Form FP161 is only to be used for appeals to the Family Division of the High Court ('the High Court'). Appeals from decisions or orders of the following judges will be heard in the High Court.
If the appeal is from the family court:
- Circuit Judges or Recorders except where:
- The appeal is from a decision or order made in proceedings under Parts 4 or 5 of, or paragraph 19 of Schedule 2 to the Children Act 1989; or
- The appeal is from a decision or order made in proceedings under the Adoption and Children Act 2002; or
- The appeal is from a decision or order made in relation to contempt of court, or
- The appeal is a second appeal to the family court;
- District Judge or (Deputy District Judge) of the Principal Registry of the Family Division (financial remedy appeals only)
If the appeal is from the High Court:
- District Judge or (Deputy District Judge) of the Principal Registry of the Family Division
- District Judge or (Deputy District Judge) of the District Registry of the High Court
- Costs Judge (or deputy)
Appeals in all other family cases (including the exceptions mentioned above) should continue to be made to the Court of Appeal or the Family Court using form N161 – Appellant's notice (All appeals except small claims track appeals).
