Private Law Programme Practice Direction

Sir Mark Potter’s parting gift to the Family Division before his retirement as President was the Revised Private Law Program Practice Direction (PLP) which came into effect on 1 April, although the courts have until 4 October to effect its full implementation. It concerns the case management of private law matters relating to children based on the court issuing an application within 24 hours of receipt (48 hours in those courts where applications are first considered on paper) and sending a notice of hearing to the applicant with copies to CAFCASS. CAFCASS’ work prior to the first hearing will be confined to safeguarding checks, leaving general and welfare issues, and any meeting with the children, until after the first hearing. At the first hearing, the First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA) the order will set out: