--(1) A minor or patient must have a next friend in order to issue a claim except where the court has made an order under rule 23 .2(2).
--(2) A person may not-
----(a) make any application against a minor or patient before proceedings have started; or
----(b) take any step in proceedings except-
--------(i) issuing and serving a claim form against a minor or patient; or
--------(ii) applying for the appointment of a next friend under rule 23.8, until the minor or patient has a next friend.
--(3) If a person becomes a patient during proceedings no party may take any step in the proceedings apart from applying to the court for the appointment of a next friend, until the patient has a next friend.
--(4) Any step taken before a minor or patient has a next friend shall be of no effect unless the court otherwise orders.
Notes
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