Article 18 Amendment to the 1996 Rules

After rule 2.15 insert—

“Reply to answer praying for decree or order of nullity on ground relating to gender recognition

2.15A

(1)

This rule applies where an answer is filed under rule 2.14(1) which prays for a decree of nullity of marriage under—

(a)

Article 14(g) of, or paragraph 18(1)(e) of Schedule 3 to, the Order of 1978 and an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner; or

(b)

Article 14(h) of the Order of 1978 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner.

(2)

This rule also applies where an answer is filed under rule 2.14(1) which prays for an order of nullity of civil partnership under—

(a)

section 174(1)(d) of the Act of 2004 and an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner; or

(b)

section 174(1)(e) of the Act of 2004 and a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to the petitioner.

(3)

Where the petitioner files a reply under rule 2.15(1) to the answer, he shall file with it a copy of that interim certificate or that full certificate, as the case may be, unless otherwise directed on an application made ex parte.”.