Brighton County Court
Lowestoft
Ipswich County Court
Luton
Luton County Court
Maidenhead
Reading County Court
Maidstone
Medway County Court
Maldon and Witham
Chelmsford County Court
Margate
Medway County Court
Medway
Medway County Court
Merton
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Mid-Hertfordshire
Watford County Court
Mid-Sussex
Brighton County Court
Mildenhall
Ipswich County Court
Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes County Court
Newham
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Newmarket
Ipswich County Court or Peterborough County Court
North Hertfordshire
Watford County Court
North Walsham
Norwich County Court
North Witchford
Peterborough County Court
Norwich
Norwich County Court
Peterborough
Peterborough County Court
Ramsgate
Medway County Court
Reading and Sonning
Reading County Court
Redbridge
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Reigate
Guildford County Court
Richmond-upon-Thames
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Risbridge
Ipswich County Court
Rochford and Southend-on-Sea
Chelmsford County Court
Saffron Walden
Chelmsford County Court
St Albans
Watford County Court
St Edmundsbury
Ipswich County Court
Saxmundham
Ipswich County Court
Sevenoaks
Medway County Court
Slough
Reading County Court
South Mimms
Watford County Court
Staines and Sunbury
Guildford County Court
Stevenage
Watford County Court
Steyning
Brighton County Court
Stow
Ipswich County Court
Sudbury and Cosford
Ipswich County Court
Sutton
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Swaffham
Norwich County Court
Tendring
Chelmsford County Court
Thetford
Norwich County Court
Thurrock
Chelmsford County Court
Tonbridge and Malling
Medway County Court
Toseland
Peterborough County Court
Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook
Medway County Court
Waltham Forest
Principal Registry of the Family Division
Watford
Watford County Court
West Berkshire
Reading County Court
Windsor
Reading County Court
Wisbech
Peterborough County Court
Woking
Guildford County Court
Woodbridge
Ipswich County Court
Worthing
Brighton County Court
Wycombe
Milton Keynes County Court
Wymondham
Norwich County Court
Wales and Chester Circuit
Ardudwy-is-Artro
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Ardudwy-uwch-Artro
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Bangor
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Bedwellty
Newport (Gwent) County Court
Berwyn
Rhyl County Court
Brecon
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Caernarfon and Gwyrfai
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Cardiff
Cardiff County Court
Carmarthen North
Swansea County Court
Carmarthen South
Swansea County Court
Ceredigion Ganol
Swansea County Court
Chester
Chester County Court
Cleddau
Swansea County Court
Colwyn
Rhyl County Court
Congleton
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Conwy and Llandudno
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Crewe and Nantwich
Stoke-on-Trent County Court
Cynon Valley
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
De Ceredigion
Swansea County Court
Dinefwr
Swansea County Court
Dyffryn Clwyd
Rhyl County Court
East Gwent
Newport (Gwent) County Court
Eifionydd
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Ellesmere Port and Neston
Chester County Court
Estimaner
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Flint
Rhyl County Court
Gogledd Ceredigion
Swansea County Court
Gogledd Preseli
Swansea County Court
Halton
Warrington County Court
Hawarden
Rhyl County Court
Llandrindod Wells
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Llanelli
Swansea County Court
Lliw Valley
Swansea County Court
Lower Rhymney Valley
Cardiff County Court
Macclesfield
Warrington County Court
Machynlleth
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Miskin
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Mold
Rhyl County Court
Nant Conwy
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Neath
Swansea County Court
Newcastle and Ogmore
Cardiff County Court
Newport
Newport (Gwent) County Court
Newton
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
North Anglesey
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Penllyn
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Port Talbot
Swansea County Court
Pwllheli
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Rhuddlan
Rhyl County Court
South Anglesey
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
South Pembrokeshire
Swansea County Court
Swansea
Swansea County Court
Talybont
Caernarfon/Llangefni County Court
Upper Rhymney Valley
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Vale of Glamorgan
Cardiff County Court
Vale Royal
Chester County Court
Warrington
Warrington County Court
Welshpool
Merthyr Tydfil County Court
Wrexham Maelor
Rhyl County Court
Ystradgynlais
Swansea County Court
Western Circuit
Alton
Portsmouth County Court
Andover
Portsmouth County Court
Axminster
Taunton County Court
Barnstaple
Taunton County Court
Basingstoke
Portsmouth County Court
Bath and Wansdyke
Bristol County Court
Bideford and Great Torrington
Taunton County Court
Blandford and Sturminster
Bournemouth County Court
Bodmin
Truro County Court
Bournemouth
Bournemouth County Court
Bristol
Bristol County Court
Bridport
Bournemouth County Court
Cheltenham
Bristol County Court
Christchurch
Bournemouth County Court
Cirencester, Fairford and Tetbury
Bristol County Court
Cullompton
Taunton County Court
Dorchester
Bournemouth County Court
Droxford
Portsmouth County Court
Dunheved and Stratton
Truro County Court
Eastleigh
Portsmouth County Court
East Penwith
Truro County Court
East Powder
Truro County Court
Exeter
Plymouth County Court
Exmouth
Plymouth County Court
Falmouth and Kerrier
Truro County Court
Fareham
Portsmouth County Court
Forest of Dean
Bristol County Court
Gloucester
Bristol County Court
Gosport
Portsmouth County Court
Havant
Portsmouth County Court
Honiton
Taunton County Court
Hythe
Bournemouth County Court
Isle of Wight
Portsmouth County Court
Isles of Scilly
Truro County Court
Kennet
Bristol County Court
Kingsbridge
Plymouth County Court
Long Ashton
Bristol County Court
Lymington
Bournemouth County Court
Mendip
Taunton County Court
North Avon
Bristol County Court
North Cotswold
Bristol County Court
North Wiltshire
Bristol County Court
Odiham
Portsmouth County Court
Okehampton
Plymouth County Court
Penwith
Truro County Court
Petersfield
Portsmouth County Court
Plymouth
Plymouth County Court
Plympton
Plymouth County Court
Portsmouth
Portsmouth County Court
Poole
Bournemouth County Court
Pydar
Truro County Court
Ringwood
Bournemouth County Court
Romsey
Bournemouth County Court
Salisbury
Boumemouth County Court
Sedgemoor
Taunton County Court
Shaftesbury
Bournemouth County Court
Sherborne
Bournemouth County Court
Southampton
Portsmouth County Court
South East Cornwall
Plymouth County Court
South Gloucestershire
Bristol County Court
South Molton
Taunton County Court
South Somerset
Taunton County Court
Swindon
Bristol County Court
Taunton Deane
Taunton County Court
Tavistock
Plymouth County Court
Teignbridge
Plymouth County Court
Tewkesbury
Bristol County Court
Tiverton
Taunton County Court
Torbay
Plymouth County Court
Totnes
Plymouth County Court
Totton and New Forest
Bournemouth County Court
Truro and South Powder
Truro County Court
Wareham and Swanage
Bournemouth County Court
West Somerset
Taunton County Court
Weston-Super-Mare
Bristol County Court
West Wiltshire
Bristol County Court
Weymouth and Portland
Bournemouth County Court
Wimborne
Bournemouth County Court
Winchester
Portsmouth County Court
Wonford
Plymouth County Court
(i)
(ii)
London Commission Area
Care Centre
Inner London Area and City of London
Principal Registry of the Family Division

## Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order provides for the allocation of certain proceedings concerning children between the High Court, the county courts and the magistrates' courts.
Article 3 prescribes certain proceedings which must be commenced in a magistrates' court.
Article 4 prescribes the court in which are to be brought applications to vary, extend or discharge orders.
Articles 5 to 13 regulate transfer between different courts and categories of court.
Articles 14 to 20, and Schedules 1 and 2, deal with the distribution of business amongst the county courts, and provide for the Principal Registry of the Family Division to be treated as a county court.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1991/1677 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/children-allocation-of-proceedings-order-1991
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.