Section 8 — Commencement and transitional provision

(1) The provisions of this Act come into force on the commencement date, subject to subsections (2) and (3).

(2) Sections 6(2) to (7), 7 and 9 and this section come into force on the day on which this Act is passed.

(3) The following sections come into force on the day on which this Act is passed so far as they confer power to make provision by Family Procedure Rules—

(a) section 1;

(b) section 3.

(4) Section 1 and paragraphs 2 to 11, 17, 19, 20(3), 26, 28, 30, 31 and 33(a) of the Schedule do not apply in relation to proceedings for divorce that started before the commencement date.

(5) Section 2 and paragraphs 16, 19, 20(3), 26, 28, 30, 31, 33(a) and 51(3) of the Schedule do not apply in relation to proceedings for judicial separation that started before the commencement date.

(6) Paragraphs 12 to 14, 19, 20(3), 26, 28, 30, 33(b), 51(6) and 56 of the Schedule do not apply in relation to proceedings for nullity of marriage that started before the commencement date.

(7) Sections 3 to 5 and Part 2 of the Schedule do not apply to proceedings for a dissolution, nullity, presumption of death or separation order that started before the commencement date.

(8) In this section “the commencement date” means such day as the Lord Chancellor may by regulations appoint.

(9) Different days may be appointed for different purposes.

(10) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.