43.01 Authorisation By Next Friend Or Guardian Ad Litem Of A Minor

What this form is for

• • Use when a minor needs to be represented in court proceedings
• • Required when the minor cannot legally act independently
• • Necessary for both civil and family law cases involving minors
• • Not needed if the minor is already represented by a solicitor
• • Required even if the parent is acting as the representative
• • May be needed for applications related to the minor's welfare or property

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no specific deadline for submitting this form, but it should be filed as early as possible when initiating proceedings involving a minor to avoid delays in the case.

Before you submit

• • Form is complete with all sections filled
• • Minor's date of birth is accurately recorded
• • Proposed representative's full name and address are provided
• • Relationship between minor and representative is clearly stated
• • Court case reference number is included if applicable
• • Form is signed by both the representative and witness
• • Witness signature includes their name, address, and relationship to the case
• • Any required fees are paid or fee exemption is claimed
• • A copy is kept for personal records
• • Form is submitted to the correct court office

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the official Form 43.01 from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the minor and proposed representative
3. 3Have the form signed by the representative in the presence of a witness
4. 4Ensure the witness completes their section with their details
5. 5Submit the completed form to the relevant court office handling the case
6. 6Pay any required fees or claim exemption if applicable
7. 7Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records

Known limitations

• • This form only authorizes representation for court proceedings, not for general decision-making
• • The representative must act in the best interests of the minor, not their own interests
• • Courts may require additional documentation depending on the case type
• • Being appointed as guardian ad litem doesn't automatically grant decision-making authority outside court proceedings
• • The appointment may be reviewed by the court if circumstances change