UK Family Court·Insights for litigants in person
Gap 342

Assumption: "(Filing & Emailing the Court) A new application can run to 70 pages by email."

1 min read

This content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.

What People Expect

People rely on the page figures in the HMCTS email guidance.

Court Reality

The HMCTS guidance says 70 pages for a new application and 50 for anything else. PD 5B para 3.3 sets a single limit for everything: 25 sheets printed on both sides (including copies the court would serve) and 25MB in total. The HMCTS guidance says it does not replace PD 5B. The guidance and the Practice Direction do not match, so stay within the lower limit.

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The Gap?

"(Filing & Emailing the Court) A new application can run to 70 pages by email."

Court Reality

The HMCTS guidance says 70 pages for a new application and 50 for anything else. PD 5B para 3.3 sets a single limit for everything: 25 sheets printed on both sides (including copies the court would serve) and 25MB in total. The HMCTS guidance says it does not replace PD 5B. The guidance and the Practice Direction do not match, so stay within the lower limit.

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Published23 September 2026Last reviewed23 September 2026

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