If you’re involved in family court proceedings you may hear solicitors talk about a “court bundle”. From March 2026, the rules about these bundles are changing. This article explains those changes in a clear, practical way.
What is a court bundle?
A court bundle is simply a collection of key documents the judge will read before and during a hearing. It usually includes things like applications, statements, financial documents and important orders. The idea is to give the judge everything they need in one organised place.
The big picture: what’s changing?
The courts are moving firmly into the digital age. The new rules (called Practice Direction 27A) are designed to:
- Reduce paperwork
- Make hearings more efficient
- Help judges find information quickly
- Make the process fairer and clearer for everyone, including people who are unrepresented.
The most important change? Electronic bundles (e-bundles) will now be the default.
Paper bundles are no longer the norm
Until now, courts often relied on large paper files. From March 2026, bundles will usually be electronic (PDF files) read on screens in court.
Paper bundles will still be allowed in some situations — for example if someone cannot use technology easily — but they will be the exception, not the rule.
What this means for you:
You’re much more likely to deal with documents electronically, rather than referring to a paper file if you are giving evidence.
Clearer rules about who prepares the bundle
Usually, the responsibility for preparing the bundle sits with the solicitors involved. However, the new rules recognise that this can be difficult for people representing themselves.
If everyone in the case is unrepresented, the court may step in and prepare the bundle instead.
Why this matters:
It reduces pressure on people who don’t have legal help and may struggle with formatting or technology.
Only relevant documents should be included
The court wants bundles to be short, focused and useful.
Some documents are not allowed in a bundle unless the judge gives permission, including:
- Emails or letters between solicitors
- Text messages, WhatsApps or social media messages
- Photographs
- Audio recordings
- Other documents (such as medical or police records) can now be included if they are genuinely relevant.
What this means for you:
Not everything you think is important will automatically go into the bundle — only what helps the judge decide the issues.
Easier-to-navigate bundles
The new rules set out clearer instructions on:
- Page numbering
- Indexes
- Layout
This helps judges move quickly to the right page during hearings and reduces confusion.
Why this helps:
Hearings run more smoothly, saving time — and often legal costs.
Better standards for electronic bundles
Electronic bundles must now meet certain quality standards, for example being comprised of only one PDF document, having searchable text (so words can be found easily), clear bookmarks and a clickable index and a readable font size.
This is especially helpful for people who may have difficulties reading or processing large documents.
Earlier deadlines
The timetable for preparing bundles is changing slightly.
The contents of the bundle should be agreed earlier and final bundle must be sent to the court at least five working days before the hearing.
What this means for you:
Preparation starts sooner, so last-minute document changes are discouraged.
Encouraging agreement outside court
Parties will now be expected to explain what efforts they have made to resolve issues without going to court, such as attending mediation or negotiation through solicitors.
This reflects a wider push to reduce conflict and avoid unnecessary court hearings.
If you’re involved in a family law case, we are here to help guide you through these changes and deal with the preparation of a bundle for you — but it’s helpful to understand what’s coming and why.
