Filing documents in Family court proceedings

Posted on20 March 2019

Since 2014 the Single Family Court in Bristol has adopted a system of electronic files for Private and Public Law family cases. All applications, orders, statements correspondence etc are stored on a confidential protected drive which only Court staff and the Judiciary have access to.

The Court does still receive a large amount of paper documentation via post, DX and counter which could be filed electronically. This means that Court staff spend a considerable amount of time each day opening, sorting and scanning paperwork.

The Court would greatly appreciate it if all documents could be filed by email to
family.bristol.countycourt@justice.gov.uk

This will enable documents to be logged and saved to the file promptly and reduce both time and resources for the Court and Court users alike. It will also reduce the incidence of documents going astray.

Please note that Court bundles should still be filed in hard copy unless specifically directed by the Judge. Also, electronic filing does not apply to Divorce and FLA cases.

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
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Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
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Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS