Royal Courts of Justice
London
WC2A 2LL
11 November 2025
SOUTH EAST SOUTH CIRCUIT- PRACTICE NOTE- PUBLIC LAW
Dear Colleague,
I write this letter in my role as the Family Presider for the South East South Circuit. It is written with the support of the DFJs for Kent, Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire, Thames Valley and Surrey & Sussex.
This letter is accompanied by a copy of the South East South-Practice Note-Public Law. The Practice Note has been written in collaboration with the DFJ for Kent, Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire, Thames Valley and Surrey & Sussex.. It is endorsed by me and each of them. The Practice Note is intended to guide local authorities, practitioners and professionals on the expectation of the Family Court in South East South. From the date of issue, this practice note replaces all previous local practice directions that have developed in relation to public law proceedings in South East South. The note is based on the Public Law Outline (PLO), FPR part 12.22-30 and PD12A.It reflects the current case law in relation to the case management of public law cases.
I and each of the DFJs recognise the industry and commitment of all who work in the field of child protection and the stresses and strains under which you all labour. That which each of you do is acknowledged and we are grateful for it.
It is hoped that by clearly setting out the expectations of the Family Court in South East South, local authorities, professionals and practitioners will have certainty about the case management of public law proceedings and will thus be better able to inform their practices. The expectation of all should be that public law cases will be case managed robustly to ensure an effective, just and timely outcome of the proceedings.
Yours Sincerely
