Practice Direction 27A Compliance Documentation

Document Version: 1.0

Last Updated: 24/07/2026

Applicable To: Family Proceedings in England and Wales

Governing Rules: Family Procedure Rules 2010, Practice Direction 27A

1. Introduction and Purpose

1.1 About Practice Direction 27A

Practice Direction 27A supplements Part 27 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 and sets out comprehensive requirements for the preparation and presentation of court bundles in family proceedings. The Practice Direction applies to all family proceedings save where specific exceptions are stated, and its requirements are mandatory rather than advisory.

1.2 Importance of Compliance

Proper bundle preparation is not merely a procedural formality. Non-compliant bundles may result in:

• Adjournment of hearings with associated wasted costs orders
• Professional criticism and potential regulatory consequences for legal representatives
• Delay in the progression of proceedings, contrary to the no-delay principle in children proceedings
• Judicial criticism and potential adverse inferences
• Increased costs and inefficiency for all parties

1.3 Purpose of This Document

This compliance documentation serves three purposes:

• Educational: To explain the requirements of Practice Direction 27A clearly for all users
• Demonstrative: To show how BundleCreator.co's features assist in meeting each requirement
• Practical: To provide guidance on using the service effectively to help you work within the PD27A rules

2. Core Requirements of Practice Direction 27A

2.1 The Bundle as a Working Tool

Requirement: Practice Direction 27A paragraph 2.1 provides that the court bundle should be a chronological collection of all relevant documents required for a hearing, paginated and indexed to allow the court and parties to find documents quickly and efficiently.

BundleCreator.co Compliance: The service provides automated chronological organisation within sections, automatic page numbering with customisable formats (e.g., A1-A50), and dynamically generated indices that update as documents are added, removed, or reorganised.

2.2 Responsibility for Bundle Preparation

Requirement: Paragraph 3.1 states that the applicant is generally responsible for preparing the bundle unless the court directs otherwise or the parties agree a different arrangement. The bundle must be agreed between the parties where possible.

User Responsibility: Users must understand that BundleCreator.co is a tool to assist in bundle preparation. The legal responsibility for bundle content, completeness, and compliance remains with the party responsible under the court's directions. Users should obtain agreement from other parties on bundle contents where required.

2.3 Format and Presentation Standards

Requirements: Practice Direction 27A paragraphs 4.1 to 4.6 set out specific format requirements:

• Documents should be on A4 paper and portrait orientation where possible
• Documents must be clearly legible; illegible documents should be transcribed
• Documents should be two-hole punched on the left for physical bundles
• Bundles should be securely fastened but capable of lying flat
• Large documents (e.g., plans) should be reduced to A4 where possible or folded

BundleCreator.co Compliance: The service generates PDF bundles with standardised A4 formatting. Users are responsible for ensuring uploaded documents are legible and properly oriented. The platform provides preview functionality to verify document quality before finalisation.

3. Detailed Compliance: Section-by-Section Analysis

3.1 Pagination Requirements (PD27A para 1.2, 6.2, 7.2)

Practice Direction Requirements (split by proceedings type):

Non-financial-remedy proceedings (Ch 7.2): Bates numbering pagination system. PD27A para 1.2 defines Bates numbering verbatim: "the first section begins at page A1, then page A2 and so on, and the second section begins at page B1, then page B2 and so on, through each section". Numbers restart at 1 in each new section.

• Sections are lettered A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I in the order set out at Ch 7.3
• Each document within a section is numbered starting at 1 (output: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2 …)
• Numbers do not continue across sections; Section B opens at B1, not at the next number after the last document of Section A
• At subsequent hearings (7.16) new documents are added to the end of the relevant section; numbering continues within that section only

Financial remedy proceedings (Ch 6.2): Arabic numbering, consecutive and individual, running through the whole bundle.

• Output: 1, 2, 3 … through the entire bundle
• E-bundle PDF page labels must match the pagination (11.2(c)) — this alignment is mandatory
• Sections are divided with numbered blank dividers but do not reset the count

Universal requirements (both):

• Page numbers must be computer-generated, not hand-numbered (11.2(c))
• Page numbers appear at the bottom centre or bottom right, in the same position on every page
• Typography: Arial or Times New Roman, minimum 12pt (11.2(k)–(l), 12.2); the PD itself notes Arial as "generally more accessible to neurodiverse readers"
• Original page numbers on documents can remain, but the bundle's pagination takes precedence

How BundleCreator.co Supports You:

• Correct mode per proceedings type: BundleCreator defaults to Bates numbering (per-section restart) for non-financial-remedy Family proceedings and to Arabic consecutive for financial remedy
• Section-Based Lettering: Sections are lettered A, B, C in the order set out at PD27A Ch 7.3 (non-financial-remedy) or Ch 6.3 (financial remedy)
• Dynamic Recalculation: Page numbers automatically update when documents are added, removed, or reordered within a section
• Footer Placement: Generated PDFs include page numbers positioned at bottom centre
• Non-Destructive Numbering: Original document content is preserved; bundle pagination is added separately

3.2 Index Requirements (PD27A para 6.2(c), 7.2(c), 11.2(d))

Practice Direction Requirements:

• An index must be included at the beginning of the bundle
• The index should list all documents with brief descriptions and page references
• Documents should be grouped logically (by the Ch 6.3 or Ch 7.3 section structure)
• The index should enable the court to locate any document immediately
• For e-bundles (11.2(d)): each index entry must be added as a link in the indexed document, all significant documents and sections must be bookmarked with short descriptions and page numbers, and the bundle must be searchable wherever possible

How BundleCreator.co Supports You:

• Auto-Generated Indices: The platform automatically generates a comprehensive index from all documents in the bundle
• Section-Based Organisation: Index entries are grouped by PD27A section with clear section headings
• Document Details: Each index entry includes document number, description, date (where applicable), and page range
• Real-Time Updates: The index automatically updates as documents are modified, ensuring accuracy
• Hyperlinked Entries: Each index entry links directly to its document in the PDF, matching the 11.2(d) requirement

3.3 Section Dividers (PD27A para 6.2, 7.2)

Practice Direction Requirements:

• Bundles should be divided into sections with clearly marked dividers
• Dividers should be tabbed or otherwise clearly identifiable
• Section titles should be descriptive and consistent

How BundleCreator.co Supports You:

• Digital Section Dividers: Electronic bundles include clearly formatted section divider pages
• Standard Section Templates: Pre-defined section structures based on common family proceedings (e.g., Applications and Orders, Statements, Expert Reports)
• Custom Sections: Users can create additional sections with custom titles as required
• PDF Bookmarks: Electronic bundles include PDF bookmarks for each section, allowing instant navigation

3.4 Document Organisation and Chronology (PD27A para 6.2, 7.2)

Practice Direction Requirements:

• Documents should be arranged chronologically within each section
• The most recent document should appear last unless otherwise appropriate
• Related documents should be grouped together where this aids comprehension

How BundleCreator.co Supports You:

• Date-Based Sorting: Documents can be automatically sorted by date within sections
• Manual Reordering: Drag-and-drop functionality allows users to arrange documents in the most logical order for their case
• Document Metadata: Users can add dates and descriptions to ensure proper chronological organisation
• Visual Verification: Bundle preview allows users to verify correct document order before finalisation

3.5 Bundle Contents (PD27A para 5.1, 5.2)

Practice Direction Requirements:

Under Ch 5.2, bundles must contain only documents relevant to the hearing and necessary for court reading or hearing reference. The PD explicitly lists classes of document that are excluded unless the court directs otherwise:

• Correspondence (including expert instructions)
• Emails, texts, WhatsApp, social media
• Voice notes or recordings
• Bank and credit card statements
• Contact visit notes
• Foster carer logs
• Social services files (except assessments relied upon)
• Photographs

Per-document page caps apply (Ch 8.1): care plan 10 pages, case summary 6 pages, statement of issues 2 pages, chronology 10 pages, list of essential reading 1 page, witness statement 25 pages (exclusive of exhibits), expert report 40 pages (including a maximum 4-page executive summary). Position-statement caps tier by hearing type (Ch 6.12 for financial remedy; Ch 7.18 for non-financial-remedy, typically 3 pages).

User Responsibility and Platform Support:

The selection of appropriate documents is a matter of professional judgment and remains the user's responsibility. BundleCreator.co provides tools to assist:

• Document Management: Easy addition and removal of documents during bundle preparation
• Duplicate Detection: The platform warns users if documents with identical filenames are uploaded
• Document Descriptions: Users can add notes explaining each document's relevance
• Bundle Review: Preview functionality allows comprehensive review before finalisation

3.6 Bundle Lodgement (PD27A Ch 13.2)

Practice Direction Requirements:

• 7 working days before hearing — parties seek to agree bundle contents
• 5 working days before hearing — bundle (except preliminary documents if unavailable) served on all parties and filed with the court
• 11:00 the working day before hearing — preliminary documents (case summary, chronology, position statements, statement of issues) served on all parties and filed with the court; if a High Court judge hearing is known, also emailed to the judge's clerk
• Once filed, the bundle must not be amended before the hearing without prior court agreement (Ch 13.3) — accepted errors and court-permitted supplemental bundles are the only exceptions
• E-bundles should be filed via the HMCTS online portal where available (14.2(b))
• Late lodgement or other non-compliance may result in case removal from the list, postponement, adverse costs orders, or wasted costs orders (Ch 3)

BundleCreator.co Support:

• Efficient Generation: Bundles can be generated and downloaded quickly to meet deadlines
• Multiple Formats: Export options for electronic filing or printing
• Version Control: Save multiple versions of bundles as they develop
• Deadline Reminders: Users can set reminders for bundle lodgement deadlines (coming soon)

4. Electronic Bundle Requirements

4.1 The Shift to Electronic Bundles

Many family courts now require or strongly prefer electronic bundles, particularly following Practice Guidance issued by the President of the Family Division. Electronic bundles must meet specific technical standards whilst maintaining all the organisational requirements of physical bundles.

4.2 Technical Standards for E-Bundles

Requirements:

• Format (11.2(a)): PDF only
• Page cap (11.2(b)): Maximum 350 pages A4. Exceeding requires court permission.
• Page numbering (11.2(c)): Computer- generated only (not hand-numbered). Bates for Ch 7, Arabic for Ch 6; for financial remedy, PDF page labels must match pagination.
• Indexing (11.2(d)): Each index entry hyperlinked; significant documents and sections bookmarked with short descriptions and page numbers; bundle searchable where possible.
• OCR (11.2(e)): All typed text pages must be OCR'd if not created as direct electronic text.
• Orientation (11.2(f)): Landscape pages appear landscape (readable left-to-right); no sideways or upside-down pages.
• View (11.2(g)): Default view 100%.
• Resolution (11.2(j)): Not exceeding 300 dpi; electronically optimised.
• Typography (11.2(k)–(l)): Arial or Times New Roman, minimum 12pt, 1.5 or double line spacing, margins each side. The PD itself notes Arial as "generally more accessible to neurodiverse readers".
• Filing (14.2(a)): Filename must contain hearing date, case reference, short case name, and bundle content indication.
• Authorities (10.2): Separate composite authorities bundle; maximum 10 authorities (unless court directs otherwise).

4.3 BundleCreator.co Electronic Bundle Features

PDF Generation:

• High-quality PDF output designed to meet court format expectations
• Automatic compression to optimise file sizes without quality loss
• Preservation of text searchability from original documents
• Option to split large bundles into multiple files if required

PDF Bookmarks:

• Automatic generation of hierarchical PDF bookmarks
• Section-level bookmarks for quick navigation
• Document-level bookmarks within each section
• Bookmarks include page references for clarity

Accessibility Features:

• Tagged PDF support for screen readers (where source documents permit)
• Clear, high-contrast index formatting
• Logical document structure for assistive technologies

4.4 Court Portal Compatibility

BundleCreator.co generates bundles compatible with major court filing portals including:

• CE-File: Compatible with file size and format requirements
• Email Filing: Suitable for courts accepting bundle lodgement by email
• Court Bundle Exchange: Formatted for sharing via secure platforms

5. Standard Bundle Structures for Family Proceedings

5.1 Typical Section Organisation

Whilst the appropriate structure depends on the specific case, typical family proceedings bundles include the following sections:

5.2 BundleCreator.co Templates

The platform provides pre-configured templates for common family proceedings types:

• Child Arrangements (C100): Standard structure for Children Act applications
• Financial Remedy: Sections tailored to Form A proceedings
• Care Proceedings: Structure compliant with Public Law Outline requirements
• Appeal Bundles: Organisation for appellate proceedings
• Generic Template: Flexible structure for any family proceedings

5.3 Customisation and Flexibility

Users can customise templates or create entirely bespoke structures to match:

• Specific judicial directions for individual cases
• Local court preferences and practices
• Complex multi-party proceedings requirements
• Combined hearings requiring multiple bundle types

6. Pre-Submission Compliance Checklist

6.1 Essential Pre-Lodgement Checks

6.2 Final Review Process

Before finalising any bundle:

1. Generate Preview: Use BundleCreator.co's preview function to review the entire bundle
2. Check Index: Manually verify that index page references are accurate
3. Test Navigation: Click through PDF bookmarks to ensure they work correctly
4. Verify Completeness: Ensure all required documents are present
5. Seek Confirmation: Have another person review the bundle where possible
6. Save Working Version: Keep an editable version in case amendments are required

7. Professional Responsibilities and Best Practices

7.1 Legal Professional Obligations

Legal professionals using BundleCreator.co should be aware of their continuing professional obligations:

Solicitors (SRA Standards and Regulations):

• You must ensure that the service provided is competent and delivered in a timely manner (Principle 7, Code of Conduct)
• You must not mislead the court (Principle 2, Code of Conduct)
• You must maintain client confidentiality and protect privileged communications (Principle 6)
• You must comply with court orders and deadlines (Principle 1)

Barristers (BSB Handbook Core Duties):

• You must observe your duty to the court in the administration of justice (CD1)
• You must act in the best interests of each client (CD2)
• You must act with honesty and integrity (CD3)
• You must maintain your independence (CD4)
• You must not behave in a way likely to diminish public trust in the profession (CD5)

7.2 Practical Tips for Effective Bundle Preparation

Early Preparation:

• Begin bundle preparation well in advance of lodgement deadlines
• Allow time for agreement with other parties on bundle contents
• Build the bundle progressively as documents become available
• Use BundleCreator.co's auto-save feature to avoid losing work

Quality Control:

• Always preview the entire bundle before finalising
• Check that document dates are accurate and consistent
• Verify that sensitive information is appropriately redacted where required
• Ensure witness statements are signed and dated (or appropriately verified)
• Test PDF bookmarks and hyperlinks functionality

Communication:

• Communicate with other parties about bundle preparation early
• Seek agreement on disputed documents before lodgement
• Notify other parties promptly if bundle lodgement may be delayed
• Consider creating a bundle agreement or certificate confirming party agreement

7.3 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

7.4 Litigants-in-Person Considerations

For self-represented parties using BundleCreator.co:

• Seek Guidance: Contact the court office if uncertain about bundle requirements for your specific case
• Use Templates: Start with standard templates provided by the platform
• Follow Directions: Comply strictly with any directions given by the judge in your case
• Be Selective: Only include documents that are truly relevant to the issues
• Consider Assistance: Citizens Advice, law centres, or McKenzie Friends can provide support with bundle preparation
• Allow Extra Time: Give yourself more time than you think necessary for bundle preparation

8. Court-Specific Requirements and Variations

8.1 Regional and Local Variations

Whilst Practice Direction 27A applies throughout England and Wales, individual courts and circuit areas may have additional local requirements:

Always Check:

• Local Practice Directions issued by the Designated Family Judge
• Court-specific guidance available on court websites
• Any additional requirements stated in case management orders
• Specific judicial preferences communicated in previous hearings

8.2 Specific Hearing Types

First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointments (FHDRA):

• Usually limited bundles including application, safeguarding information, and position statements
• Judicial guidance may specify maximum page limits
• Focus on essential documents only

Final Hearings:

• Comprehensive bundles including all relevant evidence
• May require separate bundle of authorities (case law)
• Chronologies and case summaries typically required
• Position statements and skeleton arguments included

Appeal Hearings:

• Must include order being appealed and grounds of appeal
• Transcript of relevant portions of hearing below
• Only documents relevant to grounds of appeal (not entire original bundle)
• Appellate skeleton argument

8.3 High Court and Specialist Courts

Proceedings in the High Court (Family Division) or specialist courts may have enhanced requirements:

• Higher expectations of bundle quality and organisation
• Additional formalities in index preparation
• Possible requirement for agreed reading lists
• Core bundle and supplementary bundles may be required

9. Keeping Current: Updates and Changes

9.1 Monitoring Changes to Court Rules

Practice Directions and court requirements can change. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with current requirements:

Key Resources:

• Ministry of Justice: www.gov.uk/moj
• Family Procedure Rules: www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family
• Judiciary: www.judiciary.uk
• Court Service: Local court websites for court-specific guidance

9.2 BundleCreator.co Updates

We endeavour to keep BundleCreator.co current with changes to court requirements:

• Regular reviews of Practice Directions and court guidance
• Updates to templates and standard sections as requirements change
• Notifications to users when significant changes affect bundle preparation
• This compliance documentation updated to reflect current requirements

User Responsibility: Notwithstanding our efforts to maintain current information, users remain responsible for independently verifying that their bundles comply with all applicable requirements at the time of lodgement. BundleCreator.co cannot guarantee that all guidance is current in every respect at all times.

10. Support and Further Assistance

10.1 Technical Support

For assistance with using BundleCreator.co:

• Help Centre: Comprehensive guides and video tutorials available within the platform
• Email Support: support@bundlecreator.co
• Response Time: We aim to respond to support queries within 1 business day
• Help Resources: Video tutorials and guides available to all subscription tiers

10.2 Legal Advice

IMPORTANT: BundleCreator.co provides document management technology only. We cannot and do not provide legal advice on:

• Which documents should be included in your bundle
• Whether your bundle complies with specific case directions
• The merits of your case or litigation strategy
• Interpretation of court orders or Practice Directions
• Any substantive legal issues in your proceedings

Seeking Legal Advice: For legal advice, consult:

• A qualified solicitor specialising in family law
• A barrister with family law expertise
• Citizens Advice for initial guidance and referrals
• Law centres or legal aid providers if you qualify
• The Personal Support Unit at court for procedural guidance

10.3 Court Guidance

For procedural questions about bundle lodgement in specific cases:

• Contact the court office where your case is being heard
• Request clarification of any unclear directions from the judge who made them
• Consult the court's website for local practice guidance

11. Disclaimer and Limitations

11.1 No Guarantee of Court Acceptance

Whilst BundleCreator.co is designed to help you prepare bundles built around Practice Direction 27A, we do not and cannot guarantee that any bundle created using our platform will be accepted by any court. Court acceptance depends on multiple factors including:

• Correct selection and organisation of documents (user responsibility)
• Compliance with specific judicial directions in individual cases
• Quality and legibility of source documents provided
• Adherence to local court requirements and variations
• Timely lodgement in accordance with court deadlines
• Individual judicial preferences and practices

11.2 User Responsibility for Compliance

Users of BundleCreator.co remain solely and exclusively responsible for:

• Ensuring their bundles comply with all applicable court rules
• Selecting appropriate documents for inclusion or exclusion
• Verifying the accuracy of all content, pagination, and indexing
• Meeting all court deadlines for bundle lodgement
• Complying with specific directions given in their individual case
• Seeking professional legal advice where necessary
• Keeping informed of changes to court rules and requirements

11.3 Limitation of Liability

As set out in our Terms of Service, BundleCreator.co and Steleo Publishing Limited accept no liability for:

• Bundles rejected by courts for any reason whatsoever
• Costs, delays, or sanctions arising from bundle non-compliance
• Any adverse outcomes in legal proceedings
• Professional criticism or regulatory consequences
• Time or expense incurred in correcting or re-preparing bundles

Users should maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance covering their professional activities including bundle preparation.

11.4 Not a Substitute for Professional Judgment

BundleCreator.co is a software tool, not a replacement for:

• Professional legal expertise and judgment
• Understanding of substantive law and procedure
• Knowledge of individual case circumstances and requirements
• Experience in family law practice and court procedures
• Appropriate legal training and qualification

Legal professionals must apply their own professional judgment when using the platform. Litigants-in-person are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice where possible.

12. Summary and Conclusion

12.1 How BundleCreator.co Supports Compliance

BundleCreator.co provides comprehensive support for Practice Direction 27A compliance through:

• Automated Pagination: Sequential, section-based page numbering that updates dynamically
• Professional Indexing: Auto-generated indices with accurate page references
• Structured Organisation: Section-based bundle structure with templates for common proceedings
• Electronic Bundle Standards: PDF generation with bookmarks, searchability, and appropriate file sizes
• Quality Control Tools: Preview, verification, and checklist features
• Flexibility: Customisable to meet specific case requirements and judicial directions

12.2 The Importance of User Diligence

Technology can assist but cannot replace professional responsibility and judgment. Successful bundle preparation requires:

• Early Planning: Beginning bundle preparation with adequate time for completion
• Careful Document Selection: Including only relevant, necessary documents
• Thorough Review: Checking all aspects before finalisation and lodgement
• Format Checks: Verifying that the bundle meets the applicable requirements before filing
• Professional Standards: Maintaining the high standards expected in court proceedings

12.3 Final Guidance

When used properly and with appropriate professional diligence, BundleCreator.co can significantly streamline the bundle preparation process whilst helping you meet the requirements of Practice Direction 27A. However, users must:

• Understand that they retain full responsibility for bundle compliance
• Apply appropriate professional judgment in all aspects
• Verify compliance with current court requirements
• Seek legal advice when uncertain about any aspect
• Complete the pre-submission checklist before lodgement
• Keep informed of changes to court rules and procedures

13. Further Information and Resources

13.1 Essential Reading

• Family Procedure Rules 2010, Part 27 - The primary procedural rules for court bundles
• Practice Direction 27A (Family Proceedings: Court Bundles) - The official detailed guidance on bundle preparation from the Ministry of Justice
• President of the Family Division's Guidance - Periodic guidance on court procedures including electronic bundles

13.2 Useful Websites

• Family Procedure Rules - Ministry of Justice
• Family Law Courts - The Judiciary
• Find a Court - GOV.UK
• Citizens Advice

13.3 Contact Information