The Prohibition of Cross-Examination in Person (Civil and Family Proceedings) Regulations 2022

Sections 65 and 66 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17) introduce new Part 4A into the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 and new Part 7A into the Courts Act 2003, respectively. Those provisions operate in family and civil proceedings to prohibit cross-examination in person between a party and a witness in defined circumstances, including where there is evidence of domestic abuse between them. The prohibition will apply automatically where there has been a conviction, charge (applicable in family proceedings only) or caution for a specified offence, where an on-notice protective injunction is in force between the party and witness or where there is other specified evidence of domestic abuse.