WHAT IS FORM FL403 USED FOR?

Form FL403 is used to vary, extend, or discharge a court order in existing proceedings. 

During a divorce, one of the main areas this form can be used for is to vary, extend or discharge an existing non-molestation or occupation court order that is still in force.  

ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT OR OUR OWN L.I.P HELP GUIDES OR WRITE UPS TO HELP YOU COMPLETE FORM FL403?

There are no government guides for this form at present.

WHAT IS THE FEE TO SEND FORM FL403 TO THE COURT AND HOW TO PAY FOR IT?

This form is free to send to the courts. Please note that the first time the respondent applies to the court using form FL403 it is free. After this the fee is £95.00 for each subsequent application. 

HOW TO COMPLETE FORM FL403 AND WHERE TO SEND IT.

• NOTE 1 – The ex-partner completing and submitting form FL403 is known as the petitioner or applicant. The other ex-partner whom the order is against is known as the respondent.
• NOTE 2 – Your completed form FL403 must be sent to the same court where the court order that needs to be varied, extended or discharged was granted.
• NOTE 3 – You can complete form FL403 online and then print a hard copy. Alternatively you can download it, print it and then complete by black pen. 
• NOTE  4- If you find there is not enough space to complete your answers on your form FL403 then please use additional sheets of paper to continue on and attach them to your form. Please write your name, address and question number on the top of your additional sheets of paper. 
• NOTE 5 – Please send at least 3-4 copies of form FL403, any evidence and attachments to the court. The court will distribute the copies accordingly. One copy is required for the court, one for Cafcass (if required) and one for each party in the proceedings. Please do not send or give (serve) your ex-partner yourself. The court will do this for you.
• NOTE 6 – Please keep a copy of your form FL403, all evidence and attachments for yourself outside of the ones you send to the family court.
• Form FL403 is 2 pages long.
• Part 1 of form FL403 will ask you to write down your personal details. If you want to keep yours and your children’s contact details confidential from your ex-partner, please do not write down yours or your children’s contact details in part 1. Please complete form C8 and send it with your form FL403. You must make sure that all forms, evidence, or reports you send to the court from now on must not contain your contact details, especially if you are in a refuge. The court staff will not do this for you. Once you have completed form C8, the court and Cafcass will not release your contact details to anyone without a court order.

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR FORM C8

• Part 1 will also ask you to state your solicitor’s details if you have one acting for you and to write down whether you are the applicant or respondent if you are already a party to the case.
• Part 2 will ask whether you are applying to vary, extend or discharge an existing court order. You will be asked for details. Please attach a copy of the court order you are asking for the court to vary/extend/discharge.
• Part 3 will ask you to write down your reasons for applying for this court order. You can attach any evidence if you feel it will help your case. 
• Part 4 will ask you to write down the personal details of the person/respondent to be served with this application. 
• Your completed form FL403 must be sent or given to (served upon) the respondent/your ex-partner. Please write their address in part 4. If you are a litigant in person and the applicant, you must not serve the respondent yourself. If you do not have a solicitor, you can ask a court official to serve the respondent. You can complete form D89 to ask the court for this and include it with your form FL403. If the court has not been able to serve the respondent, the court will inform you and then decide the next steps. The court can decide to serve the respondent in another manner, such as an email or text if the court is finding it impossible to serve the respondent personally.  This is also called a ‘substituted’ or an ‘alternative’ service.
• The words ‘to serve the respondent’ means that they must be given/receive a copy of your application form and any associated court paperwork that requires them to be informed, respond, comply with court directions or attend court.

LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR FORM D89

• You will be asked to sign your form at the end of page 2.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND FORM FL403/DOWNLOAD THIS FORM?

Please click on the link below to download form FL403 from the government website. Complete and send by post (signed for recorded delivery).

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR FORM FL403

WHEN WAS FORM FL403 FIRST PUBLISHED AND LAST UPDATED?

Form FL401 was first published by the government (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) on 01-04-2017.