With the introduction of Practise Direction 27A to the Family Procedure Rules, it is important for practitioners and their clients (and litigants in person) to understand the importance of preparing for a listed Hearing and carefully managing the contents of submissions and pleadings at all stages of Family Proceedings, whether they be applications for Financial Remedy or Child Arrangements.
The new additions to the Family Procedure Rules, essentially the blueprint to workings of the Family Court, will see further guidance and restrictions upon the volume and nature of supporting evidence that can be included in the Court Bundle and submission to the Judge.
The amendments ensure that there is consistency with bundles across family proceedings in both paper bundles and electronic bundles.
It is vital to note that these new rules came into force on the 2nd March 2026.
What is the purpose of the new changes to the Family Procedure Rules?
The new rules intend to reduce the volume of content that the Judge and the Court will be required to review to better improve how the Court use their time and to lessen the considerable backlog of cases causing delay to Court processes across England and Wales.
Control over structure
The new Practice Direction gives extensive guidance for the use of e-bundles.
Changes have been made to accommodate neurodivergent readers. Arial font and 1.5 or double spacing being recommended in accordance with the 2025 Family Justice Council Guidance on Neurodiversity in the Family Justice System. These changes intend to make proceedings accessible for all.
There are different rules for the pagination of bundles, dependant on the case type.
Restrictions and controls on content
The new PD27A is clear on what can and cannot be included within the Court Bundle or filed separately. Although, Though these restrictions are subject to permission being granted to the parties to include certain material if they are relevant to the matter or would be referred to throughout the Hearing.
The following items are now considered as prohibited:
- Correspondence between solicitors and experts, this is to include the Letter of Instructions to the Expert witness
- Copies of emails, SMS, WhatsApp or any form of social media correspondence
- Voice notes or recordings
- Full bank statements and other financial records
- Entire social services files/Care logs/Contact visit notes
- Photographs
Filing and Deadlines
From March 2026, new deadlines will become enforceable, allowing the court longer periods of time to consider the evidence in any given case:
- Parties are to agree upon the contents of the bundle no later than 7 working days before the hearing
- The bundle must be filed and served no later than 5 working days before the hearing
- Preliminary documents must be filed and served no later than 11am the working day before the hearing.
Penalties for Failing to comply with the new Practice Direction
Failure to comply may result in the Court refusing to hear a case at the listed time, causing delay and expense and the possibility of being ordered to pay ‘wasted costs’. It is therefore imperative that the Practice Direction is followed to avoid such penalties.
If you need advice on Family Law matters, whether relating to child arrangements, financial remedy proceedings, or preparing for a Family Court hearing, DTM Legal’s Family Law team is here to help. Our experienced solicitors can provide clear, practical guidance to support you through every stage of the process. To find out more about how we can assist, visit our Family Law service page.
