Rule 12.36 Where to start proceedings

An application for proceedings under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the court must be started in the High Court.

Wardship proceedings, except applications for an order that a child be made or cease to be a ward of court, may be transferred to the F1family court unless the issues of fact or law make them more suitable for hearing in the High Court. (The question of suitability for hearing in the High Court is explained in Practice Direction 12D (Inherent Jurisdiction (including Wardship Proceedings)).)