Shared Parenting Information Group (SPIG) UK
- promoting responsible shared parenting after separation and divorce -
Section 8 Orders - How to Apply
(excluding orders for children in care)
What they are
- Residence Orders
- Contact Orders
- Prohibited Steps Orders
- Specific Issue Orders
Applicants
- A parent or guardian of a child, or any person with a residence order may apply as of right.
- Anyone else may apply to the court for leave. This includes the child, grandparents and the local authority.
Respondents
- Every person with parental responsibility.
- In the case of an application to extend, vary or discharge an order, the parties to the proceedings at which the order was made.
Persons who must receive notice
- Those caring for the child.
- Those named in a court order with respect to the same child, which is still in effect (where relevant).
- Those with whom the child has lived for at least three years prior to the making of the application (where relevant).
Applying for leave
Those who have to seek the leave of the court must write to the court, enclosing a draft application. The court must either grant the request or set a date for a hearing of the application for leave to apply [Rule 4.3]
Applications for section 8 orders
If divorce proceedings are under way, application should be made to the court where the proceedings are being heard, otherwise applications will generally begin in the Magistrates' Court. If in doubt, ask at the court office.
All applications must be made on the official forms:
- CHA10(D) where the applicant is the petitioner or respondent in divorce proceedings, or
- CHA10 for all other applicants.
A form must be completed for each type of application - it is not permitted to apply for more than one type of order on one form. The forms ask for details of the application in a series of boxes. If there is insufficient space in any of the boxes, write "see attached sheet" in the box and provide clear details on a separate sheet which should be stapled to the form.
When the application has been completed, it must be sent to the court, together with a copy for each respondent. Remember to keep a copy for yourself.
The court will assign a date for hearing, mark this on the copies and return them to you for service.
At least 21 days prior to the hearing, you must serve copies of the application on every respondent and give written notice of the hearing to every person listed above as entitled to notice. [Rule 4.4]
Documentary evidence
Applicants are encouraged to supply skeleton arguments in advance. Traditional style affidavits are discontinued, but written statements may be substituted which must contain a statement of the form:
"I declare that this is a true statement and I understand it may be placed before a court", and be signed and dated. [Rule 4.17]
Court record
The court must keep a note of the substance of the oral evidence. [Rule 4.20]
Judgment
The court shall deliver its judgment as soon as is practicable after a hearing. Where an application is refused the court shall state any findings of fact and the reasons for the court's decision. [Rule 4.21]
Appeals
From the Magistrates' Court, appeal to the High Court.
- From the County Court, appeal to the Court of Appeal.
- From the High Court , appeal to the Court of Appeal.
- From the Court of Appeal, appeal to the House of Lords
David Cannon
Originally published - May 1992
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