HMCTS operational summary for week commencing Monday 28 February 2022

Next week's update will be issued on Friday 4 March 2022.

• Updated: The Prime Minister has announced (21 February 2022) changes to COVID-19 rules in England. Plans for changes to COVID-19 rules were also announced in Scotland and Wales. We're working with Public Health officials to determine what this means for our courts and tribunals and will give as much notice as possible of any changes. In the meantime, please continue to wear face coverings in our buildings, wash your hands and keep distancing where practicable.
• Reminder: Our latest guidance for all court and tribunal users during the COVID-19 pandemic is available on GOV.UK and will be updated when new advice is available.
• Reminder: From Saturday 26 February 2022 our service centres will be open longer on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to help with divorce and probate queries. You can contact us by phone, email or webchat from 8am to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Crime

• Reminder: If you have a Common Platform account, you need to login at least once every 90 days to keep it active. If your account is inactive for 90 days, it will be deregistered for security reasons. You will receive an automatic email notifying you before your account is deregistered: login to the system, and your account will remain live.

Civil

• Updated: On Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 March 2022 we are hosting webinars on issuing and responding to claims for damages on MyHMCTS. Attendees will see a demonstration of how the service works and have the opportunity to ask questions. Both webinars will take place at 11am. To register email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Reminder: We're hosting two training sessions on E-Filing for the Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber to assist litigants in person and practitioners to use the new service once it becomes live on 7 March 2022. The webinars will take place on Monday 28 February 2022 and Thursday 3 March 2022 both at 10am.
• Reminder: Since Monday 14 February 2022, professional users filing to the Court of Appeal must use our E-Filing service. The electronic service removes the need for paperwork and prevents delays. It can also be used by litigants in person. The digital service enables users to pay fees online and keep up to date on progress via automatic email alerts. Our recent training event on using E-Filing is now available to watch.
• Reminder: A new feature has been added to the civil damages claims service digital system on MyHMCTS. Legal representatives can now issue multi-party claims covering one claimant versus two defendants or two claimants versus one defendant. Legal representatives can also use the service to issue claims and receive defences from other legal representatives. Sign up to MyHMCTS now.

Family

• Updated: New divorce laws will come into force from 6 April 2022.
• Updated: From Monday 28 February 2022 local authorities and legal firms under the jurisdictions of East London Family Court and Central Family Court should upload C110a applications for care and supervision orders and discharge of care and supervision orders online using the Family Public Law digital system. Supporting documents for applications required by the Family Court should also be uploaded to the system. Find more information on applying for a family law order via GOV.UK.

Judicial guidance and announcements

• For the latest practice directions, advice, and guidance please visit the Judicial Office website.