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

Members interests register

Priorities table

Minutes

Agendas

Corporate information

Jobs and contracts