Are you the Applicant in ongoing UK family law proceedings and have you been ordered by the court to prepare the court bundle? This can be very daunting. Please note that if the other party is represented then you can ask that they be responsible for preparing the bundle and if both parties are unrepresented sometimes the court will agree to prepare it, but not in all cases. Being ordered to prepare this for a hearing can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, not only with regards to knowing the correct format and layout but also having the technical knowledge to put it all together on the computer. FLPS can help you. If you want to do it yourself then here are some guidelines and top tips. Please note that the bundle can be prepared and served electronically for the directions appointments but for a final hearing then hard copies must also be provided. One for each party, one for the Judge and one for the witness box.
The preparation of bundles in family court proceedings in England and Wales is governed by Practice Direction 27A (PD27A) of the Family Procedure Rules (FPR) 2010.
1. Overview of Practice Direction 27A
PD27A provides guidance on:
- The content, format, and presentation of bundles for use in family court proceedings.
- Responsibilities of parties and legal representatives to ensure bundles are complete, organized, and filed on time.
- Ensuring court time is used efficiently and effectively.
2. Responsibility for Preparing the Bundle
- Lead Solicitor: The solicitor for the party who issues the application (or another party as directed by the court) is responsible for preparing the bundle.
- Unrepresented Parties: If a party is not legally represented, they may be required to assist in preparing the bundle or work with the court office.
3. Content of the Bundle
The bundle must only include essential documents relevant to the hearing. The documents should be in chronological order and a clear index should be provided at the front showing the sections, page number, date of document. The following is typically included:
- Case summary and chronology (if directed by the court).
- Applications, orders, or notices related to the hearing.
- Statements and affidavits.
- Expert reports, if relevant.
- Care plans (in public law children cases).
- Key correspondence.
Exclusions: The bundle should not include:
- Copies of correspondence (unless relevant).
- Documents that are not essential to the hearing.
4. Format of the Bundle
PD27A specifies strict formatting requirements for bundles:
- Size and Volume:
- Bundles must not exceed 350 pages (including dividers) unless the court grants specific permission.
- Additional bundles (e.g., “A”, “B”) may be prepared only with the court’s approval.
- Dividers and Pagination:
- The bundle must be divided into sections (e.g., A, B, C) with clearly marked dividers.
- Pages must be numbered consecutively from start to finish (e.g., 1-350).
- Index:
- The bundle must include a paginated index listing all documents.
- Presentation:
- Use single-sided printing, unless the court directs otherwise.
- Secure the bundle in a lever-arch file.
5. Filing and Service Deadlines
- Submission Deadline: The completed bundle must be filed with the court and served on the parties no later than 11:00 am on the working day before the hearing.
- Electronic Bundles:
- With the court’s permission, bundles can be submitted electronically (e.g., PDFs).
- The file must be bookmarked for easy navigation.
6. Case Summary and Chronology
If required, the bundle should include:
- A case summary: A concise summary of the key issues and procedural history.
- A chronology: A timeline of significant events.
These documents should be:
- Prepared jointly by all parties (where possible).
- Limited to a maximum of 4 pages, unless the court directs otherwise.
7. Non-Compliance with PD27A
Failure to comply with the requirements may result in:
- Costs orders against the responsible party.
- Adjournments or delays in proceedings.
- Criticism from the court for wasted time and resources.
8. Additional Considerations
- Emergency Hearings: In urgent cases, the court may accept reduced bundles, but parties must seek direction from the judge.
- Special Cases: For cases involving litigants in person, the court may provide additional flexibility or guidance.
9. Key Principles of PD27A
- Bundles must be focused and proportionate, containing only essential material.
- All parties must cooperate to ensure the bundle is complete and submitted on time.
Practical Tips
- Begin preparing the bundle early, especially if multiple parties are involved.
- Use clear headings, dividers, and pagination to improve organization.
- Ensure compliance with the 350-page limit unless court permission is granted for additional material.
For full details, refer to Practice Direction 27A in the Family Procedure Rules. If you’re preparing a bundle and need further assistance then do not hesitate to contact us. FLPS are here to help support and assist you in every aspect of your case.