Prohibition of cross-examination in person and court-appointed QLRs in family proceedings: eligibility, appointment, duties, alternatives and fees (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Family expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note

This Practice Note explains when a qualified legal representative (QLR) can be appointed in family proceedings, how registration and eligibility for appointment operate, and the court process for appointing a QLR. It also outlines a QLR’s duties and responsibilities, when attendance at court is required, how cross‑examination should be conducted, what may happen if no QLR can be found, and how payment is arranged. It also covers practical points on listing, attendance, and the manner of questioning by a QLR. From 21 July 2022, section 65 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (DAA 2021) inserted Part IVB into the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (MFPA 1984), introducing a prohibition on cross‑examination in person in defined family proceedings. These measures sit under the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955, Part 3A, together with FPR 2010, Practice Direction 3AB (Prohibition of cross‑examination in person in family proceedings under MFPA 1984, Part IVB). Sections 31W–31Y MFPA 1984 provide for alternatives to cross‑examination in person, including the court appointing a QLR. The Ministry of Justice has also issued statutory guidance on the role of a court‑appointed QLR. The stated objective of the DAA 2021 cross‑examination provisions is to...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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