Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907

PART I S GENERAL PROVISIONS

Intepretation of this Chapter S

33.1. (1) In this Chapter, “family action” means—

(a) an action of divorce;

(b) an action of separation;

(c) an action of declarator of legitimacy;

(d) an action of declarator of illegitimacy;

(e) an action of declarator of parentage;

(f) an action of declarator of non-parentage;

(g) an action of declarator of legitimation;

[F1 (h) an action or application for, or in respect of, an order under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc.), except–

(i) an application for the appointment of a judicial factor mentioned in section 11(2)(g) of the Act of 1995 to which Part I of the Act of Sederunt (Judicial Factors Rules) 1992 applies; and

(ii) an application for the appointment or removal of a person as a guardian mentioned in section 11(2)(h) of the Act of 1995 to which paragraph 4 of the Act of Sederunt (Family Proceedings in the Sheriff Court) 1996 applies;]

(i) an action of affiliation and aliment;

(j) an action of, or application for or in respect of, aliment;

(k) an action or application for financial provision after a divorce or annulment in an overseas country within the meaning of Part IV of the M1 Martimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984;

(l) an action or application for an order under the Act of 1981;

(m) an application for the variation or recall of an order mentioned in section 8(1) of the M2 Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1966.

(2) In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires—

• “the Act of 1975” means the M3 Children Act 1975;

• “the Act of 1976” means the M4 Divorce (Scotland) Act 1976;

• “the Act of 1981” means the M5 Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981;

• “the Act of 1985” means the M6 Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985;

• [F2 “the Act of 1995” means the Children (Scotland) Act 1995;

• “contact order” has the meaning assigned in section 11(2)(d) of the Act of 1995;]

• [F3 “full gender recognition certificate” and “interim gender recognition certificate” mean the certificates issued as such under section 4 or 5 of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 F4 ;

• “Gender Recognition Panel” is to be construed in accordance with Schedule 1 to the Gender Recognition Act 2004;]

• F5 . . .

• [F6 “local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the M7 Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;]

• “mental disorder” means mental illness or mental handicap however cased or manifested;

• “order for financial provision” means, except in Part VII of this Chapter (financial provision after overseas divorce or annulment), an order mentioned in section 8(1) of the Act of 1985;

• [F7 “parental responsibilities” has the meaning assigned in section 1(3) of the Act of 1995;

• “parental rights” has the meaning assigned in section 2(4) of the Act of 1995;

• “residence order” has the meaning assigned in section 11(2)(c) of the Act of 1995;

• “section 11 order” means an order under section 11 of the Act of 1995.]

(3) For the purposes of rules 33.2 (averments in actions of divorce or separation about other proceed ings) and 33.3 (averments where [F8 section 11 order] sought) and, in relation to proceedings in another jurisdiction, Schedule 3 to the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 M8 (sisting of consistorial actions in Scotland), proceedings are continuing at any time after they have commenced and before they are finally disposed of.

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 1 rule 33.1(1)(h) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(a)

F2 Sch. 1 ule 33.1(2): definitions of "the Act of 1995" and "contact order" inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(b)(i)

F3 Sch. 1 rule 33.1(2): Definition of "full gender recognition certificate" and "interim gender recognition certificate" inserted (4.4.2005) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Gender Recognition Act 2004) 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/189), para. 2(2)

F4 2004 c. 7.

F5 Sch. 1 rule 33.1(2): definition of "child" omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(b)(ii)

F6 Sch. 1 rule 33.1(2): definition of "local authority" substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(b)(iii)

F7 Sch. 1 ule 33.1(2): definitions of "parental responsibilities", "parental", "residence order" and "section 11 order" substituted for definition of "parental rights" (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(b)(iv)

F8 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.1(3) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(c)

Marginal Citations

M1 1984 c.42; Part IV was amended by the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.37), Schedule 1, paragraphs 12 and 13.

M2 1966 c.19; section 8(1) was amended by the Guardianship Act 1973 (c.29), Schedule 5, the Divorce (Scotland Act 1976 (c.39), Schedule 1, the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 (c.42), Schedule 1, paragraph 7 and the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.37), Schedule 1, paragraph 5.

M3 1975 c.72.

M4 1976 c.39.

M5 1981 c.59.

M6 1985 c.37.

M7 1994 c. 39; section 2(2) was amended by the Environment Act 1995 (c.25), Schedule 22, paragraph 232(1)

M8 1973 c.45; Schedule 3 was amended by the Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1983 (c.12), Schedule 1, paragraphs 19 and 20.

Averments in actions of divorce or separation about other proceedings S

33.2. (1) This rule applies to an action of divorce or separation.

(2) In an action to which this rule applies, the pursuer shall state in the condescendence of the initial writ—

(a) whether to his knowledge any proceedings are continuing in Scotland or in any other country in respect of the marriage to which the initial writ relates or are capable of affecting its validity or subsistence; and

(b) where such proceedings are continuing—

(i) the court, tribunal or authority before which the proceedings have been commenced;

(ii) the date of commencement;

(iii) the names of the parties;

(iv) the date, or expected date of any proof (or its equivalent) in the proceedings; and

(v) such other facts as may be relevant to the question of whether or not the action before the sheriff should be sisted under Schedule 3 to the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 [F9 or Council Regulation (EC) No. 1347/2000 of 29th May 2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility for children of both spouses].

(3) Where—

(a) such proceedings are continuing;

(b) the action before the sheriff is defended; and

(c) either—

(i) the initial writ does not contain the statement referred to in paragraph (2)(a), or

(ii) the particulars mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) as set out in the initial writ are incomplete or incorrect,

any defences or minute, as the case may be, lodged by any person to the action shall include that statement and, where appropriate, the further or correct particulars mentioned in paragraph (2)(b).

Textual Amendments

F9 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.2(2)(b)(v) inserted (2.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/144, para. 2(1)(2)

[F10 Averments where section 11 order sought] S

33.3. (1) A party to a family action, who makes an application in that [F11 action for a section 11 order] in respect of a child shall include in his pleadings—

(a) where that action is an action of divorce or separation, averments giving particulars of any other proceedings known to him, whether in Scotland or elsewhere and whether concluded or not, which relate to the child in respect of whom the [F12 section 11 order] is sought;

(b) in any other family action—

(i) the averments mentioned in paragraph (a); and

(ii) averments giving particulars of any proceedings known to him which are continuing, whether in Scotland or elsewhere, and which relate to the marriage of the parents of that child.

(2) Where such other proceedings are continuing or have taken place and the averments of the applicant for such a [F12 section 11 order]—

(a) do not contain particulars of the other proceedings, or

(b) contain particulars which are incomplete or incorrect,

any defences or minute, as the case may be, lodged by any [F13 party] to the family action shall include such particulars or such further or correct particulars as are known to him.

(3) In paragraph 1(b)(ii), “child” includes a child of the family within the meaning assigned in section 42(4) of the Family Law Act 1986.

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.3 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 5(a)

F11 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.3(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 5(b)

F12 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.3(1)(a)(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 5(c)

F13 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.3(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(44)

Averments where identity or address of person not known S

33.4. In a family action, where the identity or address of any person referred to in rule 33.7 as a person in respect of whom a warrant for intimation requires to be applied for is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained, the party required to apply for the warrant shall include in his pleadings an averment of that fact and averments setting out what steps have been taken to ascertain the identity or address, as the case may be, of that person.

Averments about maintenance orders S

33.5. In a family action in which an order for aliment or periodical allowance is sought, or is sought to be varied or recalled, by any party, the pleadings of that party shall contain an averment stating whether and, if so, when and by whom, a maintenance order (within the meaning of section 106 of the M9 Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987) has been granted in favour of or against that party or of any other person in respect of whom the order is sought.

Marginal Citations

M9 1987 c.18; section 106 was amended by the Child Support Act 1991 (c.48), Schedule 5, paragraph 8(7).

Averments where aliment or financial provision sought S

33.6. (1) In this rule—

• “the Act of 1991” means the M10 Child Support Act 1991;

• “child” has the meaning assigned in section 55 of the Act of 1991;

• “crave relating to aliment” means—

  (a)

  for the purposes of paragraph (2), a crave for decree of aliment in relation to a child or for recall or variation of such a decree; and

  (b)

  for the purposes of paragraph (3), a crave for decree of aliment in relation to a child or for recall or variation of such a decree or for the variation or termination of an agreement on aliment in relation to a child;

• “ [F14 “maintenance calculation”]” has the meaning assigned in section [F15 54] of the Act of 1991.

(2) A family action containing a crave relating to aliment and to which section 8(6), (7), (8) or (10) of the Act of 1991 (top up maintenance orders) applies shall—

(a) include averments stating, where appropriate—

(i) that a maintenance [F16 calculation] under section 11 of that Act (maintenance assessments) is in force;

(ii) the date of the maintenance [F16 calculation];

(iii) the amount and frequency of periodical payments of child support maintenance fixed by the maintenance [F16 calculation]; and

(iv) the grounds on which the sheriff retains jurisdiction under section 8(6), (7), (8) or (10) of that Act; and

(b) unless the sheriff on cause shown otherwise directs, be accompanied by any document issued by the Secretary of State to the party intimating the making of the maintenance [F16 calculation] referred to in sub-paragraph (a).

(3) A family action containing a crave relating to aliment, and to which section 8(6), (7), (8) or (10) of the Act of 1991 does not apply, shall include averments stating—

(a) that the habitual residence of the absent parent, person with care or qualifying child, within the meaning of section 3 of that Act, is furth of the United Kingdom;

(b) that the child is not a child within the meaning of section 55 of that Act; or

(c) where the action is lodged for warranting before 7th April 1997, the grounds on which the sheriff retains jurisdiction.

(4) In an action for declarator of non-parentage or illegitimacy—

(a) the initial writ shall include an article of condescendence stating whether the pursuer previously has been alleged to be the parent in an application for a maintenance [F16 calculation] under section 4, 6 or 7 of the Act of 1991 (applications for maintenance [F16 calculation]); and

(b) where an allegation of paternity has been made against the pursuer, the Secretary of State shall be named as a defender in the action.

(5) A family action involving parties in respect of whom a decision has been made in any application, review or appeal under the Act of 1991 relating to any child of those parties, shall—

(a) include averments stating that such a decision has been made and giving details of that decision; and

(b) unless the sheriff on cause shown otherwise directs, be accompanied by any document issued by the Secretary of State to the parties intimating that decision.

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.6(1) substituted (24.1.2003) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Miscellaneous) 2003 (S.I. 2003/26), para. 2(8)(a)(i)

F15 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.6(1) substituted (24.1.2003) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Miscellaneous) 2003 (S.I. 2003/26), para. 2(8)(a)(ii)

F16 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.6(2)(4) substituted (24.1.2003) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Miscellaneous) 2003 (S.I. 2003/26), para. 2(8)(b)

Marginal Citations

M10 1991 c.48.

Warrants and forms for intimation S

33.7. (1) [F17 Subject to paragraphs (5) and (7), in the initial writ] in a family action, the pursuer shall include a crave for a warrant for intimation—

(a) in an action where the address of the defender is not known to the pursuer and cannot reasonably be ascertained, to—

(i) every child of the marriage between the parties who has reached the age of 16 years, and

(ii) one of the next-of-kin of the defender who has reached that age,

unless the address of such a person is not known to the pursuer and cannot reasonably be ascertained, and a notice of intimation in Form F1 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(b) in an action where the pursuer alleges that the defender has committed adultery with another person, to that person, unless—

(i) that person is not named in the initial writ and, if the adultery is relied on for the purposes of section 1(2)(a) of the Act of 1976 (irretrievable breakdown of marriage by reason of adultery), the initial writ contains an averment that his or her identity is not known to the pursuer and cannot reasonably be ascertained, or

(ii) the pursuer alleges that the defender has been guilty of rape upon or incest with, that named person,

and a notice of intimation in Form F2 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(c) in an action where the defender is a person who is suffering from a mental disorder, to—

(i) those persons mentioned in sub-paragraph (a)(i) an (ii), unless the address of such person is not known to the pursuer and cannot reasonably be ascertained, and

(ii) the curator bonis to the defender, if one has been appointed,

and a notice of intimation in Form F3 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(d) in an action relating to a marriage which was entered into under a law which permits polygamy where—

(i) one of the decrees specified in section 2(2) of the M11 Matrimonial Proceedings (Polygamous Marriages) Act 1972 is sought, and

(ii) either party to the marriage in question has any spouse additional to the other party,

to any such additional spouse, and a notice of intimation in Form F4 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(e) in an action of divorce or separation where the sheriff may make [a section 11 order] in respect of a child—

(i) who is in the care of a local authority, to that authority and a notice of intimation in Form F5 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that authority;

(ii) who, being a child of one party to the marriage, has been accepted as a child of the family by the other party to the marriage and who is liable to be maintained by a third party, to that third party, and a notice of intimation in Form F5 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that third party; or

(iii) in respect of whom a third party [F18 in fact exercises care or control], to that third party, and a notice of intimation in Form F6 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that third party;

(f) in an action where the pursuer craves [F19 a section 11 order], to any parent or guardian of the child who is not a party to the action, and a notice of intimation in Form F7 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such parent or guardian;

(g) in an action where the pursuer craves [F20 a residence order in respect] of a child and he is—

(i) not a parent of that child, and

(ii) resident in Scotland when the initial writ is lodged,

to the local authority within which area the pursuer resides, and a notice of intimation in Form F8 shall be attached to the [F21 initial] writ intimated to that authority;

[F22 (h) in an action which includes a crave for a section 11 order, to the child to whom such an order would relate if not a party to the action, and a notice of intimation in Form F9 shall be intimated to that child;]

(i) in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(aa) of the M12 Act of 1985(transfer of property) and—

(i) the consent of a third party to such a transfer is necessary by virtue of an obligation, enactment or rule of law, or

(ii) the property is subject to a security,

to the third party or creditor, as the case may be, and a notice of intimation in Form F10 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(j) in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions), to—

(i) any third party in whose favour the transfer of, or transaction involving, the property is to be or was made, and

(ii) any other person having an interest in the transfer of, or transaction involving, the property,

and a notice of intimation in Form F11 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person; F23 . . .

(k) in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under the M13 Act of 1981—

(i) where he is a non-entitled partner and the entitled partner has a spouse, to that spouse, or

(ii) where the application is under section 2(1)(e), 2(4)(a), 3(1), 3(2), 4, 7, 13 or 18 of that Act, and the entitled spouse or entitled partner is a tenant or occupies the matrimonial home by permission of a third party, to the landlord or the third party, as the case may be,

and a notice of intimation in Form F12 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person [F24 ; and]

[F25 (l) in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(ba) of the M14 Act of 1985 (orders under section 12A of the Act of 1985 for pension lump sum), to the trustees or managers of the pension scheme, and a notice of intimation in Form F12A shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person.]

(2) Expressions used in paragraph (1)(k) which are also used in the Act of 1981 have the same meaning as in that Act.

(3) A notice of intimation under paragraph (1) shall be on a period of notice of 21 days unless the sheriff otherwise orders; but the sheriff shall not order a period of notice of less than 2 days.

(4) In a family action, where the pursuer—

[F26 (a) craves a residence order in respect of a child,

(b) is not a parent of the child, and

(c) is not resident in Scotland when the initial writ is lodged for warranting,]

he shall include a crave for an order for intimation in form F8 to such local authority as the sheriff thinks fit.

(5) Where the address of a person mentioned in paragraph (1)(b), (d), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j) [F27 , (k) or (l)] is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained, the pursuer shall include a crave in the initial writ to dispense with intimation; and the sheriff may grant that crave or make such other order as he thinks fit.

(6) Where the identity or address of a person to whom intimation of a family action is required becomes known during the course of the action, the party who would have been required to insert a warrant for intimation to that person shall lodge a motion for a warrant for intimation to that person or to dispense with such intimation.

[F28 (7) Where a pursuer considers that to order intimation to a child under paragraph (1)(h) is inappropriate, he shall–

(a) include a crave in the initial writ to dispense with intimation to that child, and

(b) include in the initial writ averments setting out the reasons why such intimation is inappropriate;

and the sheriff may dispense with such intimation or make such other order as he thinks fit.]

Extent Information

E1 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(e) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(ii)

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(i)

F18 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(e)(iii) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(iii)

F19 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(f) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(iv)

F20 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(g) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(v)

F21 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(g) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(a)(i)

F22 Rule 33.7(1)(h) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(vi)

F23 Word in rule 33.7(1)(j) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(a)(ii)

F24 Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(k): “; and” substituted for the full-stop (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(a)(iii)

F25 Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(l) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(a)(iv)

F26 Sch. 1 rule 33.7(4)(a)-(c) substituted (1.11.1996) for Sch. 1 rule 33.7(4)(a)(b) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(b)

F27 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(5) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(b)

F28 Sch. 1 rule 33.7(7) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(c)

Marginal Citations

M11 1972 c.38; section 2(2) was amended by the Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1983 (c.12), Schedule 1, paragraphs 13, the Law Reform (Husband and Wife) (Scotland) Act 1984 (c.15), Schedule 1, paragraph 6, the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.37), Schedule 1, paragraph 8 and the Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1986 (c.12), Schedule 1, Part I.

M12 1985 c.37; section 8(1)(aa) was inserted by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c.40), Schedule 8, paragraph 34.

M13 1981 c.59.

M14 1985 c.37; section 8(1)(ba) was inserted by the Pensions Act 1995 (c.26), section 167(1).

Intimation where improper association S

33.8. (1) In a family action where the pursuer alleges an improper association between the defender and another named person, the pursuer shall, immediately after the expiry of the period of notice, lodge a motion for an order for intimation to that person or to dispense with such intimation

(2) In determining a motion under paragraph (1), the sheriff may—

(a) make such order for intimation as he thinks fit; or

(b) dispense with intimation; and

(c) where he dispenses with intimation, order that the name of that person be deleted from the condescendence of the initial writ.

(3) Where intimation is ordered under paragraph (2), a copy of the initial writ and an intimation in Form F13 shall be intimated to the named person.

(4) In paragraph (1), “improper association” means sodomy, incest or any homosexual relationship.

Productions in action of divorce or where [F29 section 11 order] may be made S

33.9. Unless the sheriff otherwise directs—

(a) in an action of divorce [F30 or declarator of nullity of marriage] , a warrant for citation shall not be granted without there being produced with the initial writ an extract of the relevant entry in the register of marriages or an equivalent document; and

(b) [F31 in a family action which includes a crave for a section 11 order], a warrant for citation shall not be granted without there being produced with the initial writ an extract of the relevant entry in the register of births or an equivalent document.

Textual Amendments

F29 Words in rule 33.9 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 7(a)

F30 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.9(a) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), paras. 1, 2(19)

F31 Words in rule 33.9(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 7(b)

Productions in action of divorce on ground of issue of interim gender recognition certificate S

[F32 33.9A. (1) This rule applies where, in an action of divorce, the ground on which decree of divorce may be granted is that an interim gender recognition certificate has, after the date of the marriage, been issued to either party to the marriage.

(2) Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, a warrant for citation shall not be granted without there being produced with the initial writ–

(a) where the pursuer is the subject of the interim gender recognition certificate, the interim gender recognition certificate or, failing that, a certified copy of the interim gender recognition certificate; or

(b) where the pursuer is the spouse of the person who is the subject of the interim gender recognition certificate, a certified copy of the interim gender recognition certificate.

(3) For the purposes of this rule, a certified copy of an interim gender recognition certificate shall be a copy of that certificate sealed with the seal of the Gender Recognition Panels and certified to be a true copy by an officer authorised by the President of Gender Recognition Panels.

Textual Amendments

F32 Sch. 1 rules 33.9A, 33.9B inserted (4.4.2005) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Gender Recognition Act 2004) 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/189), para. 2(3)

Application for corrected gender recognition certificate S

33.9B. An application for a corrected gender recognition certificate under section 6 of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 by–

(a) the person to whom a full gender recognition certificate has been issued; or

(b) the Secretary of State,

shall be made by minute in the process of the action pursuant to which the full gender recognition certificate was issued.]

Textual Amendments

F32 Sch. 1 rules 33.9A, 33.9B inserted (4.4.2005) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Gender Recognition Act 2004) 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/189), para. 2(3)

Warrant of citation S

33.10. The warrant of citation in a family action shall be in Form F14.

Form of citation and certificate S

33.11. (1) Subject to rule 5.6 (service where address of person is not known), citation of a defender shall be in Form F15, which shall be attached to a copy of the initial writ and warrant of citation and shall have appended to it a notice of intention to defend in Form F26.

(2) The certificate of citation shall be in Form F16 which shall be attached to the initial writ.

Execution of service on, or intimation to, local authority S

33.12. (1) Where a local authority referred to in rule 33.7(1)(g) ([F33 residence order] sought by non-parent resident in Scotland) or 33.7(4) ([F33 residence order] sought by pursuer not resident in Scotland) is named as a defender in an initial writ at the time it is lodged, service of the initial writ on that local authority shall be executed within 7 days after the date of granting of the warrant of citation.

(2) Where in a family action—

(a) to which rule 33.7(1)(g) applies, or

(b) in which a motion under rule 33.7(4) is required,

the local authority referred to in that provision is named as a defender in the initial writ at the time it is lodged, a notice in Form F8 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ served on that local authority.

[F34 (3) In any family action, the sheriff may, if he thinks fit, order intimation to a local authority; and such intimation shall be in Form F8.]

[F35 (4)] Where, by virtue of [F36 paragraph (3) of this rule or rule 33.7(1)(g) or 33.7(4), intimation of an application for a residence order] is to be made to a local authority, intimation to that local authority shall be given within 7 days after the date on which a warrant of citation, or an order for intimation, as the case may be, has been granted.

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.12(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 8(a)

F34 Sch. 1 rule 33.12(3) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 8(c)

F35 Sch. 1 rule 33.12(3) renumbered as Sch. 1 rule 33.12(4) (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 8(b)

F36 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.12(4) (as renumbered) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 8(d)

Service in cases of mental disorder of defender S

33.13. (1) In a family action where the defender suffers or appears to suffer from mental disorder and is resident in a hospital or other similar institution, citation shall be executed by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service addressed to the medical officer in charge of that hospital or institution; and there shall be included with the copy of the initial writ—

(a) a citation in Form F15;

(b) any notice required by rule 33.14(1);

(c) a request in Form F17;

(d) a form of certificate in Form F18 requesting the medical officer to—

(i) deliver and explain the initial writ, citation and any notice or form of notice of consent required under rule 33.14(1) personally to the defender; or

(ii) certify that such delivery or explanation would be dangerous to the health or mental condition of the defender; and

(e) a stamped envelope addressed for return of that certificate to the pursuer or his solicitor, if he has one.

(2) The medical officer referred to in paragraph (1) shall send the certificate in Form F18 duly completed to the pursuer or his solicitor, as the case may be.

(3) The certificate mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be attached to the certificate of citation.

(4) Where such a certificate bears that the initial writ has not been delivered to the defender, the sheriff may, at any time before decree—

(a) order such further medical inquiry, and

(b) make such order for further service or intimation,

as he thinks fit.

Notices in certain actions of divorce or separation S

33.14. (1) In the following actions of divorce or separation there shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ served on the defender—

(a) in an action relying on section 1(2)(d) of the M15 Act of 1976(no cohabitation for two years with consent of defender to decree)—

(i) which is an action of divorce, a notice in form F19 and a notice of consent in form F20;

(ii) which is an action of separation, a notice in Form F21 and a form of notice of consent in form F22;

(b) in an action relying on section 1(2)(e) of the Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for five years)—

(i) which is an action of divorce, a notice in Form F23;

(ii) which is an action of separation, a notice in Form F24.

(2) The certificate of [F37 citation] of an initial writ in an action mentioned in paragraph (1) shall state which notice or form mentioned in paragraph (1) has been attached to the initial writ.

Textual Amendments

F37 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.14(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(46)

Marginal Citations

M15 1976 c.39.

Orders for intimation S

[F38 33.15. (1) In any family action, the sheriff may, at any time–

(a) subject to paragraph (2), order intimation to be made on such person as he thinks fit;

(b) postpone intimation, where he considers that such postponement is appropriate and, in that case, the sheriff shall make such order in respect of postponement of intimation as he thinks fit; or

(c) dispense with intimation, where he considers that such dispensation is appropriate.

(2) Where the sheriff is considering whether to make a section 11 order by virtue of section 12 of the Act of 1995 (restrictions on decrees for divorce, separation or annulment affecting children), he shall, subject to paragraph (1)(c) and without prejudice to paragraph (1)(b) of this rule, order intimation in Form F9 to the child to whom the section 11 order would relate unless–

(a) intimation has been given to the child under rule 33.7(1)(h); or

(b) the sheriff considers that the child is not of sufficient age or maturity to express his views.

(3) Where a party makes a crave or averment in a family action which, had it been made in an initial writ, would have required a warrant for intimation under rule 33.7, that party shall include a crave in his writ for a warrant for intimation or to dispense with such intimation; and rule 33.7 shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to a crave for a warrant under this paragraph as it applies to a crave for a warrant under that rule.]

Textual Amendments

F38 Sch. 1 rule 33.15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 9

Appointment of curators ad litem to defenders S

33.16. (1) This rule applies to an action of divorce or separation where it appears to the court that the defender is suffering from a mental disorder.

(2) In an action to which this rule applies, the sheriff shall—

(a) appoint a curator ad litem to the defender;

(b) where the facts set out in section 1(2)(d) of the Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for two years with consent of defender to decree) are relied on—

(i) make an order for intimation of the ground of the action to the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland; and

(ii) include in such an order a requirement that the Commission sends to the sheriff clerk a report indicating whether in its opinion the defender is capable of deciding whether or not to give consent to the granting of decree.

(3) Within 7 days after the appointment of a curator ad litem under paragraph (2)(a), the pursuer shall send to him—

(a) a copy of the initial writ and any defences (including any adjustments and amendments) lodged; and

(b) a copy of [F39 any notice] in Form G5 sent to him by the [F40 sheriff] clerk.

(4) On receipt of a report required under paragraph (2)(b)(ii), the sheriff clerk shall—

(a) lodge the report in process; and

(b) intimate that this has been done to—

(i) the pursuer;

(ii) the solicitor for the defender, if known; and

(iii) the curator ad litem.

(5) The curator ad litem shall lodge in process one of the writs mentioned in paragraph (6)—

(a) within 14 days after the report required under paragraph (2)(b)(ii) has been lodged in process; or

(b) where no such report is required, within 21 days after the date of his appointment under paragraph (2)(a).

(6) The writs referred to in paragraph (5) are—

(a) a notice of intention to defend;

(b) defences to the action;

(c) a minute adopting defences already lodged; and

(d) a minute stating that the curator ad litem does not intend to lodge defences.

(7) Notwithstanding that he has lodged a minute stating that he does not intend to lodge defences, a curator ad litem may appear at any stage of the action to protect the interests of the defender.

(8) If, at any time, it appears to the curator ad litem that the defender is not suffering from mental disorder, he may report that fact to the court and seek his own discharge.

(9) The pursuer shall be responsible, in the first instance, for payment of the fees and outlays of the curator ad litem incurred during the period from his appointment until—

(a) he lodges a minute stating that he does not intend to lodge defences;

(b) he decides to instruct the lodging of defences or a minute adopting defences already lodged; or

(c) being satisfied after investigation that the defender is not suffering from mental disorder, he is discharged.

Textual Amendments

F39 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.16(3)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(47)(a)

F40 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.16(3)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(47)(b)

Applications for sist S

33.17. An application for a sist, or the recall of a sist, under Schedule 3 to the M16 Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 shall be made by written motion.

Marginal Citations

M16 1973 c.45; Schedule 3 was amended by the Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1983 (c.12), Schedule 1, paragraphs 19 and 20.

Notices of consent to divorce or separation S

33.18. (1) Where, in an action of divorce or separation in which the facts in section 1(2)(d) of the Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for two years with consent of defender to decree) are relied on, the defender wishes to consent to the grant of decree of divorce or separation he shall do so by giving notice in writing in Form F20 (divorce) or Form F22 (separation), as the case may be, to the sheriff clerk.

(2) The evidence of one witness shall be sufficient for the purpose of establishing that the signature on a notice of consent under paragraph (1) is that of the defender.

(3) In an action of divorce or separation where the initial writ includes, for the purposes of section 1(2)(d) of the Act of 1976, an averment that the defender consents to the grant of decree, the defender may give notice by letter sent to the sheriff clerk stating that he has not so consented or that he withdraws any consent which he has already given.

(4) On receipt of a letter under paragraph (3), the sheriff clerk shall intimate the terms of the letter to the pursuer.

(5) On receipt of any intimation under paragraph (4), the pursuer may, within 14 days after the date of the intimation, if none of the other facts mentioned in section 1(2) of the Act of 1976 is averred in the initial writ, lodge a motion for the action to be sisted.

(6) If no such motion is lodged, the pursuer shall be deemed to have abandoned the action and the action shall be dismissed.

(7) If a motion under paragraph (5) is granted and the sist is not recalled or renewed within a period of 6 months from the date of the interlocutor granting the sist, the pursuer shall be deemed to have abandoned the action and the action shall be dismissed.

Procedure in respect of children S

[F41 33.19. –

(1) In a family action, in relation to any matter affecting a child, where that child has–

(a) returned to the sheriff clerk Form F9, or

(b) otherwise indicated to the court a wish to express views on a matter affecting him,

the sheriff shall not grant any order unless an opportunity has been given for the views of that child to be obtained or heard.

(2) Where a child has indicated his wish to express his views, the sheriff shall order such steps to be taken as he considers appropriate to ascertain the views of that child.

(3) The sheriff shall not grant an order in a family action, in relation to any matter affecting a child who has indicated his wish to express his views, unless due weight has been given by the sheriff to the views expressed by that child, having due regard to his age and maturity.]

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rule 33.19 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 10

Recording of views of the child S

[F42 33.20. (1) This rule applies where a child expresses a view on a matter affecting him whether expressed personally to the sheriff or to a person appointed by the sheriff for that purpose or provided by the child in writing.

(2) The sheriff, or the person appointed by the sheriff, shall record the views of the child in writing; and the sheriff may direct that such views, and any written views, given by a child shall–

(a) be sealed in an envelope marked “Views of the child–confidential”;

(b) be kept in the court process without being recorded in the inventory of process;

(c) be available to a sheriff only;

(d) not be opened by any person other than a sheriff; and

(e) not form a borrowable part of the process.]

Textual Amendments

F42 Sch. 1 rule 33.20 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 10

Appointment of local authority or reporter to report on a child S

33.21. (1) This rule applies where, at any stage of a family action, the sheriff appoints—

[F43 (a) a local authority, whether under section 11(1) of the M17 Matrimonial Proceedings (Children) Act 1958(reports as to arrangements for future care and upbringing of children) or otherwise, or]

(b) another person (referred to in this rule as a “reporter”), whether under a provision mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or otherwise,

to investigate and report to the court on the circumstances of a child and on proposed arrangements for the care and upbringing of the child.

(2) On making an appointment referred to in paragraph (1), the sheriff shall direct that the party who sought the appointment or, where the court makes the appointment of its own motion, the pursuer or minuter, as the case may be, shall—

(a) instruct the local authority or reporter; and

(b) be responsible, in the first instance, for the fees and outlays of the local authority or reporter appointed.

(3) Where a local authority or reporter is appointed—

(a) the party who sought the appointment, or

(b) where the sheriff makes the appointment of his own motion, the pursuer or minuter, as the case may be,

shall, within 7 days after the date of the appointment, intimate the name and address of the local authority or reporter to any local authority to which intimation of the family action has been made.

(4) On completion of a report referred to in paragraph (1), the local authority or reporter, as the case may be, shall send the report, with a copy of it for each party, to the sheriff clerk.

(5) On receipt of such a report, the sheriff clerk shall send a copy of the report to each party.

(6) Where a local authority or reporter has been appointed to investigate and report in respect of a child, an application for [F44 a section 11 order in respect] of that child shall not be determined until the report of the local authority or reporter, as the case may be, has been lodged.

Textual Amendments

F43 Sch. 1 rule 33.21(1)(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 11(a)

F44 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.21(6) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 11(b)

Marginal Citations

M17 1958 c.40; section 11(1) was amended by the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 (c.49), Schedule 8, paragraph 43, the Law Reform (Parent and Child) (Scotland) Act 1986 (c.9), Schedule 2, the Family Law Act 1986 (c.55), Schedule 1, paragraph 7 and by the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, Schedule 4, paragraph 9.

Referral to family mediation S

[F45 33.22. In any family action in which an order in relation to parental responsibilities or parental rights is in issue, the sheriff may, at any stage of the action, where he considers it appropriate to do so, refer that issue to a mediator accredited to a specified family mediation organisation.]

Textual Amendments

F45 Sch. 1 rules 33.22, 33.22A substituted (1.11.1996) for Sch. 1 rule 33.22 by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 12

Child Welfare Hearing S

F46 33.22A. (1) Where–

(a) on the lodging of a notice of intention to defend in a family action in which the initial writ seeks or includes a crave for a section 11 order, a defender wishes to oppose any such crave or order, or seeks the same order as that craved by the pursuer,

(b) on the lodging of a notice of intention to defend in a family action, the defender seeks a section 11 order which is not craved by the pursuer, or

(c) in any other circumstances in a family action, the sheriff considers that a Child Welfare Hearing should be fixed and makes an order (whether at his own instance or on the motion of a party) that such a hearing shall be fixed,

the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time for a Child Welfare Hearing on the first suitable court date occurring not sooner than 21 days after the lodging of such notice of intention to defend, unless the sheriff directs the hearing to be held on an earlier date.

(2) On fixing the date for the Child Welfare Hearing, the sheriff clerk shall intimate the date of the Child Welfare Hearing to the parties in Form F41.

(3) The fixing of the date of the Child Welfare Hearing shall not affect the right of a party to make any other application to the court whether by motion or otherwise.

(4) At the Child Welfare Hearing (which may be held in private), the sheriff shall seek to secure the expeditious resolution of disputes in relation to the child by ascertaining from the parties the matters in dispute and any information relevant to that dispute, and may–

(a) order such steps to be taken, or

(b) make such order, if any, or

(c) order further procedure,

as he thinks fit.

(5) All parties (including a child who has indicated his wish to attend) shall, except on cause shown, attend the Child Welfare Hearing personally.

(6) It shall be the duty of the parties to provide the sheriff with sufficient information to enable him to conduct the Child Welfare Hearing.

Textual Amendments

F46 Sch. 1 rules 33.22, 33.22A substituted (1.11.1996) for Sch. 1 rule 33.22 by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 12

Applications for orders to disclose whereabouts of children S

33.23. (1) An application for an order under section 33(1) of the M18 Family Law Act 1986 (which relates to the disclosure of the whereabouts of a child) shall be made by motion.

(2) Where the sheriff makes an order under section 33(1) of the Family Law Act 1986, he may ordain the person against whom the order has been made to appear before him or to lodge an affidavit.

Marginal Citations

M18 1986 c.55.

Applications in relation to removal of children S

33.24. (1) An application for leave under M19 section 51(1) of the Act of 1975 (authority to remove a child from the care and possession of the applicant for [F47 a residence order]) or for an order under section 35(3) of the Family Law Act 1986 (application for interdict or interim interdict prohibiting removal of child from jurisdiction) shall be made—

(a) by a party to the action, by motion; or

(b) by a person who is not a party to the action, by minute.

(2) An application under section 35(3) of the Family Law Act 1986 need not be served or intimated.

(3) An application under section 23(2) of the M20 Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985(declarator that removal of child from United Kingdom was unlawful) shall be made—

(a) in an action depending before the sheriff—

(1) by a party, in the initial writ, defences or minute, as the case may be, or by motion; or

(ii) by any other person, by minute; or

(b) after final decree, by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

Textual Amendments

F47 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.24(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 13

Marginal Citations

M19 Section 51(1) was amended by the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 (c.41), Schedule 2, paragraph 25.

M20 1985 c.60.

Intimation to local authority before supervised [F48 contact order] S

33.25. Where the sheriff, [F49 at his own instance] or on the motion of a party, is considering making [F50 a contact order or an interim contact order] subject to supervision by the social work department of a local authority, he shall ordain the party moving [F51 for such an order] to intimate to the chief executive of that local authority (where not already a party to the action and represented at the hearing at which the issue arises)—

(a) the terms of any relevant motion;

(b) the intention of the sheriff to order that [F52 the contact order] be supervised by the social work department of that local authority; and

(c) that the local authority shall, within such period as the sheriff has determined—

(i) notify the sheriff clerk whether it intends to make representations to the sheriff; and

(ii) where it intends to make representations in writing, to do so within that period.

Textual Amendments

F48 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(a)

F49 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(b)

F50 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(c)

F51 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(d)

F52 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(e)

Joint minutes S

33.26. Where any parties have reached agreement in relation to—

(a) [F53 a section 11 order],

(b) aliment for a child, or

(c) an order for financial provision,

a joint minute may be entered into expressing that agreement; [F54 and, subject to rule 33.19(3) (no order before views of child expressed),the sheriff] may grant decree in respect of those parts of the joint minute in relation to which he could otherwise make an order, whether or not such a decree would include a matter for which there was no crave.

Textual Amendments

F53 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.26(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 15(a)

F54 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.26 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 15(b)

Affidavits S

33.27. The sheriff may accept evidence by affidavit at any hearing for an order or interim order.

Applications for European matrimonial certificates S

[F55 33.27A. (1) The [F56 sheriff clerk] shall, on the request of any interested party, issue a certificate in Form F42 or Form F43, pursuant to Article 32 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1347/2000 of 29th May 2000 on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility for children of both spouses.

(2) Any request under paragraph (1) shall be made by the interested party by letter addressed to the sheriff clerk of the court where the decree to which the request relates was granted, and shall be accompanied by any execution of service or intimation of the judgment to the defender.]

Textual Amendments

F55 Sch. 1 rule 33.27A inserted (2.4.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/144, para. 2(1)(3)

F56 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33. 27A(1) substituted (2.1.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Miscellaneous) 2005 (S.S.I. 2005/648), art. 2(2)