Explanatory note

This Order provides for the allocation of proceedings under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 (Family Homes and Domestic Violence) between the High Court, the county courts and the magistrates' courts.

Article 4(2) prescribes those proceedings which must be commenced in the High Court and article 5 prescribes the courts in which are to be brought applications to vary, extend or discharge orders.

Articles 6 to 15 regulate transfer between different courts and categories of courts.

Article 16 provides for the Principal Registry of the Family Division to be treated as a county court and article 17 provides for proceedings to be taken in Lambeth, Shoreditch and Woolwich County Courts. Article 18 makes provision in relation to proceedings which are commenced or transferred in contravention of this Order.