About us
The Family Procedure Rule Committee (FPRC) makes rules of court that govern the practice and procedure followed in family proceedings in the High Court and family court.
Our responsibilities
We make clear, easily understandable rules to create an accessible, fair and efficient family justice system.
Membership
We have 17 appointed members and a chairman. There are currently no vacancies as of November 2022.
Membership is set out in section 77 of the Courts Act 2003. All non-judicial members of the committee are appointed under the terms of the Office of the Commission for Public Appointments’ code of practice.
Name | Position | Term of office ends |
---|---|---|
The Right Honourable Sir Andrew McFarlane | President of the Family Division, chairman and ex officio | N/A |
The Right Honourable Lord Justice Jonathan Baker | Court of Appeal Judge | 26 May 2025 |
The Honourable Mr Justice Michael Keehan | High Court Judge | 26 May 2025 |
Her Honour Judge Alison Raeside | Circuit Judge | 8 December 2023 |
The Honourable Mr Justice Robert Peel | High Court Judge | 14 March 2026 |
His Honour Judge Harold Godwin | Judge of the family court who sits primarily or exclusively in Wales | 28 May 2025 |
District Judge Teresa Foss | District Judge | 4 April 2026 |
District Judge Dewinder Birk | District Judge (County Court) | 31 July 2025 |
District Judge Gareth Branston | District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) | 31 May 2023 |
Fiona James JP | Lay magistrate | 1 November 2023 |
Michael Seath | Justices’ Clerk | 20 September 2024 |
Poonam Bhari | Barrister | 30 April 2024 |
Rhys Taylor | Barrister | 30 April 2024 |
Graeme Fraser | Solicitor | 30 April 2024 |
Tony McGovern | Solicitor | 31 July 2023 |
Melanie Carew | Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service | 30 November 2023 |
Rob Edwards | Children and Family Court Advisory and Support (CAFCASS CYMRU) | 28 February 2024 |
Bill Turner | Lay member | 3 November 2025 |