As of 8 April 2026, the Family Procedure Rules have been updated to include the Stockport Family Court in the expansion of the Express Financial Remedy Pilot.
The Express Financial Remedy pilot is a fairly new initiative launched back in April 2025, which aims to fast track how the family courts handle certain financial remedy cases. This is found under Practice Direction 36ZH under the Family Procedure Rules.
The main objective of this pilot is to reduce costs, make proceedings fairer, reducing delays ensuring time efficiency, with the introduction of a maximum of two hearings.
There are a number of courts currently taking part in the pilot. This includes courts in Cleveland, Newcastle and Durham, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria, North and West Yorkshire, West Midlands and Chesire and Merseyside, which now includes Stockport Family Court.
A full list of the courts included can be found here:
What to expect if you are in the express financial remedy pilot – GOV.UK
Which cases would be eligible for this pilot?
If the combined net assets are worth less than £250,000. However, this does not include the following:
- Mortgages
- Pension rights
- Pension Protection Fund compensation entitlement
- Liabilities
The pilot would apply automatically if:
- It’s noted in Form A (the official notice to start financial applications in family matters) that the combined assets are worth £250,000 or less
- The form has been completed between 7 April 2025 and 3 April 2026
- The case is allocated to one of the following courts listed as taking part in the pilot.
The expansion of the Express Financial Remedy pilot to the Stockport Family Court reflects the ongoing evolution of financial remedy procedures within the family courts. By improving efficiency and reducing the number of hearings, the aim of this pilot is to streamline the process for all parties involved.
If the pilot proves to be successful, there is the possibility we see this expansion to further courts throughout England and Wales. Although it is still in the early stages, this marks a positive step forward in the development of financial remedy procedures within the family courts.
Author: Alla Abdalla
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