Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973

[F13(1)The Court of Session has jurisdiction to entertain proceedings for the divorce or separation of the parties to a same sex marriage if (and only if) [F2either of the parties to the marriage] —U.K.

[F3(a)is domiciled in Scotland on the date when the proceedings are begun, or

(b)was habitually resident in Scotland throughout the period of one year ending with that date.]

(2)The sheriff court has jurisdiction to entertain proceedings for the divorce or separation of the parties to a same sex marriage if (and only if)—

(a)the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of sub-paragraph (1) are met, and

(b)either party to the marriage—

(i)was resident in the sheriffdom for a period of 40 days ending with the date on which the proceedings are begun, or

(ii)had been resident in the sheriffdom for a period of not less than 40 days ending not more than 40 days before that date, and has no known residence in Scotland on that date.

(3)Despite sub-paragraph (2), the sheriff court of the sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders at Edinburgh also has jurisdiction to entertain proceedings for the divorce or separation of the parties to a same sex marriage if the following requirements are met—

(a)the parties married each other in Scotland,

(b)no court has, or is recognised as having, jurisdiction F4..., and

(c)it appears to the court to be in the interests of justice to assume jurisdiction in the case.]

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 1B inserted (1.9.2014 for specified purposes, 16.12.2014 in so far as not already in force) by Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 5), s. 36, Sch. 1 para. 1(4); S.S.I. 2014/212, art. 2, Sch. (as amended (1.9.2014) by S.S.I. 2014/218, art. 2(3), Sch.); S.S.I. 2014/287, art. 3, Sch.