The divorce, dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) is in force from 6 April 2022. Proceedings issued by the court on or after 6 April 2022 are subject to the provisions of DDSA 2020 and the changes to procedure under the amended family procedure rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955. For further information, see Practice Note: Introduction to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020.

Proceedings issued by the court on or before 5 April 2022 will continue to progress under the pre-DDSA 2020 law, whether submitted on the digital system or via paper forms. Such applications will not be impacted by the coming into force of DDSA 2020, nor the consequential changes to procedure. This Practice Note covers the position for proceedings issued prior to 6 April 2022, the phasing out of the regional divorce centres and the introduction of the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre (CTSC). It also provides guidance on the de-linking of divorce and financial remedy applications.

Legislative changes have been made as a consequence of DDSA