In March 2026, the Courts in England and Wales introduced an updated guidance to help those representing themselves (known as litigants in person) in preparing court bundles for family proceedings.
What is a court bundle?
A court bundle is a collection of key documents relevant to a case which the parties are relying on. These documents may include applications, statements, expert reports, court orders and any other relevant document to the matter. Both parties and the Judge use the same bundle to ensure everyone is working with the same information, making the hearing process as fair and smooth as possible.
Direction 27A
Parties must always follow any specific instructions given by the judge in their case even if those instructions differ from the general guidance.
PD27A sets out rules for how court bundles should be prepared and submitted in family proceedings. It explains what documents should and should not be included and how the bundle must be organised.
General order of a court bundle
When preparing a court bundle each section should be clearly labelled.
- Section A should contain preliminary documents such as the chronology and case summary;
- Section B contains applications and court orders;
- Section C contains statements;
- Section D contains reports such as professionals/experts reports;
- Section E will include miscellaneous documents such as correspondence, school records and letters.
Organising documents in this way assists the court and all parties to locate information quickly and efficiently during hearings.
What should not be included in a bundle?
A court bundle should generally not contain documents such as WhatsApp messages, bank statements, credit card statements, social media messages, voice notes and general correspondence unless specifically ordered by the court.
Why the guidance matters?
The new guidance is important for people who attend family court without legal representation. It explains what a bundle should contain, how it should be structured and when it must be filed. For example, documents should be arranged in a clear chronological order with an index at the beginning.
Parties are expected to agree on the contents of the bundle in advance usually at least 7 working days before a hearing and submit it no later than 5 working days beforehand (except preliminary documents that are not yet available). It is important to note that once the bundle is submitted it generally cannot be changed without the court’s permission.
Who is responsible?
A key consideration in family proceedings is determining who is responsible for preparing the court bundle. In majority cases, the responsibility for preparing and submitting the bundle usually lies with the applicant. However, if the applicant is a litigant in person and the other party has legal representation, the responsibility may shift to the represented party. This ensures that the bundle is prepared to the required professional standard and complies fully with procedural rules.
Electronic vs Paper Bundles
The guidance also reflects the growing use of electronic bundles which are now very common in most cases although paper bundles may still be required in certain situations. Electronic Bundles offer greater convenience, allowing documents to be easily shared, searched and accessed by all parties and the court.
Failure to comply with the rules can have serious consequences including:
- Delays to the hearing
- Cost penalties
- The case being removed from the court list.
These rules are enforced to maintain efficiency and fairness in the legal process.
This updated guide aims to make the court process more accessible and consistent, helping litigants in person understand what is expected of them and ensuring that hearings run smoothly and efficiently. By following these rules individuals can contribute to smoother hearings and ensure that their case is presented clearly and effectively.
Contact a Specialist Family Law Solicitor
Preparing for a family court hearing on your own and compiling a court bundle can feel overwhelming. Whether you need partial guidance on what documents to include, help managing electronic bundles, or full representation for an upcoming hearing, please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialist Family Law Solicitors or get in touch on 020 8492 2290.
