Schedule 15

Civil Partnership Act 2004
2004 Chapter 33 - continued

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	SCHEDULE 15
Section 196(1)
	FINANCIAL RELIEF IN THE HIGH COURT OR A COUNTY COURT ETC.: NORTHERN IRELAND
	PART 1
	FINANCIAL PROVISION IN CONNECTION WITH DISSOLUTION, NULLITY OR SEPARATION
	Circumstances in which orders under this Part may be made
1	(1) The court may make any one or more of the orders set out in paragraph 2(1)-
	(a) on making a dissolution, nullity or separation order, or
	(b) at any time afterwards.
	(2) The court may make any one or more of the orders set out in paragraph 2(1)(d), (e) and (f)-
	(a) in proceedings for a dissolution, nullity or separation order, before making the order;
	(b) if proceedings for a dissolution, nullity or separation order are dismissed after the beginning of the trial, either straightaway or within a reasonable period after the dismissal.
	(3) The power of the court to make an order under sub-paragraph (1) or (2)(a) in favour of a child of the family is exercisable from time to time.
	(4) If the court makes an order in favour of a child under sub-paragraph (2)(b), it may from time to time make a further order in the child's favour of any of the kinds set out in paragraph 2(1)(d), (e) or (f).
	(5) If the court makes an order under sub-paragraph (1), (2) or (4), it may give such consequential directions as it thinks fit for giving effect to the order (including directions requiring the disposal of any property).
	The orders: periodical and secured periodical payments and lump sums
2	(1) The orders are-
	(a) an order that either civil partner must make to the other such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(b) an order that either civil partner must secure to the other, to the satisfaction of the court, such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(c) an order that either civil partner must pay to the other such lump sum or sums as may be specified;
	(d) an order that one of the civil partners must make-
	(i) to such person as may be specified for the benefit of a child of the family, or
	(ii) to a child of the family,
	such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(e) an order that one of the civil partners must secure-
	(i) to such person as may be specified for the benefit of a child of the family, or
	(ii) to a child of the family,
	to the satisfaction of the court, such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(f) an order that one of the civil partners must pay such lump sum as may be specified-
	(i) to such person as may be specified for the benefit of a child of the family, or
	(ii) to a child of the family.
	(2) "Specified" means specified in the order.
	Particular provision that may be made by lump sum orders
3	(1) An order under this Part requiring one civil partner to pay the other a lump sum may be made for the purpose of enabling the other civil partner to meet any liabilities or expenses reasonably incurred by the other in maintaining-
	(a) himself or herself, or
	(b) a child of the family,
	before making an application for an order under this Part in his or her favour.
	(2) An order under this Part requiring a lump sum to be paid to or for the benefit of a child of the family may be made for the purpose of enabling any liabilities or expenses reasonably incurred by or for the benefit of the child before making an application for an order under this Part to be met.
	(3) An order under this Part for the payment of a lump sum may-
	(a) provide for its payment by instalments of such amount as may be specified, and
	(b) require the payment of the instalments to be secured to the satisfaction of the court.
	(4) Sub-paragraphs (1) to (3) do not restrict the powers to make the orders set out in paragraph 2(1)(c) and (f).
	(5) If the court-
	(a) makes an order under this Part for the payment of a lump sum, and
	(b) directs that-
	(i) payment of the sum or any part of it is to be deferred, or
	(ii) the sum or any part of it is to be paid by instalments,

	it may provide for the deferred amount or the instalments to carry interest at such rate as may be specified from such date as may be specified until the date when payment of it is due
	(6) A date specified under sub-paragraph (5) must not be earlier than the date of the order.
	(7) "Specified" means specified in the order.
	When orders under this Part may take effect
4	(1) If an order is made under paragraph 2(1)(a), (b) or (c) on or after making a dissolution or nullity order, neither the order nor any settlement made in pursuance of it takes effect unless the dissolution or nullity order has been made final.
	(2) This paragraph does not affect the power of the court to give a direction under paragraph 71 (settlement of instrument by conveyancing counsel).
	Restrictions on making of orders under this Part
5	The power to make an order under paragraph 2(1)(d), (e) or (f) is subject to paragraph 44(1) and (5) (restrictions on orders in favour of children who have reached 18).
	PART 2
	PROPERTY ADJUSTMENT ON OR AFTER DISSOLUTION, NULLITY OR SEPARATION
	Circumstances in which property adjustment orders may be made
6	(1) The court may make one or more property adjustment orders-
	(a) on making a dissolution, nullity or separation order, or
	(b) at any time afterwards.
	(2) In this Schedule "property adjustment order" means a property adjustment order under this Part.
	Property adjustment orders
7	(1) The property adjustment orders are-
	(a) an order that one of the civil partners must transfer such property as may be specified, being property to which he is entitled-
	(i) to the other civil partner,
	(ii) to a child of the family, or
	(iii) to such person as may be specified for the benefit of a child of the family;
	(b) an order that a settlement of such property as may be specified, being property to which one of the civil partners is entitled, be made to the satisfaction of the court for the benefit of-
	(i) the other civil partner and the children of the family, or
	(ii) either or any of them;
	(c) an order varying for the benefit of-
	(i) the civil partners and the children of the family, or
	(ii) either or any of them,
	a relevant settlement;
	(d) an order extinguishing or reducing the interest of either of the civil partners under a relevant settlement.
	(2) The court may make a property adjustment order under sub-paragraph (1)(c) even though there are no children of the family.
	(3) If the court makes a property adjustment order, it may give such consequential directions as it thinks fit for giving effect to the order (including directions requiring the making of any payments or the disposal of any property).
	(4) In this paragraph-
	"entitled" means entitled in possession or reversion,
	"relevant settlement" means, in relation to a civil partnership, a settlement made, during its subsistence or in anticipation of its formation, on the civil partners including one made by will or codicil, but not including one in the form of a pension arrangement (within the meaning of Part 3), and
	"specified" means specified in the order.
	When property adjustment orders may take effect
8	(1) If a property adjustment order is made on or after making a dissolution or nullity order, neither the property adjustment order nor any settlement made under it takes effect unless the dissolution or nullity order has been made final.
	(2) This paragraph does not affect the power to give a direction under paragraph 71 (settlement of instrument by conveyancing counsel).
	Restrictions on making property adjustment orders
9	The power to make a property adjustment order under paragraph 7(1)(a) is subject to paragraph 44(1) and (5) (restrictions on making orders in favour of children who have reached 18).
	PART 3
	PENSION SHARING ORDERS ON OR AFTER DISSOLUTION OR NULLITY ORDER
	Circumstances in which pension sharing orders may be made
10	(1) The court may make a pension sharing order-
	(a) on making a dissolution or nullity order, or
	(b) at any time afterwards.
	(2) In this Schedule "pension sharing order" means a pension sharing order under this Part.
	Pension sharing orders
11	(1) A pension sharing order is an order which-
	(a) provides that one civil partner's-
	(i) shareable rights under a specified pension arrangement, or
	(ii) shareable state scheme rights,
	are to be subject to pension sharing for the benefit of the other civil partner, and
	(b) specifies the percentage value to be transferred.
	(2) Shareable rights under a pension arrangement are rights in relation to which pension sharing is available under-
	(a) Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11)), or
	(b) Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30).
	(3) Shareable state scheme rights are rights in relation to which pension sharing is available under-
	(a) Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the 1999 Order, or
	(b) Chapter 2 of Part 4 of the 1999 Act.
	(4) In this Part "pension arrangement" means-
	(a) an occupational pension scheme,
	(b) a personal pension scheme,
	(c) a retirement annuity contract,
	(d) an annuity or insurance policy purchased, or transferred, for the purpose of giving effect to rights under-
	(i) an occupational pension scheme, or
	(ii) a personal pension scheme, and
	(e) an annuity purchased, or entered into, for the purpose of discharging liability in respect of a pension credit under-
	(i) Article 26(1)(b) of the 1999 Order, or
	(ii) section 29(1)(b) of the 1999 Act.
	(5) In sub-paragraph (4)-
	"occupational pension scheme" has the same meaning as in the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993 (c. 49);
	"personal pension scheme" has the same meaning as in the 1993 Act;
	"retirement annuity contract" means a contract or scheme approved under Chapter 3 of Part 14 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 (c. 1).
	Pension sharing orders: apportionment of charges
12	If a pension sharing order relates to rights under a pension arrangement, the court may include in the order provision about the apportionment between the civil partners of any charge under-
	(a) Article 38 of the 1999 Order (charges in respect of pension sharing costs), or
	(b) section 41 of the 1999 Act.
	Restrictions on making of pension sharing orders
13	(1) A pension sharing order may not be made in relation to a pension arrangement which-
	(a) is the subject of a pension sharing order in relation to the civil partnership, or
	(b) has been the subject of pension sharing between the civil partners.
	(2) A pension sharing order may not be made in relation to shareable state scheme rights if-
	(a) such rights are the subject of a pension sharing order in relation to the civil partnership, or
	(b) such rights have been the subject of pension sharing between the civil partners.
	(3) A pension sharing order may not be made in relation to the rights of a person under a pension arrangement if there is in force a requirement imposed by virtue of Part 5 which relates to benefits or future benefits to which that person is entitled under the pension arrangement.
	When pension sharing orders may take effect
14	(1) A pension sharing order is not to take effect unless the dissolution or nullity order on or after which it is made has been made final.
	(2) No pension sharing order may be made so as to take effect before the end of such period after the making of the order as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Lord Chancellor.
	(3) The power to make regulations under sub-paragraph (2) is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
	(4) Regulations under sub-paragraph (2) are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in the same manner as a statutory instrument; and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) applies accordingly.
	PART 4
	MATTERS TO WHICH COURT IS TO HAVE REGARD UNDER PARTS 1 TO 3
	General
15	The court in deciding-
	(a) whether to exercise its powers under-
	(i) Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.),
	(ii) Part 2 (property adjustment orders), or
	(iii) any provision of Part 3 (pension sharing orders) other than paragraph 12 (apportionment of charges), and
	(b) if so, in what way,
	must have regard to all the circumstances of the case, giving first consideration to the welfare, while under 18, of any child of the family who has not reached 18.
	Particular matters to be taken into account when exercising powers in relation to civil partners
16	(1) This paragraph applies to the exercise by the court in relation to a civil partner of its powers under-
	(a) Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.) by virtue of paragraph 2(1)(a), (b) or (c),
	(b) Part 2 (property adjustment orders), or
	(c) Part 3 (pension sharing orders).
	(2) The court must in particular have regard to-
	(a) the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources which each civil partner-
	(i) has, or
	(ii) is likely to have in the foreseeable future,
	including, in the case of earning capacity, any increase in that capacity which it would in the opinion of the court be reasonable to expect the civil partner to take steps to acquire;
	(b) the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which each civil partner has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future;
	(c) the standard of living enjoyed by the family before the breakdown of the civil partnership;
	(d) the age of each civil partner and the duration of the civil partnership;
	(e) any physical or mental disability of either of the civil partners;
	(f) the contributions which each civil partner has made or is likely in the foreseeable future to make to the welfare of the family, including any contribution by looking after the home or caring for the family;
	(g) the conduct of each civil partner, if that conduct is such that it would in the opinion of the court be inequitable to disregard it;
	(h) in the case of proceedings for a dissolution or nullity order, the value to each civil partner of any benefit which, because of the dissolution or annulment of the civil partnership, that civil partner will lose the chance of acquiring.
	Particular matters to be taken into account when exercising powers in relation to children
17	(1) This paragraph applies to the exercise by the court in relation to a child of the family of its powers under-
	(a) Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.) by virtue of paragraph 2(1)(d), (e) or (f), or
	(b) Part 2 (property adjustment orders).
	(2) The court must in particular have regard to-
	(a) the financial needs of the child;
	(b) the income, earning capacity (if any), property and other financial resources of the child;
	(c) any physical or mental disability of the child;
	(d) the way in which the child was being and in which the civil partners expected the child to be educated or trained;
	(e) the considerations mentioned in relation to the civil partners in paragraph 16(2)(a), (b), (c) and (e).
	(3) In relation to the exercise of any of those powers against a civil partner ("A") in favour of a child of the family who is not A's child, the court must also have regard to-
	(a) whether A has assumed any responsibility for the child's maintenance,
	(b) if so, the extent to which, and the basis upon which, A assumed such responsibility and the length of time for which A discharged such responsibility;
	(c) whether in assuming and discharging such responsibility A did so knowing that the child was not A's child;
	(d) the liability of any other person to maintain the child.
	Terminating considerations
18	(1) Sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) apply if, on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, the court decides to exercise its powers under-
	(a) Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.) by virtue of paragraph 2(1)(a), (b) or (c),
	(b) Part 2 (property adjustment orders), or
	(c) Part 3 (pension sharing orders),
	in favour of one of the civil partners.
	(2) The court must consider whether it would be appropriate to exercise those powers in such a way that the financial obligations of each civil partner towards the other will be terminated as soon after the making of the dissolution or nullity order as the court considers just and reasonable.
	(3) If the court decides to make-
	(a) a periodical payments order, or
	(b) a secured periodical payments order,
	in favour of one of the civil partners ("A"), it must in particular consider whether it would be appropriate to require the payments to be made or secured only for such term as would in its opinion be sufficient to enable A to adjust without undue hardship to the termination of A's financial dependence on the other civil partner.
	(4) If-
	(a) on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, an application is made by one of the civil partners for a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in that civil partner's favour, but
	(b) the court considers that no continuing obligation should be imposed on either civil partner to make or secure periodical payments in favour of the other,
	the court may dismiss the application with a direction that the applicant is not entitled to make any future application in relation to that civil partnership for an order under Part 1 by virtue of paragraph 2(1)(a) or (b).
	PART 5
	MAKING OF PART 1 ORDERS HAVING REGARD TO PENSION BENEFITS
	Pension benefits to be included in matters to which court is to have regard
19	(1) The matters to which the court is to have regard under paragraph 16(2)(a) include any pension benefits under a pension arrangement or by way of pension which a civil partner has or is likely to have; and, accordingly, in relation to any pension benefits paragraph 16(2)(a)(ii) has effect as if "in the foreseeable future" were omitted.
	(2) The matters to which the court is to have regard under paragraph 16(2)(h) include any pension benefits which, because of the making of a dissolution or nullity order, a civil partner will lose the chance of acquiring.
	(3) "Pension benefits" means-
	(a) benefits under a pension arrangement, or
	(b) benefits by way of pension (whether under a pension arrangement or not).
	Provisions applying where pension benefits taken into account in decision to make Part 1 order
20	(1) This paragraph applies if, having regard to any benefits under a pension arrangement, the court decides to make an order under Part 1.
	(2) To the extent to which the Part 1 order is made having regard to any benefits under a pension arrangement, it may require the person responsible for the pension arrangement, if at any time any payment in respect of any benefits under the arrangement becomes due to the civil partner with pension rights, to make a payment for the benefit of the other civil partner.
	(3) The Part 1 order must express the amount of any payment required to be made by virtue of sub-paragraph (2) as a percentage of the payment which becomes due to the civil partner with pension rights.
	(4) Any such payment by the person responsible for the arrangement-
	(a) discharges so much of his liability to the civil partner with pension rights as corresponds to the amount of the payment, and
	(b) is to be treated for all purposes as a payment made by the civil partner with pension rights in or towards the discharge of that civil partner's liability under the order.
	(5) If the civil partner with pension rights has a right of commutation under the arrangement, the Part 1 order may require that civil partner to exercise it to any extent.
	(6) This paragraph applies to any payment due in consequence of commutation in pursuance of the Part 1 order as it applies to other payments in respect of benefits under the arrangement.
	(7) The power conferred by sub-paragraph (5) may not be exercised for the purpose of commuting a benefit payable to the civil partner with pension rights to a benefit payable to the other civil partner.
	(8) The powers conferred by sub-paragraphs (2) and (5) may not be exercised in relation to a pension arrangement which-
	(a) is the subject of a pension sharing order in relation to the civil partnership, or
	(b) has been the subject of pension sharing between the civil partners.
	Pensions: lump sums
21	(1) This paragraph applies if the benefits which the civil partner with pension rights has or is likely to have under a pension arrangement include any lump sum payable in respect of that civil partner's death.
	(2) The court's power under Part 1 to order a civil partner to pay a lump sum to the other civil partner includes the power to make by the order any of the provision in sub-paragraphs (3) to (5).
	(3) If the person responsible for the pension arrangement has power to determine the person to whom the sum, or any part of it, is to be paid, the court may require him to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, to the other civil partner.
	(4) If the civil partner with pension rights has power to nominate the person to whom the sum, or any part of it, is to be paid, the court may require the civil partner with pension rights to nominate the other civil partner in respect of the whole or part of that sum.
	(5) In any other case, the court may require the person responsible for the pension arrangement in question to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, for the benefit of the other civil partner instead of to the person to whom, apart from the order, it would be paid.
	(6) Any payment by the person responsible for the arrangement under an order made under Part 1 made by virtue of this paragraph discharges so much of his liability in respect of the civil partner with pension rights as corresponds to the amount of the payment.
	(7) The powers conferred by this paragraph may not be exercised in relation to a pension arrangement which-
	(a) is the subject of a pension sharing order in relation to the civil partnership, or
	(b) has been the subject of pension sharing between the civil partners.
	Pensions: supplementary
22	If-
	(a) a Part 1 order made by virtue of paragraph 20 or 21 imposes any requirement on the person responsible for a pension arrangement ("the first arrangement"),
	(b) the civil partner with pension rights acquires rights under another pension arrangement ("the new arrangement") which are derived (directly or indirectly) from the whole of that civil partner's rights under the first arrangement, and
	(c) the person responsible for the new arrangement has been given notice in accordance with regulations made by the Lord Chancellor,
	the Part 1 order has effect as if it had been made instead in respect of the person responsible for the new arrangement.
	Regulations
23	(1) The Lord Chancellor may by regulations-
	(a) make provision, in relation to any provision of paragraphs 20 or 21 which authorises the court making a Part 1 order to require the person responsible for a pension arrangement to make a payment for the benefit of the other civil partner, as to-
	(i) the person to whom, and
	(ii) the terms on which,
	the payment is to be made;
	(b) make provision, in relation to payment under a mistaken belief as to the continuation in force of a provision included by virtue of paragraph 20 or 21 in a Part 1 order, about the rights or liabilities of the payer, the payee or the person to whom the payment was due;
	(c) require notices to be given in respect of changes of circumstances relevant to Part 1 orders which include provision made by virtue of paragraphs 20 and 21;
	(d) make provision for the person responsible for a pension arrangement to be discharged in prescribed circumstances from a requirement imposed by virtue of paragraph 20 or 21;
	(e) make provision about calculation and verification in relation to the valuation of-
	(i) benefits under a pension arrangement, or
	(ii) shareable state scheme rights (within the meaning of paragraph 11(3)),
	for the purposes of the court's functions in connection with the exercise of any of its powers under this Schedule.
	(2) Regulations under sub-paragraph (1)(e) may include-
	(a) provision for calculation or verification in accordance with guidance from time to time prepared by a prescribed person, and
	(b) provision by reference to regulations under Article 27 or 46(4) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11)).
	(3) The power to make regulations under paragraph 22 or this paragraph is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
	(4) Regulations under paragraph 22 or this paragraph are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in the same manner as a statutory instrument; and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) applies accordingly.
	(5) "Prescribed" means prescribed by regulations.
	Interpretation of provisions relating to pensions
24	(1) In this Part "the civil partner with pension rights" means the civil partner who has or is likely to have benefits under a pension arrangement.
	(2) In this Part "pension arrangement" has the same meaning as in Part 3.
	(3) In this Part, references to the person responsible for a pension arrangement are to be read in accordance with Article 23 of the 1999 Order.
	PART 6
	PENSION PROTECTION FUND COMPENSATION ETC.
	PPF compensation to be included in matters to which court is to have regard
25	(1) The matters to which a court is to have regard under paragraph 16(2)(a) include any PPF compensation to which a civil partner is or is likely to be entitled; and, accordingly, in relation to any PPF compensation paragraph 16(2)(a)(ii) has effect as if "in the foreseeable future" were omitted.
	(2) The matters to which a court is to have regard under paragraph 16(2)(h) include any PPF compensation which, because of the making of a dissolution or nullity order, a civil partner will lose the chance of acquiring entitlement to.
	(3) In this Part "PPF compensation" means compensation payable under-
	(a) Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 (pension protection), or
	(b) corresponding Northern Ireland legislation.
	Assumption of responsibility by PPF Board in paragraph 20(2) cases
26	(1) This paragraph applies to an order under Part 1 so far as it includes provision made by virtue of paragraph 20(2) which-
	(a) imposed requirements on the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme for which the Board has assumed responsibility, and
	(b) was made before the trustees or managers received the transfer notice.
	(2) From the time the trustees or managers of the scheme receive the transfer notice, the order has effect-
	(a) except in descriptions of case prescribed by regulations, with the modifications set out in sub-paragraph (3), and
	(b) with such other modifications as may be prescribed by regulations.
	(3) The modifications are that-
	(a) references in the order to the trustees or managers of the scheme have effect as references to the Board, and
	(b) references in the order to any pension or lump sum to which the civil partner with pension rights is or may become entitled under the scheme have effect as references to any PPF compensation to which that person is or may become entitled in respect of the pension or lump sum.
	Assumption of responsibility by PPF Board in paragraph 20(5) cases
27	(1) This paragraph applies to an order under Part 1 if-
	(a) it includes provision made by virtue of paragraph 20(5) which requires the civil partner with pension rights to exercise his right of commutation under an occupational pension scheme to any extent, and
	(b) before the requirement is complied with the Board has assumed responsibility for the scheme.
	(2) From the time the trustees or managers of the scheme receive the transfer notice, the order has effect with such modifications as may be prescribed by regulations.
	Lump sums: power to modify paragraph 21 in respect of assessment period
28	Regulations may modify paragraph 21 in its application to an occupational pension scheme during an assessment period in relation to the scheme.
	Assumption of responsibility by the Board not to affect power of court to vary order etc.
29	(1) This paragraph applies where the court makes, in relation to an occupational pension scheme-
	(a) a pension sharing order, or
	(b) an order including provision made by virtue of paragraph 20(2) or (5).
	(2) If the Board subsequently assumes responsibility for the scheme, that does not affect-
	(a) the powers of the court under paragraph 46 to vary or discharge the order or to suspend or revive any provision of it;
	(b) on an appeal, the powers of the appeal court to affirm, reinstate, set aside or vary the order.
	Regulations
30	Regulations may make such consequential modifications of any provision of, or made by virtue of, this Schedule as appear to the Lord Chancellor necessary or expedient to give effect to the provisions of this Part.
31	(1) In this Part "regulations" means regulations made by the Lord Chancellor.
	(2) A power to make regulations under this Part is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
	(3) Regulations under this Part are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in the same manner as a statutory instrument; and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) applies accordingly.
	Interpretation
32	(1) In this Part-
	"assessment period" means-
	(a) an assessment period within the meaning of Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 (pension protection), or
	(b) an equivalent period under corresponding Northern Ireland legislation;
	"the Board" means the Board of the Pension Protection Fund;
	"the civil partner with pension rights" has the meaning given by paragraph 24(1);
	"occupational pension scheme" has the same meaning as in the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993 (c. 49);
	"transfer notice" has the same meaning as in-
	(a) Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act, or
	(b) corresponding Northern Ireland legislation.
	(2) References in this Part to the Board assuming responsibility for a scheme are to the Board assuming responsibility for the scheme in accordance with-
	(a) Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act (pension protection), or
	(b) corresponding Northern Ireland legislation.
	PART 7
	MAINTAINENCE PENDING OUTCOME OF DISSOLUTION, NULLITY OR SEPARATION PROCEEDINGS
33	On an application for a dissolution, nullity or separation order, the court may make an order requiring either civil partner to make to the other for the other's maintenance such periodical payments for such term-
	(a) beginning no earlier than the date on which the application was made, and
	(b) ending with the date on which the proceedings are determined,
	as the court thinks reasonable.
	PART 8
	FAILURE TO MAINTAIN: FINANCIAL PROVISION (AND INTERIM ORDERS)
	Circumstances in which orders under this Part may be made
34	(1) Either civil partner in a subsisting civil partnership may apply to the court for an order under this Part on the ground that the other civil partner ("the respondent")-
	(a) has failed to provide reasonable maintenance for the applicant, or
	(b) has failed to provide, or to make a proper contribution towards, reasonable maintenance for any child of the family.
	(2) The court must not entertain an application under this paragraph unless-
	(a) the applicant or the respondent is domiciled in Northern Ireland on the date of the application,
	(b) the applicant has been habitually resident there throughout the period of 1 year ending with that date, or
	(c) the respondent is resident there on that date.
	(3) If, on an application under this paragraph, it appears to the court that-
	(a) the applicant or any child of the family to whom the application relates is in immediate need of financial assistance, but
	(b) it is not yet possible to determine what order, if any, should be made on the application,
	the court may make an interim order.
	(4) If, on an application under this paragraph, the applicant satisfies the court of a ground mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), the court may make one or more of the orders set out in paragraph 36.
	Interim orders
35	An interim order is an order requiring the respondent to make to the applicant, until the determination of the application, such periodical payments as the court thinks reasonable.
	Orders that may be made where failure to maintain established
36	(1) The orders are-
	(a) an order that the respondent must make to the applicant such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(b) an order that the respondent must secure to the applicant, to the satisfaction of the court, such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(c) an order that the respondent must pay to the applicant such lump sum as may be specified;
	(d) an order that the respondent must make such periodical payments for such term as may be specified-
	(i) to such person as may be specified, for the benefit of the child to whom the application relates, or
	(ii) to the child to whom the application relates;
	(e) an order that the respondent must secure-
	(i) to such person as may be specified for the benefit of the child to whom the application relates, or
	(ii) to the child to whom the application relates,
	to the satisfaction of the court, such periodical payments for such term as may be specified;
	(f) an order that the respondent must pay such lump sum as may be specified-
	(i) to such person as may be specified for the benefit of the child to whom the application relates, or
	(ii) to the child to whom the application relates.
	(2) In this Part "specified" means specified in the order.
	Particular provision that may be made by lump sum orders
37	(1) An order under this Part for the payment of a lump sum may be made for the purpose of enabling any liabilities or expenses reasonably incurred in maintaining the applicant or any child of the family to whom the application relates before the making of the application to be met.
	(2) An order under this Part for the payment of a lump sum may-
	(a) provide for its payment by instalments of such amount as may be specified, and
	(b) require the payment of the instalments to be secured to the satisfaction of the court.
	(3) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) do not restrict the power to make an order by virtue of paragraph 36(1)(c) or (f).
	Matters to which the court is to have regard on application under paragraph 34(1)(a)
38	(1) This paragraph applies if an application under paragraph 34 is made on the ground mentioned in paragraph 34(1)(a).
	(2) In deciding-
	(a) whether the respondent has failed to provide reasonable maintenance for the applicant, and
	(b) what order, if any, to make under this Part in favour of the applicant,
	the court must have regard to all the circumstances of the case including the matters mentioned in paragraph 16(2).
	(3) If an application is also made under paragraph 34 in respect of a child of the family who has not reached 18, the court must give first consideration to the welfare of the child while under 18.
	(4) Paragraph 16(2)(c) has effect as if for the reference in it to the breakdown of the civil partnership there were substituted a reference to the failure to provide reasonable maintenance for the applicant.
	Matters to which the court is to have regard on application under paragraph 34(1)(b)
39	(1) This paragraph applies if an application under paragraph 34 is made on the ground mentioned in paragraph 34(1)(b).
	(2) In deciding-
	(a) whether the respondent has failed to provide, or to make a proper contribution towards, reasonable maintenance for the child of the family to whom the application relates, and
	(b) what order, if any, to make under this Part in favour of the child,
	the court must have regard to all the circumstances of the case.
	(3) Those circumstances include-
	(a) the matters mentioned in paragraph 17(2)(a) to (e), and
	(b) if the child of the family to whom the application relates is not the child of the respondent, the matters mentioned in paragraph 17(3).
	(4) Paragraph 16(2)(c) (as it applies by virtue of paragraph 17(2)(e)) has effect as if for the reference in it to the breakdown of the civil partnership there were substituted a reference to-
	(a) the failure to provide, or
	(b) the failure to make a proper contribution towards,
	reasonable maintenance for the child of the family to whom the application relates.
	Restrictions on making orders under this Part
40	The power to make an order under paragraph 36(1)(d), (e) or (f) is subject to paragraph 44(1) and (5) (restrictions on orders in favour of children who have reached 18).
	PART 9
	COMMENCEMENT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS AND DURATION OF CERTAIN ORDERS
	Commencement of proceedings for ancillary relief, etc.
41	(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if an application for a dissolution, nullity or separation order has been made.
	(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), proceedings for-
	(a) an order under Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.),
	(b) a property adjustment order, or
	(c) an order under Part 7 (maintenance pending outcome of dissolution, nullity or separation proceedings),
	may be begun (subject to and in accordance with rules of court), at any time after the presentation of the application.
	(3) Rules of court may provide, in such cases as may be prescribed by the rules that-
	(a) an application for any such relief as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) must be made in the application or defence, and
	(b) an application for any such relief which-
	(i) is not so made, or
	(ii) is not made until after the end of such period following the presentation of the application or filing of the defence as may be so prescribed,
	may be made only with the leave of the court.
	Duration of periodical and secured periodical payments orders for a civil partner
42	(1) The court may specify in a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a civil partner such term as it thinks fit, except that the term must not-
	(a) begin before the date of the making of an application for the order, or
	(b) extend beyond the limits given in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3).
	(2) The limits in the case of a periodical payments order are-
	(a) the death of either civil partner;
	(b) where the order is made on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, the formation of a subsequent civil partnership or marriage by the civil partner in whose favour the order is made.
	(3) The limits in the case of a secured periodical payments order are-
	(a) the death of the civil partner in whose favour the order is made;
	(b) where the order is made on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, the formation of a subsequent civil partnership or marriage by the civil partner in whose favour the order is made.
	(4) In the case of an order made on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, sub-paragraphs (1) to (3) are subject to paragraphs 18(3) and 52(4).
	(5) If a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a civil partner is made on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, the court may direct that that civil partner is not entitled to apply under paragraph 46 for the extension of the term specified in the order.
	(6) If-
	(a) a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a civil partner is made otherwise than on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order, and
	(b) the civil partnership is subsequently dissolved or annulled but the order continues in force,
	the order ceases to have effect (regardless of anything in it) on the formation of a subsequent civil partnership or marriage by that civil partner, except in relation to any arrears due under it on the date of its formation.
	Subsequent civil partnership or marriage
43	If after the making of a dissolution or nullity order one of the civil partners forms a subsequent civil partnership or marriage, that civil partner is not entitled to apply, by reference to the dissolution or nullity order, for-
	(a) an order under Part 1 in that civil partner's favour, or
	(b) a property adjustment order,
	against the other civil partner in the dissolved or annulled civil partnership.
	Duration of continuing orders in favour of children, and age limit on making certain orders in their favour
44	(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (5)-
	(a) no order under Part 1,
	(b) no property adjustment order made by virtue of paragraph 7(1)(a) (transfer of property), and
	(c) no order made under Part 8 (failure to maintain) by virtue of paragraph 36,
	is to be made in favour of a child who has reached 18.
	(2) The term to be specified in a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a child may begin with-
	(a) the date of the making of an application for the order or a later date, or
	(b) a date ascertained in accordance with sub-paragraph (7) or (8).
	(3) The term to be specified in such an order-
	(a) must not in the first instance extend beyond the date of the birthday of the child next following the child's reaching the upper limit of the compulsory school age unless the court considers that in the circumstances of the case the welfare of the child requires that it should extend to a later date, and
	(b) must not in any event, subject to sub-paragraph (5), extend beyond the date of the child's 18th birthday.
	(4) In sub-paragraph (3)(a) "compulsory school age" has the meaning given in Article 46 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (S.I. 1986/594 (N.I. 3)).
	(5) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (3)(b) do not apply in the case of a child, if it appears to the court that-
	(a) the child is, or will be, or, if an order were made without complying with either or both of those provisions, would be-
	(i) receiving instruction at an educational establishment, or
	(ii) undergoing training for a trade, profession or vocation,
	whether or not the child also is, will be or would be in gainful employment, or
	(b) there are special circumstances which justify the making of an order without complying with either or both of sub-paragraphs (1) and (3)(b).
	(6) A periodical payments order in favour of a child, regardless of anything in the order, ceases to have effect on the death of the person liable to make payments under the order, except in relation to any arrears due under the order on the date of the death.
	(7) If-
	(a) a maintenance calculation ("the current calculation") is in force with respect to a child, and
	(b) an application is made under this Schedule for a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of that child before the end of 6 months beginning with the making of the current calculation,
	the term to be specified in any such order made on that application may be expressed to begin on, or at any time after, the earliest permitted date.
	(8) "The earliest permitted date" is whichever is the later of-
	(a) the date 6 months before the application is made, or
	(b) the date on which the current calculation took effect or, where successive maintenance calculations have been continuously in force with respect to a child, on which the first of those calculations took effect.
	(9) If-
	(a) a maintenance calculation ceases to have effect by or under any provision of the Child Support (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/2628 (N.I. 23)), and
	(b) an application is made, before the end of 6 months beginning with the relevant date, for a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a child with respect to whom that maintenance calculation was in force immediately before it ceased to have effect,
	the term to be specified in any such order made on that application may begin with the date on which that maintenance calculation ceased to have effect or any later date.
	(10) "The relevant date" means the date on which the maintenance calculation ceased to have effect.
	(11) In this Schedule "maintenance calculation" has the same meaning as it has in the 1991 Order.
	PART 10
	VARIATION, DISCHARGE ETC. OF CERTAIN ORDERS FOR FINANCIAL RELIEF
	Orders etc. to which this Part applies
45	(1) This Part applies to the following orders-
	(a) a periodical payments order under Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.) or Part 8 (failure to maintain);
	(b) a secured periodical payments order under Part 1 or 8;
	(c) an order under Part 7 (maintenance pending outcome of dissolution proceedings etc.);
	(d) an interim order under Part 8;
	(e) an order made under Part 1 by virtue of paragraph 3(3) or under Part 8 by virtue of paragraph 37(2) (lump sum by instalments);
	(f) a deferred order made under Part 1 by virtue of paragraph 2(1)(c) (lump sum for civil partner) which includes provision made by virtue of-
	(i) paragraph 20(2), or
	(ii) paragraph 21,
	(provision in respect of pension rights);
	(g) a property adjustment order made on or after the making of a separation order by virtue of paragraph 7(1)(b), (c) or (d) (order for settlement or variation of settlement);
	(h) a pension sharing order made before the dissolution or nullity order has been made final.
	(2) If the court has made an order referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(f)(ii), this Part ceases to apply to the order on the death of either of the civil partners.
	(3) The powers exercisable by the court under this Part in relation to an order are also exercisable in relation to any instrument executed in pursuance of the order.
	Powers to vary, discharge, suspend or revive order
46	(1) If the court has made an order to which this Part applies, it may-
	(a) vary or discharge the order,
	(b) suspend any provision of it temporarily, or
	(c) revive the operation of any provision so suspended.
	(2) Sub-paragraph (1) is subject to the provisions of this Part and paragraph 42(5).
	Power to remit arrears
47	(1) If the court has made an order referred to in paragraph 45(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d), it may remit the payment of any arrears due under the order or under any part of the order.
	(2) Sub-paragraph (1) is subject to the provisions of this Part.
	Variation etc. of periodical or secured periodical payments orders made in cases of failure to maintain
48	(1) An application for the variation under paragraph 46 of a periodical payments order or secured periodical payments order made under Part 8 in favour of a child may, if the child has reached 16, be made by the child himself.
	(2) Sub-paragraph (3) applies if a periodical payments order made in favour of a child under Part 8 ceases to have effect-
	(a) on the date on which the child reaches 16, or
	(b) at any time after that date but before or on the date on which the child reaches 18.
	(3) If, on an application made to the court for an order under this sub-paragraph, it appears to the court that-
	(a) the child is, will be or, if an order were made under this sub-paragraph, would be-
	(i) receiving instruction at an educational establishment, or
	(ii) undergoing training for a trade, profession or vocation,
	whether or not the child also is, will be or would be in gainful employment, or
	(b) there are special circumstances which justify the making of an order under this sub-paragraph,
	the court may by order revive the order mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) from a date specified by it.
	(4) The date specified under sub-paragraph (3) must not be earlier than the date of the application under that sub-paragraph.
	(5) If under sub-paragraph (3) the court revives an order it may exercise its power under paragraph 46 in relation to the revived order.
	Variation etc. of property adjustment and pension sharing orders
49	The court must not exercise the powers conferred by this Part in relation to a property adjustment order falling within paragraph 7(1)(b), (c) or (d) (order for settlement or for variation of settlement) except on an application made in proceedings-
	(a) for the rescission of the separation order by reference to which the property adjustment order was made, or
	(b) for a dissolution order in relation to the civil partnership.
50	(1) In relation to a pension sharing order which is made at a time before the dissolution or nullity order has been made final-
	(a) the powers conferred by this Part (by virtue of paragraph 45(1)(h)) may be exercised-
	(i) only on an application made before the pension sharing order has or, but for paragraph (b), would have taken effect, and
	(ii) only if, at the time when the application is made, the dissolution or nullity order has not been made final, and
	(b) an application made in accordance with paragraph (a) prevents the pension sharing order from taking effect before the application has been dealt with.
	(2) No variation of a pension sharing order is to be made so as to take effect before the order is made final.
	(3) The variation of a pension sharing order prevents the order taking effect before the end of such period after the making of the variation as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Lord Chancellor.
	(4) The power to make regulations under sub-paragraph (3) is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
	(5) Regulations under sub-paragraph (3) are subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament in the same manner as a statutory instrument; and section 5 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1946 (c. 36) applies accordingly.
51	(1) No property adjustment order or pension sharing order may be made on an application for the variation of a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order made (whether in favour of a civil partner or in favour of a child of the family) under Part 1.
	(2) No order for the payment of a lump sum may be made on an application for the variation of a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a civil partner (whether made under Part 1 or 8).
	Matters to which court is to have regard in exercising powers under this Part
52	(1) In exercising the powers conferred by this Part the court must have regard to all the circumstances of the case, giving first consideration to the welfare, while under 18, of any child of the family who has not reached 18.
	(2) The circumstances of the case include, in particular, any change in any of the matters to which the court was required to have regard when making the order to which the application relates.
	(3) Sub-paragraph (4) applies in the case of-
	(a) a periodical payments order, or
	(b) a secured periodical payments order,
	made on or after the making of a dissolution or nullity order.
	(4) The court must consider whether in all the circumstances, and after having regard to any such change, it would be appropriate to vary the order so that payments under the order are required-
	(a) to be made, or
	(b) to be secured,
	only for such further period as will in the opinion of the court be sufficient to enable the civil partner in whose favour the order was made to adjust without undue hardship to the termination of those payments.
	(5) If the civil partner against whom the order was made has died, the circumstances of the case also include the changed circumstances resulting from that civil partner's death.
	Variation of secured periodical payments order where person liable has died
53	(1) This paragraph applies if the person liable to make payments under a secured periodical payments order has died.
	(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), an application under this Part relating to the order may be made by-
	(a) the person entitled to payments under the periodical payments order, or
	(b) the personal representatives of the deceased person.
	(3) No such application may be made without the leave of the court after the end of 6 months from the date on which representation in regard to the estate of that person is first taken out.
	(4) The personal representatives of the person who has died are not liable for having distributed any part of the estate of the deceased after the end of the 6 month period on the ground that they ought to have taken into account the possibility that the court might allow an application under this paragraph to be made after that period by the person entitled to payments under the order.
	(5) Sub-paragraph (4) does not affect any power to recover any part of the estate so distributed arising by virtue of the making of an order in pursuance of this paragraph.
	(6) In considering for the purposes of sub-paragraph (3) the question when representation was first taken out a grant limited to part of the estate is to be disregarded unless a grant limited to the remainder of the estate has previously been made or is made at the same time.
	Power to direct when variation etc. is to take effect
54	(1) If the court, in exercise of its powers under this Part, decides-
	(a) to vary, or
	(b) to discharge,
	a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order, it may direct that the variation or discharge is not to take effect until the end of such period as may be specified.
	(2) Sub-paragraph (1) is subject to paragraph 42(1) and (6).
55	(1) If-
	(a) a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of more than one child ("the order") is in force,
	(b) the order requires payments specified in it to be made to or for the benefit of more than one child without apportioning those payments between them,
	(c) a maintenance calculation ("the calculation") is made with respect to one or more, but not all, of the children with respect to whom those payments are to be made, and
	(d) an application is made, before the end of the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which the calculation was made, for the variation or discharge of the order,
	the court may, in exercise of its powers under this Part to vary or discharge the order, direct that the variation or discharge is to take effect from the date on which the calculation took effect or any later date.
	(2) If-
	(a) an order ("the child order") of a kind prescribed for the purposes of Article 12(1) of the Child Support (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/2628 (N.I. 23)) is affected by a maintenance calculation,
	(b) on the date on which the child order became so affected there was in force a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order ("the civil partner's order") in favour of a civil partner having the care of the child in whose favour the child order was made, and
	(c) an application is made, before the end of the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which the maintenance calculation was made, for the civil partner's order to be varied or discharged,
	the court may, in exercise of its powers under this Part to vary or discharge the civil partner's order, direct that the variation or discharge is to take effect from the date on which the child order became so affected or any later date.
	(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2), an order is affected if it ceases to have effect or is modified by or under Article 12 of the 1991 Order.
	(4) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) do not affect any other power of the court to direct that the variation or discharge of an order under this Part is to take effect from a date earlier than that on which the order for variation or discharge was made.
	PART 11
	ARREARS AND REPAYMENTS
	Payment of certain arrears unenforceable without the leave of the court
56	(1) This paragraph applies if any arrears are due under-
	(a) an order under Part 1 (financial provision on dissolution etc.),
	(b) an order under Part 7 (maintenance pending outcome of dissolution, nullity or separation proceedings), or
	(c) an interim order under Part 8 (failure to maintain),
	and the arrears became due more than 12 months before proceedings to enforce the payment of them are begun.
	(2) A person is not entitled to enforce through the court the payment of the arrears without the leave of that court.
	(3) The court hearing an application for the grant of leave under this paragraph may-
	(a) refuse leave,
	(b) grant leave subject to such restrictions and conditions (including conditions as to the allowing of time for payment or the making of payment by instalments) as that court thinks proper, or
	(c) remit the payment of the arrears or of any part of them.
	Orders for repayment in certain cases of sums paid under certain orders
57	(1) This paragraph applies if-
	(a) a person ("R") is entitled to receive payments under an order listed in sub-paragraph (4), and
	(b) R's circumstances or the circumstances of the person ("P") liable to make payments under the order have changed since the order was made, or the circumstances have changed as a result of P's death.
	(2) The orders are-
	(a) any order under Part 7 (maintenance pending outcome of dissolution, nullity or separation proceedings);
	(b) any interim order under Part 8;
	(c) any periodical payments order;
	(d) any secured periodical payments order.
	(3) P or P's personal representatives may (subject to sub-paragraph (7)) apply for an order under this paragraph against R or R's personal representatives.
	(4) If it appears to the court that, because of the changed circumstances or P's death, the amount received by R in respect of a relevant period exceeds the amount which P or P's personal representatives should have been required to pay, it may order the respondent to the application to pay to the applicant such sum, not exceeding the amount of the excess, as it thinks just.
	(5) "Relevant period" means a period after the circumstances changed or (as the case may be) after P's death.
	(6) An order under this paragraph for the payment of any sum may provide for the payment of that sum by instalments of an amount specified in the order.
	(7) An application under this paragraph-
	(a) may be made in proceedings in the High Court for-
	(i) the variation or discharge of the order listed in sub-paragraph (2), or
	(ii) leave to enforce, or the enforcement of, the payment of arrears under that order, but
	(b) if not made in such proceedings, must be made to a county court;
	and accordingly references in this paragraph to the court are references to the High Court or a county court (whether a civil partnership proceedings county court or not), as the circumstances require.
	(8) The jurisdiction conferred on a county court by this paragraph is exercisable even though, because of the amount claimed in the application, the jurisdiction would not but for this sub-paragraph be exercisable by a county court.
	Orders for repayment after cessation of order because of subsequent civil partnership etc.
58	(1) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) apply if-
	(a) a periodical payments or secured periodical payments order in favour of a civil partner ("R") has ceased to have effect because of the formation of a subsequent civil partnership or marriage by R, and
	(b) the person liable to make payments under the order ("P") (or P's personal representatives) has made payments in accordance with it in respect of a relevant period in the mistaken belief that the order was still subsisting.
	(2) "Relevant period" means a period after the date of the formation of the civil partnership or marriage.
	(3) P (or P's personal representatives) is not entitled to bring proceedings in respect of a cause of action arising out of the circumstances mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) and (b) against R (or R's personal representatives).
	(4) But, on an application under this paragraph by P (or P's personal representatives) against R (or R's personal representatives), the court-
	(a) may order the respondent to pay to the applicant a sum equal to the amount of the payments made in respect of the relevant period, or
	(b) if it appears to the court that it would be unjust to make that order, may-
	(i) order the respondent to pay to the applicant such lesser sum as it thinks fit, or
	(ii) dismiss the application.
	(5) An order under this paragraph for the payment of any sum may provide for the payment of that sum by instalments of such amount as may be specified in the order.
	(6) An application under this paragraph-
	(a) may be made in proceedings in the High Court for leave to enforce, or the enforcement of, payment of arrears under the order in question, but
	(b) if not made in such proceedings, must be made to a county court;
	and accordingly references in this paragraph to the court are references to the High Court or a county court (whether a civil partnership proceedings county court or not), as the circumstances require.
	(7) The jurisdiction conferred on a county court by this paragraph is exercisable even though, because of the amount claimed in the application, the jurisdiction would not but for this sub-paragraph be exercisable by a county court.
	(8) Subject to sub-paragraph (9), the collecting officer of a court of summary jurisdiction to whom any payments under a payments order, or under an attachment of earnings order made to secure payments under a payments order, are required to be made is not liable-
	(a) for any act done by him in pursuance of the payments order after the date on which that order ceased to have effect because of the formation of a subsequent civil partnership or marriage by R, or
	(b) for any act done by him after that date in accordance with any statutory provision specifying how payments made to him in compliance with the attachment of earnings order are to be dealt with.
	(9) Sub-paragraph (8) applies if (and only if) the act-
	(a) was one which the officer would have been under a duty to do had the payments order not ceased to have effect, and
	(b) was done before notice in writing of the formation of the civil partnership or marriage, was given to him by or on behalf of R, P, or R or P's personal representatives.
	(10) In this paragraph-
	"collecting officer" means the officer mentioned in section 15(2) of the Maintenance and Affiliation Orders Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 (c. 35) or Article 85(2) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (S.I. 1981/1675 (N.I. 26));
	"statutory provision" has the meaning given by section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (1954 c. 33 (N.I.)).
	PART 12
	CONSENT ORDERS AND MAINTAINENCE AGREEMENTS
	Consent orders for financial relief
59	(1) Regardless of anything in the preceding provisions of this Schedule, on an application for a consent order for financial relief, the court may, unless it has reason to think that there are other circumstances into which it ought to inquire, make an order in the terms agreed on the basis only of such information supplied with the application as is required by rules of court.
	(2) Sub-paragraph (1) applies to an application for a consent order varying or discharging an order for financial relief as it applies to an application for an order for financial relief.
	(3) In this paragraph-
	"consent order", in relation to an application for an order, means an order in the terms applied for to which the respondent agrees;
	"order for financial relief" means an order under any of Parts 1, 2, 3 and 8.
	Meaning of "maintenance agreement" and "financial arrangements"
60	(1) In this Part "maintenance agreement" means any written agreement between the civil partners in a civil partnership which-
	(a) is made during the continuance or after the dissolution or annulment of the civil partnership and contains financial arrangements, or
	(b) is a separation agreement which contains no financial arrangements but is made in a case where no other agreement in writing between the civil partners contains financial arrangements.
	(2) In this Part "financial arrangements" means provisions governing the rights and liabilities towards one another when living separately of the civil partners in a civil partnership (including a civil partnership which has been dissolved or annulled) in respect of-
	(a) the making or securing of payments, or
	(b) the disposition or use of any property,
	including such rights and liabilities with respect to the maintenance or education of a child (whether or not a child of the family).
	(3) "Education" includes training.
	Validity of maintenance agreements
61	If a maintenance agreement includes a provision purporting to restrict any right to apply to a court for an order containing financial arrangements-
	(a) that provision is void, but
	(b) any other financial arrangements contained in the agreement-
	(i) are not void or unenforceable as a result, and
	(ii) unless void or unenforceable for any other reason, are (subject to paragraphs 62 and 66) binding on the parties to the agreement.
	Alteration of agreements by court during lives of parties
62	(1) Either party to a maintenance agreement may apply to the court or, subject to sub-paragraph (6), to a court of summary jurisdiction for an order under this paragraph if-
	(a) the maintenance agreement is for the time being subsisting, and
	(b) each of the parties to the agreement is for the time being domiciled or resident in Northern Ireland.
	(2) The court may make an order under this paragraph if it is satisfied that-
	(a) because of a change in the circumstances in the light of which-
	(i) any financial arrangements contained in the agreement were made, or