UK PD27A and WhatsApp Messages: What It Says About Bundles

PD27A is a Family Procedure Rules practice direction about court bundles. If you search for it alongside WhatsApp, you are probably preparing for a family hearing in England and Wales. Here is what the official text says and what to ask. The version we read states that it comes into force on 2 March 2026 (checked 2026-10-29); always read the current text yourself.

Not legal advice. This page is general information. Whether a court admits or relies on a chat is for the court; convokeep does not promise admission or any outcome. Ask a qualified lawyer about your case.

Is PD27A about small claims?

No. PD27A supplements the Family Procedure Rules. Civil small claims in England and Wales are governed by CPR Part 27 and its practice directions. See WhatsApp evidence for small claims.

What does PD27A say about WhatsApp messages?

Chapter 5, "Contents of the bundle: all proceedings", says the bundle should include only documents that are relevant, that the court needs to read or that will be referred to at the hearing. Paragraph 5.2(b) lists categories that should not be included unless the court directs otherwise, and that list includes copies of emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages or other social media communications. Read paragraph 5.2(b) yourself in the official text before relying on this summary.

So what happens to messages I want the court to see?

The practice direction says to leave them out by default, so ask your solicitor or the court how messages should be put before the court, such as in a statement or an agreed extract, or whether the court will give a direction. Do not assume a full export belongs in the bundle.

Are there size limits?

The version we read says an e-bundle may only be up to 350 A4 pages (paragraph 11.2(b)) and a paper bundle is limited to no more than 175 sheets of A4 and 350 sides of text (paragraph 12.1); the court can direct otherwise. Check the current text.

How can a clean export still help?

A dated, page-numbered PDF of the relevant stretch of a chat is easier to read and to point to than screenshots, if the court or your lawyer asks for an extract. Keep the full original export in case the full chat is requested.

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