Rule 4.1 Interpretation and application

In this Part of and Appendix 3 to these Rules, unless a contrary intention appears—

• “the Allocation Order” means the Children (Allocation of Proceedings) Order (Northern Ireland) 1996^f1;

• an Article or Schedule referred to by number means the Article or Schedule so numbered in the Order of 1995;

• “an Article 8 Order” has the same meaning as in Article 8(2);

• “application”’ means an application made under or by virtue of the Order of 1995 or under these Rules and “applicant” shall be construed accordingly;

• “authority” has the same meaning as in Article 2(2);

• “child”, in relation to proceedings to which this Part applies—

  1. (a)

     means, subject to sub-paragraph (b), a person under the age of 18 with respect to whom the proceedings are brought, and

  2. (b)

     where the proceedings are under Schedule 1, also includes a person who has reached the age of 18;

• “directions appointment” means a hearing for directions under rule 4.15;

• “family care centre” means a county court which has been specified as a family care centre in the Allocation Order;

• “guardian ad litem” means a guardian ad litem, appointed under Article 60, of the child with respect to whom the proceedings are brought;

• “leave” includes permission and approval;

• “parental responsibility” has the same meaning as in Article 6;

• “Parties” means the respondents specified in column (iii) of Appendix 3 and the applicant;

• “specified proceedings” has the same meaning as in Article 60(6) and Rule 4.3(2);

• “welfare officer” means a person who has been asked to prepare a welfare report under Article 4.

Except where the contrary intention appears, the provisions of this Part apply to proceedings in the High Court and a county court—