Rule 12.8 ServiceF1

After the issue of proceedings under this Part, the documents specified in paragraph (5) must be served on the respondent or respondents.

In section 8 private law proceedings, F2subject to rule 6.23A, service under paragraph (1) will be effected by the court officer, unless—

In this Rule, “section 8 private law proceedings” are proceedings for a section 8 order except proceedings for a child arrangements order to which section 9(6B) of the 1989 Act applies with respect to a child who is in the care of a local authority.

In any other proceedings to which this Part applies, F3subject to rule 6.23A, service under paragraph (1) must be effected by the applicant.

The documents are—

Service under this rule must be carried out in accordance with Practice Direction 12C.

The general rules about service in Part 6 apply but are subject to this rule.

F4(Practice Direction 12C (Service of Application in Children Proceedings) provides that in Part 4 proceedings (except proceedings for an interim order) the minimum number of days prior to the Case Management Hearing for service of the application and accompanying documents is 7 days. The Court has discretion to extend or shorten this time (see rule 4.1(3)(a)).