Rule 12.73 Communication of information: general
For the purposes of the law relating to contempt of court, information relating to proceedings held in private (whether or not contained in a document filed with the court) may be communicated—
where the communication is to—
a party;
the legal representative of a party;
a professional legal adviser;
an officer of the service or a Welsh family proceedings officer;
the welfare officer;
F1the Director of Legal Aid Casework (within the meaning of section 4 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012);
an expert whose instruction by a party has been authorised by the court for the purposes of the proceedings;
a professional acting in furtherance of the protection of children;
an independent reviewing officer appointed in respect of a child who is, or has been, subject to proceedings to which this rule applies;
where the court gives permission F2, including as provided for under rule 12.73A; or
subject to any direction of the court, in accordance with rule 12.75 and Practice Direction 12G.
F3Except as provided for under rule 12.73A, nothing in this Chapter permits the communication to the public at large, or any section of the public, of any information relating to the proceedings.
Nothing in rule 12.75 and Practice Direction 12G permits the disclosure of an unapproved draft judgment handed down by any court.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in rule 12.73(1)(a)(vi) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/534), reg. 1, Sch. para. 22(a) (with reg. 14(2))
- F2
Words in rule 12.73(1)(b) inserted (27.1.2025) by The Family Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/1322), rules 1(3), 3(a)
- F3
Words in rule 12.73(2) substituted (27.1.2025) by The Family Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2024 (S.I. 2024/1322), rules 1(3), 3(b)
Notes on Part 12
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in Pt. 12 heading substituted (31.1.2013) by The Family Procedure (Amendment) (No.5) Rules 2012 (S.I. 2012/3061), rules 1, 5(a)
Notes on Chapter 7
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in Pt. 12 Ch. 7 heading substituted (31.1.2013) by The Family Procedure (Amendment) (No.5) Rules 2012 (S.I. 2012/3061), rules 1, 5(a)