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Court Documents & Preparation

Preparing a Family Court Bundle

A court bundle is the organised set of documents the judge or magistrates need for a hearing. The latest order and Practice Direction 27A govern what is required. From 2 March 2026, revised PD27A and official litigant-in-person guidance apply in England and Wales.

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We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Step-by-step

  1. Read the order and identify responsibilityThe default responsibility can change where one party is represented or the court directs otherwise. Check rather than assume.
  2. Agree contents where possibleInclude only relevant documents needed for the hearing and raise disputes early.
  3. Use the required structureFinancial remedy and other family proceedings have different prescribed sections.
  4. Create an accurate indexList each document and its final page reference.
  5. Arrange and paginateFollow the applicable chronological and numbering requirements. Do not renumber casually after filing.
  6. Prepare a usable PDFUse searchable PDF where possible, bookmarks, correct orientation and proportionate file size. Follow current technical requirements.
  7. Check preliminary documentsCase summaries, chronologies, statements of issues and position statements may have specific content and page limits.
  8. File and serve on timeFollow the court order and current PD27A timetable. Keep proof and alert the court early if a deadline cannot be met.

What you will need

  • Latest court order
  • PD27A and official LIP guide
  • Agreed or proposed index
  • Complete readable documents
  • Correct section order
  • Final page numbering
  • Filing/service deadline
  • Proof of delivery

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using superseded bundle guidance
  • Including everything in the case
  • Duplicating documents
  • Missing or inaccurate page numbers
  • Sending an oversized or unsearchable PDF
  • Changing a filed bundle without permission

Practical paid support

How I can help

Court Bundle Organisation & Formatting

£60 per hour

Practical support with client-supplied documents, indexing and formatting. Scope and estimated time are agreed first; the client remains responsible for content, filing and service.

Included

  • Document list and index support
  • Ordering and pagination
  • Basic PDF organisation
  • Filing/service checklist

Not included

  • Choosing evidence for legal reasons
  • Filing or serving on your behalf
  • Legal advice or conducting litigation
Book a Free 30-Minute ConsultationSend an Email Enquiry

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Who prepares the bundle?

PD27A sets default rules, but the court order and whether a party is represented can change responsibility. Check your case directions.

Is there a page limit?

Current PD27A sets default limits for bundles and some preliminary documents, subject to the court’s permission and case-specific directions.

Official sources

Guidance checked: 1 November 2026. Always check the latest court order and official source before acting.

Important: This page gives general procedural information for England and Wales. The Everyday McKenzie Friend provides independent, non-regulated practical support and is not a solicitor or barrister. I do not provide regulated legal advice, conduct litigation or have an automatic right to address the court. Court decisions and permission for McKenzie Friend assistance remain matters for the court.