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Family Court Rules

There must be rules about things like the correct forms to use and the proper processes to follow in any matter that comes to Court. Sometimes there are different forms and processes to follow for matters relating to different family law Acts.

You can access the Family Courts Rules at www.legislation.govt.nz

These rules contain the procedures and forms for proceedings under the following Acts:
  • Adoption Act 1955
  • Care of Children Act 2004
  • Child Support Act 1992
  • Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989
  • Domestic Violence Act 1995
  • Family Proceedings Act 1980
  • Family Protection Act 1955
  • Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949
  • Property (Relationships Act) 1976
  • Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988

The Structure

The Rules contain 6 Parts and 9 Schedules:
  • Parts 1 - 4 and 6 contain rules that will generally apply to all proceedings
  • Part 5 contains extra rules in relation to proceedings under specific Acts, e.g. for dissolution.
The Schedules prescribe the forms to be used:
  • Schedule 1 contains the general forms (for all Acts)
  • Schedules 2 - 9 contain forms that apply only to certain proceedings; e.g. Schedule 5 contains forms which apply only to domestic violence proceedings.
The Acts are listed alphabetically in Part 5 and the Schedules.