The government has issued updates to its forms for litigation friend referral and appointing a litigation friend where the protected party lacks capacity.
Update to litigation friend referral form for Children Act public law cases
This form should be used to provide additional information and documents in cases when it is thought that a parent needs to have the Official Solicitor appointed as their litigation friend.
The form helps the Official Solicitor understand the situation and make decisions more quickly. Any legal professional can complete the form if they act for a party to the proceedings.
The updated form may be accessed here.
Updated form for appointing a litigation friend where the protected party lacks capacity
Known as the Litigation Friend Checklist, this form should be used where it is believed that someone needs to have a litigation friend appointed for them as they lack capacity to carry out family proceedings themselves.
The local council can complete the form if they are a party to the proceedings and the client doesn’t have a solicitor.
The updated form may be accessed here.
