# The Family Proceedings Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996, Rule 2.3: Cause to be begun by petition

Extent: N.I.

(1) Every cause other than an application under Article 16(4) of the Order of 1978 [or under section 175(3) of the Act of 2004] shall be begun by petition.
(2) Where a petition for divorce, nullity [of marriage] or judicial separation [or for dissolution, nullity of civil partnership or separation,] discloses that there is a minor child of the family who is under the age of 16 years or who is over that age and is receiving instruction at an educational establishment or undergoing training for a trade, profession or vocation, the petition shall be accompanied by a statement signed by the petitioner personally containing the information required by Form M4, to which shall be attached a copy of any medical report mentioned therein.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/1996/322/rule/2.3 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/family-proceedings-rules-northern-ireland-1996/rule-2.3
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.