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Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907

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Version Superseded: 01/11/1996

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Point in time view as at 03/04/2017.

Changes to legislation:

Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907, First Schedule is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 03 December 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

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F1First ScheduleS ORDINARY CAUSE RULES 1993

Textual Amendments

F1Sch. 1 (with appendices 1 and 2) substituted (1.1.1994) for Sch. 1 (with appendix) by S.I. 1993/1956, para. 2, Sch.1.

Sch. 1 (except rule 29.10) excluded (1.4.1997) by S.I. 1997/291, para. 3.24, Sch. 3

Sch. 1 extended (14.2.2000) by S.I. 2000/124, reg. 30(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Initiation and progress of causesS

CHAPTER 1SCITATION, INTERPRETATION, REPRESENTATION AND FORMS

CitationS

1.1.These Rules may be cited as the Ordinary Cause Rules 1993.

InterpretationS

1.2.(1)In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires—

  • “document” has the meaning assigned to it in section 9 of the M1Civil Evidence (Scotland) Act 1988;

  • [F2“enactment” includes an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament;]

  • “period of notice” means the period determined under rule 3.6 (period of notice after citation).

  • [F3“the Act of 2004” means the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004]

  • [F4“the 2014 Act” means the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014;

  • “the all-Scotland sheriff court” means the sheriff court specified in the All-Scotland Sheriff Court (Sheriff Personal Injury Court) Order 2015 so far as the court is constituted by a sheriff sitting in the exercise of the sheriff’s all-Scotland jurisdiction for the purpose of dealing with civil proceedings of a type specified in that Order.]

(2)For the purposes of these Rules—

(a)“affidavit” includes an affirmation and a statutory or other declaration; and

(b)an affidavit shall be sworn or affirmed before a notary public or any other competent authority.

(3)Where a provision in these Rules requires a party to intimate or send a document to another party, it shall be sufficient compliance with that provision if the document is intimated or sent to the solicitor acting in the cause for that party.

(4)Unless the context otherwise requires, anything done or required to be done under a provision in these Rules by a party may be done by the agent for that party acting on his behalf.

(5)Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a specified Chapter, Part, rule or form, is a reference to the Chapter, Part, rule or form in Appendix 1, so specified in these Rules; and a reference to a specified paragraph, sub-paragraph or head is a reference to that paragraph of the rule or form, that sub-paragraph of that paragraph or that head of that sub-paragraph, in which the reference occurs.

[F5(7)In these Rules—

(a)references to a sheriff’s all-Scotland jurisdiction are to be construed in accordance with section 42(3) of the 2014 Act;

(b)references to a sheriff’s local jurisdiction are to be construed in accordance with section 42(4) of the 2014 Act.]

[F6(8)In these Rules, a reference to any document being authenticated, certified, signed, signed and dated, or endorsed by the sheriff, sheriff clerk, the court or the clerk of court includes a reference to that document being authenticated electronically by that person or court, as the case may be.]

Textual Amendments

F3Sch. 1 rule 1.2(1): definition of "the Act of 2004" inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), para. 2(2)

Marginal Citations

RepresentationS

1.3.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), a party to any proceedings arising solely under the provisions of the M2Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 shall be entitled to be represented by a person other than a solicitor or an advocate provided that the sheriff is satisfied that such person is a suitable representative and is duly authorised to represent that party.

F7(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F8(3)A party may be represented by any person authorised under any enactment to conduct proceedings in the sheriff court in accordance with the terms of that enactment.

(4)The person referred to in paragraph (3) may do everything for the preparation and conduct of an action as may have been done by an individual conducting his own action.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Lay supportS

[F91.3A.(1)At any time during proceedings the sheriff may, on the request of a party litigant, permit a named individual to assist the litigant in the conduct of the proceedings by sitting beside or behind (as the litigant chooses) the litigant at hearings in court or in chambers and doing such of the following for the litigant as he or she requires—

(a)providing moral support;

(b)helping to manage the court documents and other papers;

(c)taking notes of the proceedings;

(d)quietly advising on—

(i)points of law and procedure;

(ii)issues which the litigant might wish to raise with the sheriff;

(iii)questions which the litigant might wish to ask witnesses.

(2)It is a condition of such permission that the named individual does not receive from the litigant, whether directly or indirectly, any remuneration for his or her assistance.

(3)The sheriff may refuse a request under paragraph (1) only if—

(a)the sheriff is of the opinion that the named individual is an unsuitable person to act in that capacity (whether generally or in the proceedings concerned); or

(b)the sheriff is of the opinion that it would be contrary to the efficient administration of justice to grant it.

(4)Permission granted under paragraph (1) endures until the proceedings finish or it is withdrawn under paragraph (5); but it is not effective during any period when the litigant is represented.

(5)The sheriff may, of his or her own accord or on the motion of a party to the proceedings, withdraw permission granted under paragraph (1); but the sheriff must first be of the opinion that it would be contrary to the efficient administration of justice for the permission to continue.

(6)Where permission has been granted under paragraph (1), the litigant may—

(a)show the named individual any document (including a court document); or

(b)impart to the named individual any information,

which is in his or her possession in connection with the proceedings without being taken to contravene any prohibition or restriction on the disclosure of the document or the information; but the named individual is then to be taken to be subject to any such prohibition or restriction as if he or she were the litigant.

(7)Any expenses incurred by the litigant as a result of the support of an individual under paragraph (1) are not recoverable expenses in the proceedings.]

Textual Amendments

FormsS

1.4.Where there is a reference to the use of a form in these Rules, that form in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, as the case may be, to these Rules, or a form substantially to the same effect, shall be used with such variation as circumstances may require.

[F10CHAPTER 1ASLAY REPRESENTATION

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretationS

1A.1.(1)This Chapter is without prejudice to any enactment (including any other provision in these Rules) under which provision is, or may be, made for a party to a particular type of case before the sheriff to be represented by a lay representative.

(2)In this Chapter, a “lay representative” means a person who is not—

(a)a solicitor;

(b)an advocate, or

(c)someone having a right to conduct litigation, or a right of audience, by virtue of section 27 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990.

Lay representation for party litigantsS

1A.2.(1)In any proceedings in respect of which no provision as mentioned in rule 1A.1(1) is in force, the sheriff may, on the request of a party litigant, permit a named individual (a “lay representative”) to appear, along with the litigant, at a specified hearing for the purpose of making oral submissions on behalf of the litigant at that hearing.

(2)An application under paragraph (1)—

(a)is to be made orally on the date of the first hearing at which the litigant wishes a named individual to make oral submissions; and

(b)is to be accompanied by a document, signed by the named individual, in Form 1A.2.

(3)The sheriff may grant an application under paragraph (1) only if the sheriff is of the opinion that it would assist his or her consideration of the case to grant it.

(4)It is a condition of permission granted by the sheriff that the lay representative does not receive directly or indirectly from the litigant any remuneration or other reward for his or her assistance.

(5)The sheriff may grant permission under paragraph (1) in respect of one or more specified hearings in the case; but such permission is not effective during any period when the litigant is legally represented.

(6)The sheriff may, of his or her own accord or on the motion of a party to the proceedings, withdraw permission granted under paragraph (1).

(7)Where permission has been granted under paragraph (1), the litigant may—

(a)show the lay representative any document (including a court document); or

(b)impart to the lay representative any information,

which is in his or her possession in connection with the proceedings without being taken to contravene any prohibition or restriction on the disclosure of the document or the information; but the lay representative is then to be taken to be subject to any such prohibition or restriction as if he or she were the litigant.

(8)Any expenses incurred by the litigant in connection with lay representation under this rule are not recoverable expenses in the proceedings.]

CHAPTER 2SRELIEF FROM COMPLIANCE WITH RULES

Relief from failure to comply with rulesS

2.1.(1)The sheriff may relieve a party from the consequences of failure to comply with a provision in these Rules which is shown to be due to mistake, oversight or other excusable cause, on such conditions as he thinks fit.

(2)Where the sheriff relieves a party from the consequences of a failure to comply with a provision in these Rules under paragraph (1), he may make such order as he thinks fit to enable the cause to proceed as if the failure to comply with the provision had not occurred.

CHAPTER 3SCOMMENCEMENT OF CAUSES

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Form of initial writS

3.1.[F11(1)A cause shall be commenced–

(a)in the case of an ordinary cause, by initial writ in Form G1; or

(b)in the case of a commercial action within the meaning of Chapter 40, by initial writ in Form G1A.] [F12; or

(c)in the case of a personal injuries action within the meaning of Part AI of Chapter 36, by initial writ in Form PI1.]

[F13(d)in the case of a personal injuries action appointed to proceed in accordance with Chapter 36A under rule 36.C1, by initial writ in Form G1 which includes an interlocutor in Form PI4.]

(2)The initial writ shall be written, typed or printed on A4 size paper of durable quality and shall not be backed or folded.

(3)Where the pursuer has reason to believe that an [F14agreement] exists prorogating jurisdiction over the subject-matter of the cause to another court, the [F15initial] writ shall contain details of that agreement.

(4)Where the pursuer has reason to believe that proceedings are pending before another court involving the same cause of action and between the same parties as those named in the instance of the initial writ, the [F15initial] writ shall contain details of those proceedings.

(5)An article of condescendence shall be included in the [F15initial] writ averring—

(a)the ground of jurisdiction; and

(b)the facts upon which the ground of jurisdiction is based.

[F16(5A)Where a personal injuries action within the meaning of Part A1 of Chapter 36 is raised in Edinburgh Sheriff Court the initial writ must include an averment indicating whether the proceedings are for determination in the exercise of the sheriff’s all-Scotland jurisdiction or the sheriff’s local jurisdiction.

(5B)Where an averment is included indicating that the proceedings are for determination in the exercise of the sheriff’s all-Scotland jurisdiction, the heading of the initial writ must state that the action is being raised in the all-Scotland sheriff court.]

(6)Where the residence, registered office or place of business, as the case may be, of the defender is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained, the pursuer shall set out in the instance that the whereabouts of the defender are not known and aver in the condescendence what steps have been taken to ascertain his present whereabouts.

(7)The initial writ shall be signed by the pursuer or his solicitor (if any) and the name and address of that solicitor shall be stated on the back of every service copy of that writ.

Textual Amendments

F11Sch. 1 rule 3.1(1)(a)(b) substituted for rule 3.1(1) (1.3.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/8, para. 2(1)(2)

F14Word in sch. 1 rule 3.1(3) substituted (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(2)(a)(i)

F15Word in sch. 1 rule 3.1(3)-(5) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(2)(a)(ii)(b)(c)

Actions relating to heritable propertyS

3.2.(1)In an action relating to heritable property, it shall not be necessary to call as a defender any person by reason only of any interest he may have as the holder of a heritable security over the heritable property.

(2)Intimation of such an action shall be made to the holder of the heritable security referred to in paragraph (1)—

(a)where the action relates to any heritable right or title; and

(b)in any other case, where the sheriff so orders.

F17(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Actions relating to regulated agreementsS

[F183.2A.In an action which relates to a regulated agreement within the meaning given by section 189(1) of the Consumer Credit Act 1974—

(a)the initial writ shall include an averment that such an agreement exists and details of that agreement; and

(b)a copy of the regulated agreement shall be attached to the initial writ.]

Textual Amendments

Warrants of citationS

3.3.(1)The warrant of citation in any cause other than—

(a)a family action within the meaning of rule 33.1(1),

(b)an action of multiplepoinding,

(c)an action in which a time to pay direction under the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F19 or a time order under the Consumer Credit Act 1974] may be applied for by the defender,

F20(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F21(e)a civil partnership action within the meaning of rule 33A.1(1).]

shall be in [F22Form O1].

(2)In a cause in which a time to pay direction under the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F23or a time order under the Consumer Credit Act 1974] may be applied for the defender, the warrant of citation shall be in [F22Form O2].

(3)In a cause in which a warrant of citation in accordance with [F22Form O2] is appropriate, there shall be served on the defender (with the initial writ and warrant) a notice in [F22Form O3].

F24(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F21Sch. 1 rule 3.3(1)(e) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(2)}

F22Words in rule 3.3 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(3)

Warrants for arrestment to found jurisdictionS

3.4.(1)Where an application for a warrant for arrestment to found jurisdiction may be made, it shall be made in the crave of the [F25initial] writ.

(2)Averments to justify the granting of such a warrant shall be included in the condescendence.

Textual Amendments

F25Word in rule 3.4(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(4)

Warrants and precepts for arrestment on dependenceS

F263.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Period of notice after citationS

3.6.(1)Subject to rule 5.6(1) (service where address of person is not known) and to paragraph (2) of this rule, a cause shall proceed after one of the following periods of notice has been given to the defender:—

(a)where the defender is resident or has a place of business within Europe, 21 days after the date of execution of service; or

(b)where the defender is resident or has a place of business outside Europe, 42 days after the date of execution of service.

(2)Subject to paragraph (3), the sheriff may, on cause shown, shorten or extend the period of notice on such conditions as to the method or manner of service as he thinks fit.

(3)A period of notice may not be reduced to a period of less than 2 days.

(4)Where a period of notice expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or public or court holiday, the period of notice shall be deemed to expire on the next day on which the sheriff clerk’s office is open for civil court business.

[F27CHAPTER 3ASPERSONAL INJURY PRE-ACTION PROTOCOL

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretationS

3A.1.(1)This Chapter applies to an action of damages for, or arising from, personal injuries.

(2)In this Chapter “the Protocol” means the Personal Injury Pre-Action Protocol set out in Appendix 4, and references to the “aims of the Protocol”, “requirements of the Protocol” and “stages of the Protocol” are to be construed accordingly.

Requirement to comply with the ProtocolS

3A.2.In any case where the Protocol applies, the court will normally expect parties to have complied with the requirements of the Protocol before proceedings are commenced.

Consequences of failing to comply with the ProtocolS

3A.3.(1)This rule applies where the sheriff considers that a party (“party A”)—

(a)failed, without just cause, to comply with the requirements of the Protocol; or

(b)unreasonably failed to accept an offer in settlement which was—

(i)made in accordance with the Protocol; and

(ii)lodged as a tender during the period beginning with the commencement of proceedings and ending with the lodging of defences.

(2)The sheriff may, on the sheriff’s own motion, or on the motion of any party, take any steps the sheriff considers necessary to do justice between the parties, and may in particular—

(a)sist the action to allow any party to comply with the requirements of the Protocol;

(b)make an award of expenses against party A;

(c)modify an award of expenses; or

(d)make an award regarding the interest payable on any award of damages.

(3)A motion made by a party under paragraph (2) must include a summary of—

(a)the steps taken by parties under the Protocol with a view to settling the action; and

(b)that party’s assessment of the extent to which parties have complied with the requirements of the Protocol.

(4)In considering what steps (if any) to take under paragraph (2), the sheriff must take into account—

(a)the nature of any breach of the requirements of the Protocol; and

(b)the conduct of the parties during the stages of the Protocol.

(5)In assessing the conduct of the parties, the sheriff must have regard to the extent to which that conduct is consistent with the aims of the Protocol.

(6)This rule does not affect any other enactment or rule of law allowing the sheriff to make or modify awards regarding expenses and interest.]

F28F28CHAPTER 4S

Textual Amendments

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHAPTER 5SCITATION, SERVICE AND INTIMATION

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Signature of warrantsS

5.1.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), a warrant for citation, [F29 or intimation] may be signed by the sheriff or sheriff clerk.

(2)The following warrants shall be signed by the sheriff:—

(a)a warrant containing an order shortening or extending the period of notice or any other order other than a warrant which the sheriff clerk may sign;

[F30(b)a warrant for arrestment to found jurisdiction [F31(including the arrestment of a ship)];

(ba)a warrant for arrestment on the dependence;]

(c)a warrant for intimation ordered under rule 33.8 (intimation where [F32alleged] association).

[F33(d)a warrant for intimation ordered under rule 33A.8 (intimation where alleged association).]

[F34(e)a warrant for arrestment of a ship to found jurisdiction;

(f)a warrant for arrestment of a ship or cargo in rem;

(g)a warrant for arrestment of cargo.]

(3)Where the sheriff clerk refuses to sign a warrant which he may sign, the party presenting the initial writ may apply to the sheriff for the warrant.

Textual Amendments

F32Word in Sch. 1 rule 5.1(2)(c) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(3)(a)

F33Sch. 1 rule 5.1(2)(d) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(3)(b)

Form of citation and certificateS

5.2.(1)Subject to rule 5.6 (service where address of person is not known), in any cause other than—

(a)a family action within the meaning of rule 33.1(1),

[F35(aa)a civil partnership action within the meaning of rule 33A.1(1);]

(b)an action of multiplepoinding, F36. . .

(c)an action in which a time to pay direction under the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F37or a time order under the Consumer Credit Act 1974] may be applied for by the defender, [F38or]

F39(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F40citation of] any person shall be in Form O4 which shall be attached to a copy of the [F41initial] writ and warrant of citation and shall have appended to it a notice of intention to defend in Form O7.

(2)In a cause in which a time to pay direction under the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F42or a time order under the Consumer Credit Act 1974] may be applied for by the defender, citation shall be in Form O5 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 O7.

F43(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)The certificate of citation in any cause other than a family action within the meaning of rule 33.1(1) or an action of multiplepoinding shall be in Form O6 which shall be attached to the initial writ.

(4)Where citation is by a sheriff officer, one witness shall be sufficient for the execution of citation.

(5)Where citation is by a sheriff officer, the certificate of citation shall be signed by the sheriff officer and the witness and shall state—

(a)the method of citation; and

(b)where the method of citation was other than personal or postal citation, the full name and designation of any person to whom the citation was delivered.

(6)Where citation is executed under paragraph 3 of rule 5.4 (depositing or affixing by sheriff officer), the certificate shall include a statement—

(a)of the method of service previously attempted;

(b)of the circumstances which prevented such service being executed; and

(c)that a copy was sent in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (4) of that rule.

Textual Amendments

F35Sch. 1 rule 5.2(1)(aa) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(4)}

F36Word in rule 5.2(1)(b) omitted (17.1.2002) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Amendment of Ordinary Cause Rules and Summary Applications, Statutory Applications and Appeals etc. Rules) (Applications under the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act 2001) 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/7), {para. 2(4)(a)}

F38Word in rule 5.2(1)(c) inserted (17.1.2002) by Act of Sederunt (Amendment of Ordinary Cause Rules and Summary Applications, Statutory Applications and Appeals etc. Rules) (Applications under the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act 2001) 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/7), {para. 2(4)(b)}

F40Words in rule 5.2(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(5)(a)

F41Word in rule 5.2(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(5)(b)

Postal service or intimationS

5.3.(1)In any cause in which service or intimation of any document or citation of any person may be by recorded delivery, such service, intimation or citation shall be by the first class recorded delivery service.

(2)Notwithstanding the terms of section 4(2) of the M4Citation Amendment (Scotland) Act 1882 (time from which period of notice reckoned), where service or intimation is by post, the period of notice shall run from the beginning of the day after the date of posting.

(3)On the face of the envelope used for postal service or intimation under this rule there shall be written or printed the following notice:—

“This envelope contains a citation to or intimation from (specify the court). If delivery cannot be made at the address shown it is to be returned immediately to:- The Sheriff Clerk (insert address of sheriff clerk’s office).”

Marginal Citations

Service within Scotland by sheriff officerS

5.4.(1)An initial writ, decree, charge, warrant or any other order or writ following upon such initial writ or decree served by a sheriff officer on any person shall be served—

(a)personally; or

(b)by being left in the hands of a resident at the person’s dwelling place or an employee at his place of business.

(2)Where service is executed under paragraph (1)(b), the certificate of citation or service shall contain the full name and designation of any person in whose hands the intial writ, decree, charge, warrant or other order or writ, as the case may be, was left.

(3)Where a sheriff officer has been unsuccessful in executing service in accordance with paragraph (1), he may, after making diligent enquiries, serve the document in question—

(a)by depositing it in that person’s dwelling place or place of business; or

[F44(b)by leaving it at that person’s dwelling place or place of business in such a way that it is likely to come to the attention of that person.]

(4)Subject to rule 6.1 (service of schedule of arrestment), where service is executed under paragraph (3), the sheriff officer shall, as soon as possible after such service, send a letter containing a copy of the document by ordinary first class post to the address at which he thinks it most likely that the person on whom service has been executed may be found.

[F45(5)Where the firm which employs the sheriff officer has in its possession–

(a)the document or a copy of it certified as correct by the pursuer’s solicitor, the sheriff officer may serve the document upon the defender without having the document or certified copy in his possession, in which case he shall if required to do so by the person on whom service is executed and within a reasonable time of being so required, show the document or certified copy to the person; or

(b)a certified copy of the interlocutor pronounced allowing service of the document, the sheriff officer may serve the document without having in his possession the certified copy interlocutor if he has in his possession a facsimile copy of the certified copy interlocutor (which he shall show, if required, to the person on whom service is executed).]

[F46(6)Where service is executed under paragraphs (1)(b) or (3), the document and the citation or notice of intimation, as the case may be, must be placed in an envelope bearing the notice “This envelope contains a citation to or intimation from (insert name of sheriff court)”and sealed by the sheriff officer.]

Textual Amendments

Service on persons furth of ScotlandS

5.5.(1)Subject to the following provisions of this rule, an initial writ, decree, charge, warrant or any other order or writ following upon such initial writ or decree served on a person furth of Scotland shall be served—

(a)at a known residence or place of business in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or any country with which the United Kingdom does not have a convention providing for service of writs in that country—

(i)in accordance with the rules for personal service under the domestic law of the place in which service is to be executed; or

(ii)by posting in Scotland a copy of the document in question in a registered letter addressed to the person at his residence or place of business;

(b)in a country which is a party to the M5Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters dated 15th November 1965 or the Convention in Schedule 1 or 3C to the M6Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982—

(i)by a method prescribed by the internal law of the country where service is to be executed for the service of documents in domestic actions upon persons who are within its territory;

(ii)by or through the central, or other appropriate, authority in the country where service is to be executed at the request of [F47the Scottish Ministers]:

(iii)by or through a British Consular Office in the country where service is to be executed at the request of the [F48Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs];

(iv)where the law of the country in which the person resides permits, by posting in Scotland a copy of the document in a registered letter addressed to the person at his residence; or

(v)where the law of the country in which service is to be executed permits, service by an huissier, other judicial officer or competent official of the country where service is to be executed; F49... [F50 or]

(c)in a country with which the United Kingdom has a convention on the service of writs in that country other than the conventions mentioned in sub-paragraph (b), by one of the methods approved in the relevant convention. [F51; or

(d)F52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F53(1A)In a country to which [F54the EC Service Regulation] applies, service–

(a)may be effected by the methods prescribed in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) and (iii) only in exceptional circumstances; and

(b)is effected only if the receiving agency has informed the person that acceptance of service may be refused on the ground that the document has not been translated in accordance with paragraph (6).]

(2)Any document which requires to be posted in Scotland for the purposes of this rule shall be posted by a solicitor or a sheriff officer; and on the face of the envelope there shall be written or printed the notice set out in rule 5.3(3).

(3)In the case of service by a method referred to in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) and (iii), the pursuer shall—

(a)send a copy of the writ and warrant of service with citation attached, or other document, as the case may be, with a request for service by the method indicated in the request to [F55the Scottish Ministers or, as the case may be,] the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; and

(b)lodge in process a certificate signed by the authority which executed service stating that it has been, and the manner in which it was, served.

(4)In the case of service by a method referred to in paragraph (1)(b)(v), the pursuer or the sheriff officer, shall—

(a)send a copy of the writ and warrant for service with citation attached, or other document, as the case may be, with a request for service by the method indicated in the request to the official in the country in which service is to be executed; and

(b)lodge in process a certificate of the official who executed service stating that it has been, and the manner in which is was, served.

(5)Where service is executed in accordance with paragraph (1)(a)(i) or (1)(b)(i) other than on another party in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, the party executing service shall lodge a certificate by a person who is conversant with the law of the country concerned and who practises or has practised law in that country or is a duly accredited representative of the Government of that country, stating that the method of service employed is in accordance with the law of the place where service was executed.

(6)Every writ, document, citation or notice on the face of the envelope mentioned in rule 5.3(3) shall be accompanied by a translation in an official language of the country in which service is to be executed unless English is F56. . .

[F57(a)an official language of the country in which service is to be executed; or

(b)in a country to which [F58the EC Service Regulation] applies, a language of the member state of transmission that is understood by the person on whom service is being executed.]

(7)A translation referred to in paragraph (6) shall be certified as correct by the person making it; and the certificate shall—

(a)include his full name, address and qualifications; and

(b)be lodged with the execution of citation or service.

[F59(8)In this rule “the EC Service Regulation” means Regulation (EC) No. 1393/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13th November 2007 on the service in the Member States of judicial and extrajudicial documents in civil or commercial matters (service of documents), and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No. 1348/2000, as amended from time to time.]

Textual Amendments

F48Words in Sch. 1 rule 5.5(1)(b)(ii)(iii) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(6)

Marginal Citations

M5Cmnd. 3986 (1969).

Service where address of person is not knownS

5.6.[F60(A1)Subject to rule 6.A7 this rule applies to service where the address of a person is not known.]

(1)Where the address of a person to be cited or served with a document is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained, the sheriff shall grant warrant for citation or service upon that person—

(a)by the publication of an advertisement in Form G3 in a specified newspaper circulating in the area of the last known address of that person, or

(b)by displaying on the walls of court a copy of the instance and crave of the initial writ, the warrant of citation and a notice in Form G4;

and the period of notice fixed by the sheriff shall run from the date of publication of the advertisement or display on the walls of court, as the case may be.

(2)Where service requires to be executed under paragraph (1), the pursuer shall lodge a service copy of the intial writ and a copy of any warrant of citation with the sheriff clerk from whom they may be uplifted by the person for whom they are intended.

(3)Where a person has been cited or served in accordance with paragraph (1) and, after the cause has commenced, his address becomes known, the sheriff may allow the initial writ to be amended subject to such conditions as to re-service, intimation, expenses or transfer of the cause as he thinks fit.

(4)Where advertisement in a newspaper is required for the purpose of citation or service under this rule, a copy of the newspaper containing the advertisement shall be lodged with the sheriff clerk by the pursuer.

(5)Where display on the walls of court is required under paragraph (1)(b), the pursuer shall supply to the sheriff clerk for that purpose a certified copy of the instance and crave of the initial writ and any warrant of citation.

Textual Amendments

Persons carrying on business under trading or descriptive nameS

5.7.(1)A person carrying on a business under a trading or descriptive name may sue or be sued in such trading or descriptive name alone; and an extract—

(a)of a decree pronounced in the sheriff court, or

(b)of a decree proceeding upon any deed, decree arbitral, bond, protest of a bill, promissory note or banker’s note or upon any other obligation or document on which execution may proceed, recorded in the sheriff court books F61. . .,

[F62against such person under such trading or descriptive name shall be a valid] warrant for diligence against such person.

(2)An initial writ, decree, charge, warrant or any other order or writ following upon such initial writ or decree in a cause in which a person carrying on business under a trading or descriptive name sues or is sued in that name shall be served—

(a)at any place of business or office at which such business is carried on within the sheriffdom of the sheriff court in which the cause is brought; or

(b)where there is no place of business within that sheriffdom, at any place where such business is carried on (including the place of business or office of the clerk or secretary of any company, corporation or association or firm).

Textual Amendments

F61Words in rule 5.7(1)(b) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(7)(a)

F62Words in rule 5.7(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(7)(b)

Endorsation unnecessaryS

5.8.An initial writ, decree, charge, warrant or any other order or writ following upon such initial writ or decree may be served, enforced or otherwise lawfully executed anywhere in Scotland without endorsation by a sheriff clerk; and, if executed by a sheriff officer, may be so executed by a sheriff officer of the court which granted it or by a sheriff officer of the sheriff court district in which it is to be executed.

Re-serviceS

5.9.Where it appears to the sheriff that there has been any failure or irregularity in citation or service on a person, he may order the pursuer to re-serve the initial writ on such conditions as he thinks fit.

No objection to regularity of citation, service or intimationS

5.10.(1)A person who appears in a cause shall not be entitled to state any objection to the regularity of the execution of citation, service or intimation on him; and his appearance shall remedy any defect in such citation, service or intimation.

(2)Nothing in paragraph (1) shall preclude a party from pleading that the court has no jurisdiction.

CHAPTER 6S[F63INTERIM DILIGENCE]

Textual Amendments

InterpretationS

[F646.A1.In this Chapter–

  • “the 1987 Act” means the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 M7; and

  • “the 2002 Act” means the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 M8.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Application for interim diligenceS

6.A2.(1)The following shall be made by motion–

(a)an application under section 15D(1) of the 1987 Act for warrant for diligence by arrestment or inhibition on the dependence of an action or warrant for arrestment on the dependence of an admiralty action;

(b)an application under section 9C of the 2002 Act for warrant for interim attachment.

(2)Such an application must be accompanied by a statement in Form G4A.

(3)A certified copy of an interlocutor granting a motion under paragraph (1) shall be sufficient authority for the execution of the diligence concerned.

Textual Amendments

Effect of authority for inhibition on the dependenceS

6.A3.(1)Where a person has been granted authority for inhibition on the dependence of an action, a certified copy of the interlocutor granting the motion may be registered with a certificate of execution in the Register of Inhibitions and Adjudications.

[F65(2)A notice of a certified copy of an interlocutor granting authority for inhibition under rule 6.A2 may be registered in the Register of Inhibitions and Adjudications; and such registration is to have the same effect as registration of a notice of inhibition under section 155(2) of the Titles to Land Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1868 F66.]

Textual Amendments

F661868 c. 101.Section 155(2) was substituted by the Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007, section 149.

Recall etc of arrestment or inhibitionS

6.A4.[F67(1)]An application by any person having an interest–

(a)to loose, restrict, vary or recall an arrestment or an interim attachment; or

(b)to recall, in whole or in part, or vary, an inhibition,

shall be made by motion.

[F68(2)A motion under paragraph (1) shall—

(a)specify the name and address of each of the parties;

(b)where it relates to an inhibition, contain a description of the inhibition including the date of registration in the Register of Inhibitions and Adjudications.]

Textual Amendments

Incidental applications in relation to interim diligence, etcS

6.A5.An application under Part 1A of the 1987 Act or Part 1A of the 2002 Act other than mentioned above shall be made by motion.

Textual Amendments

6.A6.SF69. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Service of inhibition on the dependence where address of defender not knownS

6.A7.(1)Where the address of a defender is not known to the pursuer, an inhibition on the dependence shall be deemed to have been served on the defender if the schedule of inhibition is left with or deposited at the office of the sheriff clerk of the sheriff court district where the defender's last known address is located.

(2)Where service of an inhibition on the dependence is executed under paragraph (1), a copy of the schedule of inhibition shall be sent by the sheriff officer by first class post to the defender's last known address.

Textual Amendments

Form of schedule of arrestment on the dependenceS

[F706.A8.(1)An arrestment on the dependence shall be served by serving the schedule of arrestment on the arrestee in Form G4B.

(2)A certificate of execution shall be lodged with the sheriff clerk in Form G4C.]]

Textual Amendments

Service of schedule of arrestmentS

6.1.If a schedule of arrestment has not been personally served on an arrestee, the arrestment shall have effect only if a copy of the schedule is also sent by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service to—

(a)the last known place of residence of the arrestee, or

(b)if such place of residence is not known, or if the arrestee is a firm or corporation, to the arrestee’s principal place of business if known, or, if not known, to any known place of business of the arrestee;

and the sheriff officer shall, on the certificate of execution, certifiy that this has been done and specify the address to which the copy of the schedule was sent.

6.2SF71. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Movement of arrested propertyS

F726.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 7S UNDEFENDED CAUSES

Application of this ChapterS

7.1.This Chapter applies to any cause other than an action in which the sheriff may not grant decree without evidence.

Minute for granting of decree without attendanceS

7.2.(1)Subject to the following paragraphs, where the defender—

(a)does not lodge a notice of intention to defend,

(b)does not lodge an application for a time to pay direction under the M9Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F73or a time order under the Consumer Credit Act 1974],

(c)has lodged such an application for a time to pay direction [F74or time order] and the pursuer does not object to the application or to any recall or restriction of an arrestment sought in the application,

the sheriff may, on the pursuer endorsing a minute for decree on the initial writ, at any time after the expiry of the period for lodging that notice or application, grant decree in absence or other order in terms of the minute so endorsed without requiring the attendance of the pursuer in court.

(2)The sheriff shall not grant decree under paragraph (1)—

(a)unless it appears ex facie of the initial writ that a ground of jurisdiction exists under the M10Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 where that Act applies; and

(b)the cause is not a cause—

(i)in which decree may not be granted without evidence;

(ii)to which paragraph (4) applies; or

(iii)to which rule 33.31 (procedure in undefended family action for [F75a section 11 order]) applies.

(3)Where a defender is domiciled in another part of the United Kingdom or in another Contracting State, the sheriff shall not grant decree in absence until it has been shown that the defender has been able to receive the initial writ in sufficient time to arrange for his defence or that all necessary steps have been taken to that end; and for the purposes of this paragraph—

(a)the question whether a person is domiciled in another part of the United Kingdom shall be determined in accordance with sections 41 and 42 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982;

(b)the question whether a person is domiciled in another Contracting State shall be determined in accordance with Article 52 of [F76the Convention in]Schedule 1 or 3C to that Act; and

(c)the term “Contracting State” has the meaning assigned in section 1 of that Act.

(4)Where an initial writ has been served in a country to which the M11Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Exta-Judicial Documents in [F77Civil or Commercial] Matters dated 15th November 1965 applies, decree shall not be granted until it is established to the satisfaction of the sheriff that the requirements of Article 15 of that Convention have been complied with.

Textual Amendments

F75Words in rule 7.2(2)(b)(iii) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch., para. 1

F76Words in rule 7.2(3)(b) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(8)(a)

F77Words in rule 7.2(4) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(8)(b)

Marginal Citations

M11Cmnd. 3986 (1969).

Applications for time to pay directions [F78or time orders] in undefended causesS

7.3.(1)This rule applies to a cause in which

[F79(a)] a time to pay direction may be applied for under the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F80; or

(b)a time order may be applied for under the Consumer Credit Act 1974]

(2)A defender in a cause which is otherwise undefended, who wishes to apply for a time to pay direction [F81or time order], and where appropriate, to have an arrestment recalled or restricted, shall complete and lodge with the sheriff clerk the appropriate part of Form O3 before the expiry of the period of notice.

[F82(2A)As soon as possible after the application of the defender is lodged, the sheriff clerk shall send a copy of it to the pursuer by first class ordinary post.]

(3)Where the pursuer does not object to the application of the defender made in accordance with paragraph (2), he shall minute for decree in accordance with rule 7.2; and the sheriff may grant decree or other order in terms of the application and minute.

[F83(4)Where the pursuer objects to the application of the defender made in accordance with paragraph (2) he shall on the same date—

(a)complete and lodge with the sheriff clerk Form O3A;

(b)minute for decree in accordance with rule 7.2; and

(c)send a copy of Form O3A to the defender.

(4A)The sheriff clerk shall then fix a hearing on the application of the defender and intimate the hearing to the pursuer and the defender.

(4B)The hearing must be fixed for a date within 28 days of the date on which the Form O3A and the minute for decree are lodged.]

(5)The sheriff may determine an application in which a hearing has been fixed under paragraph (4) whether or not any of the parties appear.

Textual Amendments

Decree for expensesS

7.4.On granting decree in abence or thereafter, the sheriff may grant decree for expenses.

Finality of decree in absenceS

7.5.Subject to section 9(7) of the M12Land Tenure Reform (Scotland) Act 1974 (decree in action of removing for breach of condition of long lease to be final when extract recorded in Register of Sasines), a decree in absence which has not been recalled or brought under review by suspension or by reduction shall become final and shall have effect as a decree in foro contentioso—

(a)on the expiry of six months from the date of the decree or from the date of a charge made under it, [F84as the case may be,]where the service of the initial writ or of the charge has been personal; and

(b)in any event, on the expiry of 20 years from the date of the decree.

Textual Amendments

F84Words in rule 7.5(a) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(9)

Marginal Citations

Amendment of initial writS

7.6.(1)In an undefended cause, the sheriff may—

(a)allow the pursuer to amend the initial writ in any way permitted by rule 18.2 (powers of sheriff to allow amendment); and

(b)order the amended [F85initial] writ to be re-served on the defender on such period of notice as he thinks fit.

(2)The defender shall not be liable for the expense occasioned by any such amendment unless the sheriff so orders.

(3)Where an amendment has been allowed under paragraph (1), the amendment—

(a)shall not validate diligence used on the dependence of a cause so as to prejudice the rights of [F86creditors of] the party against whom the diligence has been executed, who are interested in defeating such diligence; and

(b)shall preclude any objection to such diligence stated by a party or any person by virtue of a title acquired or in right of a debt contracted by him subsequent to the execution of such diligence.

Textual Amendments

F85Word in rule 7.6(1)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(10)(a)

F86Words in rule 7.6(3)(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(10)(b)

Disapplication of certain rulesS

F87[7.7.The following rules in Chapter 15 (motions) shall not apply to an action in which no notice of intention to defend has been lodged or to any action in so far as it proceeds as undefended:–

  • rule 15.2 (intimation of motions),

  • rule 15.3 (opposition to motions),

  • rule 15.5 (hearing of motions).]

Textual Amendments

F87Rule 7.7 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(11)

CHAPTER 8SREPONING

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

ReponingS

8.1.(1)In any cause other than—

(a)a cause mentioned in [F88rule 33.1(a) to (h) or (n) to (p)] (certain family actions), or

[F89(aa)a cause mentioned in rule 33A.1(a), (b) or (f) (certain civil partnership actions);]

(b)a cause to which Chapter 37 (causes under the Presumption of death (Scotland) Act 1977) applies,

the defender [F90or any party with a statutory title or interest] may apply to be reponed by lodging with the sheriff clerk, before implement in full of a decree in absence, a reponing note setting out his proposed defence [F91or the proposed order or direction,] and explaining his failure to appear.

(2)A copy of the note lodged under paragraph (1) shall be served on the pursuer [F92and any other party].

(3)The sheriff may, on considering the reponing note, recall the decree so far as not implemented subject to such order as to expenses as he thinks fit; and the cause shall thereafter proceed as if [F93 –

(a)] the defender had lodged a notice of intention to defend and the period of notice had expired on the date on which the decree in absence was recalled [F94; or

(b)the party seeking the order or direction had lodged the appropriate application on the date when the decree was recalled].

(4)A reponing note, when duly lodged with the sheriff clerk and served upon the pursuer [F95and any other party], shall have effect to sist diligence.

[F96(4A)Where an initial writ has been served on a defender furth of the United Kingdom under rule 5.5(1)(b) (service on persons furth of Scotland) and decree in absence has been pronounced against him as a result of his failure to enter appearance, the court may, on the defender applying to be reponed in accordance with paragraph (1) above, recall the decree and allow defences to be received if–

(a)without fault on his part, he did not have knowledge of the initial writ in sufficient time to defend;

(b)he has disclosed aprima facie defence to the action on the merits; and

(c)the reponing note is lodged within a reasonable time after he had knowledge of the decree or in any event before the expiry of one year from the date of decree.]

(5)Any interlocutor or order recalling, or incidental to the recall of, a decree in absence shall be final and not subject to appeal.

Textual Amendments

F89Sch. 1 rule 8.1(1)(aa) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(5)(b)

F96Sch. 1 rule 8.1(4A) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(2)

CHAPTER 9S STANDARD PROCEDURE IN DEFENDED CAUSES

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Notice of intention to defendS

9.1.(1)Subject to rules 33.34 (notice of intention to defend and defences in family action) [F97, 33A.34 (notice of intention to defend and defences in civil partnership action)] and 35.8 (lodging of notice of appearance in action of multiplepoinding), where the defender intends to—

(a)challenge the jurisdiction of the court,

(b)state a defence, or

(c)make a counterclaim,

he shall, before the expiry of the period of notice, lodge with the sheriff clerk a notice of intention to defend in Form O7 [F98and,at the same time, send a copy to the pursuer].

(2)The lodging of a notice of intention to defend shall not imply acceptance of the jurisdiction of the court.

[F99(3)This Chapter shall not apply to a commercial action within the meaning of Chapter 40.]

Textual Amendments

F97Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.1(1) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(6)

F98Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.1(1) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 2

F99Sch. 1 rule 9.1(3) inserted (1.3.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/8, para. 2(1)(3)

Fixing date for Options HearingS

9.2.(1)[F100Subject to paragraph (1A),] On the lodging of a notice of intention to defend, the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time for an Options Hearing which date shall be on the first suitable court day occurring not sooner than 10 weeks after the expiry of the period of notice.

[F101(1A)Where in a family action [F102or a civil partnership action]–

(i)the only matters in dispute are an order in terms of section 11 of the M13Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc.); or

(ii)the matters in dispute include an order in terms of section 11 of that Act,

there shall be no requirement to fix an Options Hearing in terms of paragraph (1) above insofar as the matters in dispute relate to an order in terms of section 11(2) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.

[F103(1B)In paragraph (1A) above—

(a)“family action” has the meaning given in rule 33.1(1); and

(b)“civil partnership action” has the meaning given in rule 33A.1(1).]

(2)On fixing the date for the Options Hearing, the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)forthwith intimate to the parties in Form G5—

(i)the last date for lodging defences;

(ii)the last date for adjustment; and

(iii)the date of the Options hearing; and

(b)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording those dates.

(3)The fixing of the date for the Options Hearing shall not affect the right of [F104a party] to make any incidental application to the court.]

Textual Amendments

F100Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.2(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(3)(a)

F101Sch. 1 rule 9.2(1A)(1B) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(3)(b)

F102Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.2(1A) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(7)(a)

F103Sch. 1 rule 9.2(1B) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(7)(b)

F104Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.2(3) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(12)

Marginal Citations

Alteration of date for Options HearingS

[F1059.2A.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), at any time before the date and time fixed under rule 9.2 (fixing date for Options Hearing) or under this rule, the sheriff–

(a)may, of his own motion or on the motion of any party–

(i)discharge the Options Hearing; and

(ii)fix a new date and time for the Options Hearing; or

(b)shall, on the joint motion of the parties–

(i)discharge the Options Hearing; and

(ii)fix a new date and time for the Options Hearing.

(2)The date and time to be fixed–

(a)under paragraph (1)(a)(ii) may be earlier or later than the date and time fixed for the discharged Options Hearing;

(b)under paragraph (1)(b)(ii) shall be earlier than the date and time fixed for the discharged Options Hearing.

(3)Where the sheriff is considering making an order under paragraph (1)(a) of his own motion and in the absence of the parties, the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)fix a date, time and place for the parties to be heard; and

(b)inform the parties of that date, time and place.

(4)The sheriff may discharge a hearing fixed under paragraph (3) on the joint motion of the parties.

(5)On the discharge of the Options Hearing under paragraph (1), the sheriff clerk shall forthwith intimate to all parties–

(a)that the Options Hearing has been discharged under paragraph (1)(a) or (b), as the case may be;

(b)the last date for lodging defences, if appropriate;

(c)the last date for adjustment, if appropriate; and

(d)the new date and time fixed for the Options Hearing under paragraph (1)(a) or (b), as the case may be.

(6)Any reference in these Rules to the Options Hearing or a continuation of it shall include a reference to an Options Hearing for which a date and time has been fixed under this rule.]

Textual Amendments

Return of initial writS

9.3.Subject to rule 9.4 (lodging of pleadings before Options Hearing), the pursuer shall return the initial writ, unbacked and unfolded, to the sheriff clerk within 7 days after the expiry of the period of notice.

Lodging of pleadings before Options HearingS

9.4.Where any hearing, whether by motion or otherwise, is fixed before the Options Hearing, each party shall lodge in process a copy of his pleadings, or, where the pleadings have been adjusted, the pleadings as adjusted, not later than 2 days before the hearing.

Process folderS

9.5.(1)On receipt of the notice of intention to defend, the sheriff clerk shall prepare a process folder which shall include—

(a)interlocutor sheets;

(b)duplicate interlocutor sheets;

(c)a production file;

(d)a motion file; and

(e)an inventory of process.

(2)Any production or part of process lodged in a cause shall be placed in the process folder.

DefencesS

9.6.(1)Where a notice of intention to defend has been lodged, the defender shall [F106(subject to paragraph (3))] lodge defences within 14 days after the expiry of the period of notice.

(2)Subject to rule 19.1(3) (form of defences where counterclaim included), defences shall be in the form of answers in numbered paragraphs corresponding to the articles of the condescendence and shall have appended a note of the pleas-in-law of the defender.

[F107(3)In a family action (within the meaning of rule 33.1(1)) [F108or a civil partnership action (within the meaning of rule 33A.1(1))], neither a crave nor averments need be made in the defences which relate to any order under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.]

Textual Amendments

F106Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.6(1) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 3(a)

F107Sch. 1 rule 9.6(3) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 3(b)

F108Words in Sch. 1 rule 9. 6(3) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(8)

Implied admissionsS

9.7.Every statement of fact made by a party shall be answered by every other party, and if such a statement by one party within the knowledge of another party is not denied by that other party, that other party shall be deemed to have admitted that statement of fact.

Adjustment of pleadingsS

9.8.(1)Parties may adjust their pleadings until 14 days before the date of the Options Hearing or any continuation of it.

(2)Any adjustments shall be exchanged between parties and not lodged in process.

(3)Parties shall be responsible for maintaining a record of adjustments made during the period for adjustment.

(4)No adjustments shall be permitted after the period mentioned in paragraph (1) except with leave of the sheriff.

Effect of sist on adjustmentS

9.9.(1)Where a cause has been sisted, any period for adjustment before the sist shall be reckoned as a part of the period for adjustment.

(2)On recall of the sist of a cause, the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)fix a new date for the Options Hearing;

(b)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording that date; and

(c)intimate that date to each party.

Open recordS

9.10.The sheriff may, at any time before the closing of the record in a cause to which this Chapter applies, of his own motion or on the motion of a party, order any party to lodge a copy of the pleadings in the form of an open record containing any adjustments and amendments made as at the date of the order.

Record for Options HearingS

9.11.(1)The pursuer shall, at the end of the period for adjustment referred to in rule 9.8(1) and before the Options Hearing, make a copy of the pleadings and any adjustments and amendments in the form of a record.

(2)Not later than 2 days before the Options Hearing, the pursuer shall lodge a certified copy of the record in process.

[F109(3)Where the Options Hearing is continued under rule 9.12(5), and further adjustment or amendment is made to the pleadings, a copy of the pleadings as adjusted or amended, certified by the pursuer, shall be lodged in process not later than 2 days before the Options Hearing so continued.]

Textual Amendments

F109Sch. 1 rule 9.11(3) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(14)

Options HearingS

9.12(1)At the Options Hearing the sheriff shall seek to secure the expeditious progress of the cause by ascertaining from the parties the matters in dispute and information about any other matter referred to in paragraph (3).

(2)It shall be the duty of the parties to provide the sheriff with sufficient information to enable him to conduct the hearing as provided for in this rule.

(3)At the Options Hearing the sheriff shall, except where the cause is ordered to proceed under the procedure in Chapter 10 (additional procedure), close the record and—

(a)appoint the cause to a proof and make such orders as to the extent of proof, the lodging of a joint minute of admissions or agreement, or such other matter as he thinks fit;

(b)after having heard parties and considered any note lodged under rule 22.1 (note of basis of preliminary plea), appoint the cause to a proof before answer and make such orders as to the extent of proof, the lodging of a joint minute of admissions or agreement, or such other matter as he thinks fit; or

(c)after having heard parties and considered any note lodged under rule 22.1, appoint the cause to a debate if satisfied that there is a preliminary matter of law which [F110if established following debate would lead to decree in favour of any party, or to limitation of proof to any substantial degree].

[F111(d)consider any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application that has been lodged where no order has been made, or

(e)ascertain whether there is or is likely to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 who is to give evidence at any proof or hearing and whether any order under section 12(1) of the Act of 2004 requires to be made.]

[F112(f)where the cause has been appointed to proof or proof before answer and Chapter 33AA applies, assign a case management hearing.]

(4)At the Options Hearing the sheriff may, having heard parties—

(a)of his own motion or on the motion of any party, and

(b)on being satisfied that the difficulty or complexity of the cause makes it unsuitable for the procedure under this Chapter,

order that the cause proceed under the procedure in Chapter 10 (additional procedure).

(5)The sheriff may, on cause shown, of his motion or on the motion of any party, allow a continuation of the Options Hearing on one occasion only for a period not exceeding 28 days or to the first suitable court day thereafter.

(6)On closing the record—

(a)where there are no adjustments made since the lodging of the record under rule 9.11.(2), that record shall become the closed record; and

(b)where there are such adjustments, the sheriff may order that a closed record including such adjustments be lodged within 7 days after the date of the interlocutor closing the record.

(7)For the purposes of rules 16.2 (decrees where party in default) [F113, 33.37 (decree by default in family action) and 33A.37 (decree by default in civil partnership action)], an Options Hearing shall be a diet in accordance with those rules.

[F114(8)Where the cause is appointed, under paragraph (3), to a proof or proof before answer, the sheriff shall consider whether a pre-proof hearing should be fixed under rule 28A.1.]

[F115(9)Paragraph (8) does not apply where Chapter 33AA applies.]

Textual Amendments

F111Sch. 1 rule 9.12(3)(d)(e) inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), para. 2(3)

F113Words in Sch. 1 rule 9.12(7) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(9)

Inspection and recovery of documentsS

F1169.13.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Exchange of lists of witnessesS

F1179.14.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Applications for time to pay directionsS

F1189.15.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

[F119CHAPTER 9ASDOCUMENTS AND WITNESSES

Textual Amendments

Application of this ChapterS

9A.1.This Chapter applies to any cause proceeding under Chapters 9 and 10.

Inspection and recovery of documentsS

9A.2.(1)Each party shall, within 14 days after the date of the interlocutor allowing proof or proof before answer, intimate to every other party a list of the documents, which are or have been in his possession or control and which he intends to use or put in evidence at the proof, including the whereabouts of those documents.

(2)A party who has received a list of documents from another party under paragraph (1) may inspect those documents which are in the possession or control of the party intimating the list at a time and place fixed by that party which is reasonable to both parties.

(3)A party who seeks to use or put in evidence at a proof a document not on his list intimated under paragraph (1) shall, if any other party objects to such document being used or put in evidence, seek leave of the sheriff to do so; and such leave may be granted on such conditions, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit.

(4)Nothing in this rule shall affect–

(a)the law relating, or the right of a party to object, to the inspection of a document on the ground of privilege or confidentiality; or

(b)the right of a party to apply under rule 28.2 for a commission and diligence for recovery of documents or an order under section 1 of the Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972 F120.

Textual Amendments

Exchange of lists of witnessesS

9A.3.(1)Within 28 days after the date of the interlocutor allowing a proof or proof before answer, each party shall–

(a)intimate to every other party a list of witnesses, including any skilled witnesses, on whose evidence he intends to rely at proof; and

(b)lodge a copy of that list in process.

(2)A party who seeks to rely on the evidence of a person not on his list intimated under paragraph (1) shall, if any other party objects to such evidence being admitted, seek leave of the sheriff to admit that evidence whether it is to be given orally or not; and such leave may be granted on such conditions, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit.

(3)The list of witnesses intimated under paragraph (1) shall include the name, occupation (where known) and address of each intended witness[F121 and indicate whether the witness is considered to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 and whether any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application has been lodged in respect of that witness.]

Textual Amendments

F121Words in Sch. 1 rule 9A.3(3) inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), {art. 2(4)}

Applications in respect of time to pay directions, arrestments and time ordersS

[F1229A.4.An application for–

(a)a time to pay direction under section 1(1) of the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987;

(b)the recall or restriction of an arrestment under section 2(3) or 3(1) of that Act; or

(c)a time order under section 129 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974,

in a cause which is defended, shall be made by motion lodged before the sheriff grants decree.]]

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 10S ADDITIONAL PROCEDURE

Additional period for adjustmentS

10.1.(1)Where, under rule 9.12(4) (order at Options Hearing to proceed under Chapter 10), the sheriff orders that a cause shall proceed in accordance with the procedure in this Chapter, he shall continue the cause for adjustment for a period of 8 weeks.

(2)Paragraphs (2) and (3) of rule 9.8 (exchange and record of adjustments) shall apply to a cause in which a period for adjustment under paragraph (1) of this rule has been allowed as they apply to the period for adjustment under that rule.

Effect of sist on adjustment periodS

10.2.Where a cause has been sisted, any period for adjustment before the sist shall be reckoned as part of the period for adjustment.

Variation of adjustment periodS

10.3.(1)At any time before the expiry of the period for adjustment the sheriff may close the record if parties, of consent or jointly, lodge a motion seeking such an order.

(2)The sheriff may, if satisfied that there is sufficient reason for doing so, extend the period for adjustment for such period as he thinks fit, if any party—

(a)lodges a motion seeking such an order; and

(b)lodges a copy of the record adjusted to the date of lodging of the motion.

(3)A motion lodged under paragraph (2) shall set out—

(a)the reasons for seeking an extension of the period for adjustment; and

(b)the period for adjustment sought.

Order for open recordS

10.4.The sheriff may, at any time before the closing of the record in a cause to which this Chapter applies, of his own motion or on the motion of a party, order any party to lodge a copy of the pleadings in the form of an open record containing any adjustments and amendments made as at the date of the order.

Closing recordS

10.5.(1)On the expiry of the period for adjustment, the record shall be closed and, without the attendance of parties, the sheriff clerk shall forthwith—

(a)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording the closing of the record and fixing the date of the Procedural Hearing under rule 10.6, which date shall be on the first suitable court day occurring not sooner than 21 days after the closing of the record; and

(b)intimate the date of the hearing to each party.

(2)The pursuer shall, within 14 days after the date of the interlocutor closing the record, lodge a certified copy of the closed record in process.

(3)The closed record shall contain only the pleadings of the parties.

Procedural HearingS

10.6.(1)At the Procedural Hearing, the sheriff shall seek to secure the expeditious progress of the cause by ascertaining from the parties the matters in dispute and information about any other matter referred to in paragraph (3).

(2)It shall be the duty of the parties to provide the sheriff with sufficient information to enable him to conduct the hearing as provided for in this rule.

(3)At the Procedural Hearing the sheriff shall—

(a)appoint the cause to a proof and make such orders as to the extent of proof, the lodging of a joint minute of admissions or agreement, or such other matter as he thinks fit;

(b)after having heard the parties and considered any note lodged under rule 22.1 (note of basis of preliminary plea), appoint the cause to a proof before answer and make such orders as to the extent of proof, the lodging of a joint minute of admissions or agreement, or such other matter as he thinks fit; or

(c)after having heard the parties and considered any note lodged under rule 22.1, appoint the cause to a debate if satisfied that there is a preliminary matter of law which [F123if established following debate would lead to decree in favour of any party, or to limitation of proof to any substantial degree].

[F124(d)consider any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application that has been lodged where no order has been made, or

(e)ascertain whether there is or is likely to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 who is to give evidence at any proof or hearing and whether any order under section 12(1) of the Act of 2004 requires to be made.]

[F125(f)where the cause has been appointed to proof or proof before answer and Chapter 33AA applies, assign a case management hearing.]

(4)For the purposes of [F126 rules 16.2 (decrees where party in default), 33.37 (decree by default in family action) and 33A.37 (decree by default in civil partnership action)], a Procedural Hearing shall be a diet in accordance with [F127those rules].

[F128(5)Where the cause is appointed, under paragraph (3), to a proof or proof before answer, the sheriff shall consider whether a pre-proof hearing should be fixed under rule 28A.1]

[F129(6)Paragraph (5) does not apply where Chapter 33AA applies.]

Textual Amendments

F124Sch. 1 rule 10.6(3)(d)(e) inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), para. 2(5)

CHAPTER 11STHE PROCESS

Form and lodging of parts of processS

11.1.All parts of process shall be written, typed or printed on A4 size paper of durable quality and shall be lodged, unbacked and unfolded, with the sheriff clerk.

Custody of processS

11.2.(1)The initial writ, and all other parts of process lodged in a cause, shall be placed by the sheriff clerk in the process folder.

(2)The initial writ, interlocutor sheets, borrowing receipts and the process folder shall remain in the custody of the sheriff clerk.

(3)The sheriff [F130clerk may,] on cause shown, authorise the initial writ to be borrowed by the pursuer, his solicitor or the solicitor’s authorised clerk.

Textual Amendments

F130Words in rule 11.2(3) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(15)

Borrowing and returning of processS

11.3.(1)Subject to paragraph (3), a process, or any part of a process which may be borrowed, may be borrowed only by a solicitor or by his authorised clerk.

(2)All remedies competent to enforce the return of a borrowed process may proceed on the warrant of the court from the custody of which the process was obtained.

(3)A party litigant—

(a)may borrow a process only—

(i)with leave of the sheriff; and

(ii)subject to such conditions as the sheriff may impose; or

(b)may inspect a process and obtain copies, where practicable, from the sheriff clerk.

(4)The sheriff may, on the motion of any party, ordain any other party who has borrowed a part of process to return it within such time as the sheriff thinks fit.

Failure to return parts of processS

11.4.(1)Where a solicitor or party litigant has borrowed any part of process and fails to return it for any diet or hearing at which it is required, the sheriff may impose on such solicitor or party litigant a fine not exceeding £50, which shall be payable to the sheriff clerk; but an order imposing a fine may, on cause shown, be recalled by the sheriff.

(2)An order made under this rule shall not be subject to appeal.

Replacement of lost documentsS

11.5.Where any part of process is lost or destroyed, a copy of it, authenticated in such manner as the sheriff thinks fit, may be substituted for and shall, for the purposes of the cause to which the process relates, be treated as having the same force and effect as the original.

Intimation of parts of process and adjustmentsS

11.6.(1)After a notice of intention to defend has been lodged, any party lodging a part of process or making an adjustment to his pleadings shall [F131, at the same time,] intimate such lodging or adjustment to every other party who has entered the process by delivering to every other party a copy of each part of process or adjustment, including, where practicable, copies of any documentary production.

(2)Unless otherwise provided in these Rules, the party required to give intimation under paragraph (1) shall deliver to every other party who has entered the process a copy of the part of process or adjustment or other document, as the case may be, by—

(a)any of the methods of service provided for in Chapter 5 (citation, service and intimation); or

(b)where intimation is to a party represented by a solicitor—

(i)personal delivery,

(ii)facsimile transmission,

(iii)first class ordinary post,

(iv)delivery to a document exchange,

to that solicitor.

(3)Subject to paragraph (4), where intimation is given under—

(a)paragraph (2)(b)(i) or (ii), it shall be deemed to have been given—

(i)on the day of transmission or delivery where it is given before 5.00 pm on any day; or

(ii)on the day after transmission or delivery where it is given after 5.00 pm on any day; or

(b)paragraph (2)(b)(iii) or (iv), it shall be deemed to have been given on the day after posting or delivery.

(4)Where intimation is given [F132or, but for this paragraph, would be deemedto be given]on a Saturday, Sunday or public or court holiday, it shall be deemed to have been given on the next day on which the sheriff clerk’s office is open for civil court business.

Textual Amendments

F131Words in rule 11.6(1) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(16)(a)

F132Words in rule 11.6(4) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(16)(b)

Retention and disposal of parts of process by sheriff clerkS

11.7.(1)Where any cause has been finally determined and the period for [F133making] an appeal has expired without an appeal having been [F134made], the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)retain—

(i)the initial writ;

(ii)any closed record;

(iii)the interlocutor sheets;

(iv)any joint minute;

(v)any offer and acceptance of tender;

(vi)any report from a person of skill;

(vii)any affidavit; and

(viii)any extended shorthand notes of the proof; and

(b)dispose of all other parts of process (except productions) in such a manner as seems appropriate.

(2)Where an appeal has been [F135made] on the final determination of the cause, the sheriff clerk shall exercise his duties mentioned in paragraph (1) after the final disposal of the appeal and any subsequent procedure.

Textual Amendments

Uplifting of productions from processS

11.8.[F136(1)Where a party has lodged productions in a cause, that party must uplift the productions from process within the period specified in paragraph (1A).

(1A)The period is within 14 days after—

(a)the expiry of the period within which an appeal may be made following final determination of the cause, if no appeal is made; or

(b)the date on which such an appeal is finally disposed of.]

(2)Where any production has not been uplifted as required by paragraph (1), the sheriff clerk shall intimate to—

(a)the solicitor who lodged the production, or

(b)where no solicitor is acting, the party himself or such other party as seems appropriate,

that if he fails to uplift the production within 28 days after the date of such intimation, it will be disposed of in such a manner as the sheriff directs.

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 12STHE PROCESS

Signature of interlocutors by sheriff clerkS

12.1.In accordance with any directions given by the sheriff principal, any interlocutor other than a final interlocutor may be written and signed by the sheriff clerk and—

(a)any interlocutor written and signed by a sheriff clerk shall be treated for all purposes as if it had been written and signed by the sheriff; and

(b)any extract of such an interlocutor shall not be invalid by reason only of its being written and signed by a sheriff clerk.

Further provisions in relation to interlocutorsS

[F13712.2.(1)The sheriff may sign an interlocutor when outwith his or her sheriffdom.

(2)At any time before extract, the sheriff may correct any clerical or incidental error in an interlocutor or note attached to it.

(3)Paragraphs (4) and (5) apply in any cause other than—

(a)an undefended family action within the meaning of rule 33.1(1); or

(b)an undefended civil partnership action within the meaning of rule 33A.1(1).

(4)At the conclusion of any hearing in which evidence has been led, the sheriff shall either—

(a)pronounce an extempore judgment in accordance with rule 12.3; or

(b)reserve judgment in accordance with rule 12.4.

(5)In circumstances other than those mentioned in paragraph (4), the sheriff may, and must when requested by a party, append to the interlocutor a note setting out the reasons for the decision.

(6)A party must make a request under paragraph (5) in writing within 7 days of the date of the interlocutor.

(7)Where a party requests a note of reasons other than in accordance with paragraph (6), the sheriff may provide such a note.

Textual Amendments

F137Sch. 1 rules 12.2-12.4 substituted for Sch. 1 rule 12.2 (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 2(2) (with para. 15)

Extempore judgmentsS

12.3.(1)This rule applies where a sheriff pronounces an extempore judgment in accordance with rule 12.2(4)(a).

(2)The sheriff must state briefly the grounds of his or her decision, including the reasons for his or her decision on any questions of fact or law or of admissibility of evidence.

(3)The sheriff may, and must if requested to do so by a party, append to the interlocutor a note setting out the matters referred to in paragraph (2) and his or her findings in fact and law.

(4)A party must make a request under paragraph (3) in writing within 7 days of the date of the extempore judgment.

(5)Where a party requests a note of reasons other than in accordance with paragraph (4), the sheriff may provide such a note.

Textual Amendments

F137Sch. 1 rules 12.2-12.4 substituted for Sch. 1 rule 12.2 (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 2(2) (with para. 15)

Reserved judgmentsS

12.4.(1)This rule applies where a sheriff reserves judgment in accordance with rule 12.2(4)(b).

(2)The sheriff must give to the sheriff clerk—

(a)an interlocutor giving effect to the sheriff’s decision and incorporating findings in fact and law; and

(b)a note stating briefly the grounds of his or her decision, including the reasons for his or her decision on any questions of fact or law or of admissibility of evidence.

(3)The date of the interlocutor is the date on which it is received by the sheriff clerk.

(4)The sheriff clerk must forthwith send a copy of the documents mentioned in paragraph (2) to each party.]

Textual Amendments

F137Sch. 1 rules 12.2-12.4 substituted for Sch. 1 rule 12.2 (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 2(2) (with para. 15)

CHAPTER 13S PARTY MINUTER PROCEDURE

Person claiming title and interest to enter process as defenderS

13.1.(1)A person who has not been called as a defender or third party may apply by minute for leave to enter a process as a party minuter and to lodge defences.

(2)A minute under paragraph (1) shall specify—

(a)the applicant’s title and interest to enter the process; and

(b)the grounds of the defence he proposes to state.

(3)Subject to paragraph (4), after hearing the applicant and any party, the sheriff may—

(a)if he is satisfied that the applicant has shown title and interest to enter the process, grant the applicant leave to enter the process as a party minuter and to lodge defences; and

(b)make such order as to expenses or otherwise as he thinks fit.

(4)Where an application under paragraph (1) is made after the closing of the record [F138or in a personal injuries action subject to personal injuries procedure after the date upon which the record is required to be lodged], the sheriff shall only grant leave under paragraph (3) if he is satisfied as to the reason why earlier application was not made.

Textual Amendments

Procedure following leave to enter processS

13.2.(1)Where a party minuter lodges [F139defences], the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time under rule 9.2 for a hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing) as if the party minuter had lodged a notice of intention to defend and the period of notice had expired on the date for lodging answers.

(2)At the Options Hearing, or at any time thereafter, the sheriff may grant such decree or other order as he thinks fit.

(3)A decree or other order against the party minuter shall have effect and be extractable in the same way as a decree or other order against a defender.

[F140(4)Paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) shall not apply to a personal injuries action which is subject to personal injuries procedure.

(5)Where the sheriff grants an application under rule 13.1 in a personal injuries action which is subject to personal injuries procedure, the sheriff may make such further order as he thinks fit.]

Textual Amendments

F139Word in sch. 1 rule 13.2(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(18)

[F141CHAPTER 13ASINTERVENTIONS BY THE COMMISSION FOR EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Textual Amendments

InterpretationS

13A.1.In this Chapter “the CEHR” means the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.

Interventions by the CEHRS

13A.2.(1)The CEHR may apply to the sheriff for leave to intervene in any cause in accordance with this Chapter.

(2)This Chapter is without prejudice to any other entitlement of the CEHR by virtue of having title and interest in relation to the subject matter of any proceedings by virtue of section 30(2) of the Equality Act 2006 F142 or any other enactment to seek to be sisted as a party in those proceedings.

(3)Nothing in this Chapter shall affect the power of the sheriff to make such other direction as he considers appropriate in the interests of justice.

(4)Any decision of the sheriff in proceedings under this Chapter shall be final and not subject to appeal.

Textual Amendments

Applications to interveneS

13A.3.(1)An application for leave to intervene shall be by way of minute of intervention in Form O7A and the CEHR shall–

(a)send a copy of it to all the parties; and

(b)lodge it in process, certifying that subparagraph (a) has been complied with.

(2)A minute of intervention shall set out briefly–

(a)the CEHR's reasons for believing that the proceedings are relevant to a matter in connection with which the CEHR has a function;

(b)the issue in the proceedings which the CEHR wishes to address; and

(c)the propositions to be advanced by the CEHR and the CEHR's reasons for believing that they are relevant to the proceedings and that they will assist the sheriff.

(3)The sheriff may–

(a)refuse leave without a hearing;

(b)grant leave without a hearing unless a hearing is requested under paragraph (4);

(c)refuse or grant leave after such a hearing.

(4)A hearing, at which the applicant and the parties may address the court on the matters referred to in paragraph (6)(c), may be held if, within 14 days of the minute of intervention being lodged, any of the parties lodges a request for a hearing.

(5)Any diet in pursuance of paragraph (4) shall be fixed by the sheriff clerk who shall give written intimation of the diet to the CEHR and all the parties.

(6)The sheriff may grant leave only if satisfied that–

(a)the proceedings are relevant to a matter in connection with which the CEHR has a function;

(b)the propositions to be advanced by the CEHR are relevant to the proceedings and are likely to assist him; and

(c)the intervention will not unduly delay or otherwise prejudice the rights of the parties, including their potential liability for expenses.

(7)In granting leave the sheriff may impose such terms and conditions as he considers desirable in the interests of justice, including making provision in respect of any additional expenses incurred by the parties as a result of the intervention.

(8)The sheriff clerk shall give written intimation of a grant or refusal of leave to the CEHR and all the parties.

Form of interventionS

13A.4.(1)An intervention shall be by way of a written submission which (including any appendices) shall not exceed 5000 words.

(2)The CEHR shall lodge the submission and send a copy of it to all the parties by such time as the sheriff may direct.

(3)The sheriff may in exceptional circumstances–

(a)allow a longer written submission to be made;

(b)direct that an oral submission is to be made.

(4)Any diet in pursuance of paragraph (3)(b) shall be fixed by the sheriff clerk who shall give written intimation of the diet to the CEHR and all the parties.

CHAPTER 13BSINTERVENTIONS BY THE SCOTTISH COMMISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

InterpretationS

13B.1.In this Chapter–

  • “the Act of 2006” means the Scottish Commission for Human Rights Act 2006; and

  • “the SCHR” means the Scottish Commission for Human Rights.

Application to interveneS

13B.2.(1)An application for leave to intervene under section 14(2)(a) of the Act of 2006 shall be by way of minute of intervention in Form O7B and the SCHR shall–

(a)send a copy of it to all the parties; and

(b)lodge it in process, certifying that subparagraph (a) has been complied with.

(2)In granting leave the sheriff may impose such terms and conditions as he considers desirable in the interests of justice, including making provision in respect of any additional expenses incurred by the parties as a result of the intervention.

(3)The sheriff clerk shall give written intimation of a grant or refusal of leave to the SCHR and all the parties.

(4)Any decision of the sheriff in proceedings under this Chapter shall be final and not subject to appeal.

Invitation to interveneS

13B.3.(1)An invitation to intervene under section 14(2)(b) of the Act of 2006 shall be in Form O7C and the sheriff clerk shall send a copy of it to the SCHR and all the parties.

(2)An invitation under paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by–

(a)a copy of the pleadings in the proceedings; and

(b)such other documents relating to those proceedings as the sheriff thinks relevant.

(3)In issuing an invitation under section 14(2)(b) of the Act of 2006, the sheriff may impose such terms and conditions as he considers desirable in the interests of justice, including making provision in respect of any additional expenses incurred by the parties as a result of the intervention.

Form of interventionS

13B.4.(1)An intervention shall be by way of a written submission which (including any appendices) shall not exceed 5000 words.

(2)The SCHR shall lodge the submission and send a copy of it to all the parties by such time as the sheriff may direct.

(3)The sheriff may in exceptional circumstances–

(a)allow a longer written submission to be made;

(b)direct that an oral submission is to be made.

(4)Any diet in pursuance of paragraph (3)(b) shall be fixed by the sheriff clerk who shall give written intimation of the diet to the SCHR and all the parties.]

CHAPTER 14S APPLICATIONS BY MINUTE

Application of this ChapterS

14.1.(1)Where an application may be made by minute, the form of the minute and the procedure to be adopted shall, unless otherwise provided in these Rules, be in accordance with this Chapter.

(2)This Chapter shall not apply to—

(a)a minute of amendment; F143. . .

(b)a minute of abandonment [F144; or]

[F145(c)a joint minute.]

Textual Amendments

F143Word in rule 14.1(2)(a) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(19)(a)

F144Rule 14.1(2)(b): “; or” substituted for the full-stop (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(19)(b)

F145Rule 14.1(2)(c) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(19)(c)

Form of minuteS

14.2.A minute to which this Chapter applies shall contain—

(a)a crave;

(b)where appropriate, a condescendence in the form of a statement of facts supporting the crave; and

(c)where appropriate, pleas-in-law.

Lodging of minutesS

F146[14.3.(1)Before intimating any minute, the minuter shall lodge the minute in process.

(2)On the lodging of a minute, and any document under rule 21.1(1)(b) (lodging documents founded on or adopted), the sheriff–

(a)may make an order for answers to be lodged;

(b)may order intimation of the minute without making an order for answers; or

(c)where he considers it appropriate for the expeditious disposal of the minute or for any other specified reason, may fix a hearing.

(3)Any answers ordered to be lodged under paragraph (2)(a) shall, unless otherwise ordered by the sheriff, be lodged within 14 days after the date of intimation of the minute.

(4)Where the sheriff fixes a hearing under paragraph (2)(c), the interlocutor fixing that hearing shall specify whether–

(a)answers are to be lodged;

(b)the sheriff will hear evidence at that hearing; and

(c)the sheriff will allow evidence by affidavit.

(5)Any answers or affidavit evidence ordered to be lodged under paragraph (4) shall be lodged within such time as shall be specified in the interlocutor of the sheriff.

(6)The following rules shall not apply to any hearing fixed under paragraph (2)(c):–

  • rule 14.7 (opposition where no order for answers made),

  • rule 14.8 (hearing of minutes where no opposition or no answers lodged),

  • rule 14.10 (notice of opposition or answers lodged).

(7)The sheriff clerk shall forthwith return the minute to the minuter with any interlocutor pronounced by the sheriff.]

Textual Amendments

F146Rule 14.3 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(20)

Intimation of minutesS

F147[14.4.(1)The party lodging a minute shall, on receipt from the sheriff clerk of the minute, intimate to every other party including any person referred to in rule 14.13(1)–

(a)a notice in Form G7A, G7B or G7C, as the case may be, by any of the methods provided for in rule 14.5 (methods of intimation); and

(b)a copy of–

(i)the minute;

(ii)any interlocutor; and

(iii)any document referred to in the minute.

(2)The sheriff may, on cause shown, dispense with intimation.]

Textual Amendments

F147Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Methods of intimationS

F14814.5.(1)Intimation of a minute may be given by–

(a)any of the methods of service provided for in Chapter 5 (citation, service and intimation); or

(b)where intimation is to a party represented by a solicitor, by–

(i)personal delivery,

(ii)facsimile transmission,

(iii)first class ordinary post, or

(iv)delivery to a document exchange,

to that solicitor.

(2)Where intimation is given–

(a)under paragraph (1)(b)(i) or (ii), it shall be deemed to have been given–

(i)on the day of transmission or delivery where it is given before 5.00 p.m. on any day; or

(ii)on the day after transmission or delivery where it is given after 5.00 p.m. on any day; or

(b)under paragraph 1(b)(iii) or (iv), it shall be deemed to have been given on the day after the date of posting or delivery.

Textual Amendments

F148Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Return of minute with evidence of intimationS

F14914.6.Where intimation of any minute has been given, the minute and a certificate of intimation in Form G8 shall be returned to the sheriff clerk within 5 days after the date of intimation.

Textual Amendments

F149Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Opposition where no order for answers madeS

F15014.7.(1)Where a party seeks to oppose a minute lodged under rule 14.3 (lodging of minutes) in which no order for answers has been made under paragraph (2)(a) of that rule, that party shall, within 14 days after the date of intimation of the minute to him–

(a)complete a notice of opposition in Form G9;

(b)lodge the notice with the sheriff clerk; and

(c)intimate a copy of that notice to every other party.

(2)Rule 14.5 (methods of intimation) and rule 14.6 (return of minute with evidence of intimation) shall apply to intimation of opposition to a minute under paragraph (1)(c) of this rule as they apply to intimation of a minute.

(3)The sheriff may, on cause shown, reduce or dispense with the period for lodging the notice mentioned in paragraph (1)(b).

Textual Amendments

F150Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Hearing of minutes where no opposition or no answers lodgedS

F15114.8.(1)Where no notice of opposition is lodged or where no answers have been lodged to the minute within the time allowed, the minute shall be determined by the sheriff in chambers without the attendance of parties, unless the sheriff otherwise directs.

(2)Where the sheriff requires to hear a party on a minute, the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)fix a date, time and place for the party to be heard; and

(b)inform that party–

(i)of that date, time and place; and

(ii)of the reasons for the sheriff wishing to hear him.

Textual Amendments

F151Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Intimation of interlocutorS

F15214.9.Where a minute has been determined in accordance with rule 14.8 (hearing of minutes where no opposition or no answers lodged), the sheriff clerk shall intimate the interlocutor determining that minute to the parties forthwith.

Textual Amendments

F152Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Notice of opposition or answers lodgedS

F15314.10.(1)Where a notice of opposition has, or answers have, been lodged to the minute, the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)assign a date, time and place for a hearing on the first suitable court day after the date of the lodging of the notice of opposition or answers, as the case may be; and

(b)intimate that date, time and place to the parties.

(2)The interlocutor fixing a hearing under paragraph (1) shall specify whether the sheriff will hear evidence at the hearing or receive evidence by affidavit.

Textual Amendments

F153Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Orders under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995S

[F15414.10A.(1)This rule applies where a notice of opposition or answers are lodged in respect of a minute including a crave for an order under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc.).

(2)The sheriff, having regard to the measures referred to in Chapter 33AA (expeditious resolution of certain causes), may make such orders as the sheriff considers appropriate to ensure the expeditious resolution of the issues in dispute.]

Textual Amendments

Procedure for hearingS

F15514.11.(1)A certified copy of the interlocutor assigning a hearing under this Chapter and requiring evidence to be led shall be sufficient warrant to a sheriff officer to cite a witness on behalf of a party.

(2)At the hearing, the sheriff shall hear parties on the minute and any answers lodged, and may determine the minute or may appoint such further procedure as he considers necessary.

Textual Amendments

F155Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Consent to minuteS

F15614.12.Subject to paragraph (2) of rule 14.8 (hearing of minutes where no opposition or no answers lodged), where all parties to the action indicate to the sheriff, by endorsement of the minute or otherwise in writing, their intention to consent to the minute, the sheriff may forthwith determine the minute in chambers without the appearance of parties.

Textual Amendments

F156Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

Procedure following grant of minuteS

F15714.13.(1)Where the minute includes a crave seeking leave–

(a)for a person–

(i)to be sisted as a party to the action, or

(ii)to appear in the proceedings, or

(b)for the cause to be transferred against the representatives of a party who has died or is under a legal incapacity,

the sheriff, on granting the minute, may order a hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing) to be fixed or may appoint such further procedure as he thinks fit.

(2)Where an Options Hearing is ordered under paragraph (1), the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)fix a date and time for such hearing, which date, unless the sheriff otherwise directs, shall be on the first suitable court day occurring not sooner than 10 weeks after the date of the interlocutor of the sheriff ordering such hearing be fixed;

(b)forthwith intimate to the parties in Form G5–

(i)where appropriate, the last date for lodging defences;

(ii)where appropriate, the last date for adjustment; and

(iii)the date of the Options Hearing; and

(c)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording those dates.

(3)For the purpose of fixing the date for the Options Hearing referred to in paragraph (1), the date of granting the minute shall be deemed to be the date of expiry of the period of notice.

Textual Amendments

F157Rules 14.4-14.13 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(21)

[F158CHAPTER 15S MOTIONS

Textual Amendments

F158Ch. 15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(22)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6Sch. 1 Chapter 15 applied (with modifications) (28.9.2009) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007) 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/284), para. 2, Sch. rule 52(2)

Application of this ChapterS

[F15915.A1.This Chapter applies to any cause other than a cause to which Chapter 15A applies.]

Textual Amendments

F160 Lodging of motionsS

15.1.(1)A motion may be made–

(a)orally with leave of the court during any hearing of a cause; or

(b)by lodging a written motion in Form G6.

(2)Subject to paragraph (3), a written motion shall be lodged with the sheriff clerk within 5 days after the date of intimation of the motion required by rule 15.2 (intimation of motions) with–

(a)a certificate of intimation in Form G8; and

(b)so far as practicable any document referred to in the written motion and not already lodged in process.

(3)Where the period for lodging opposition to the motion is varied under rule 15.2(4) (variation of and dispensing with period of intimation) to a period of 5 days or less, the written motion and certificate to be lodged in terms of paragraph (2) shall be lodged no later than the day on which the period for lodging opposition expires.

Textual Amendments

F160Chapter 15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(22)

F161 Intimation of motionsS

15.2.(1)Subject to paragraphs (4) and (7), a party intending to lodge a motion in accordance with rule 15.1(1)(b) (lodging written motion) shall intimate the motion in Form G7, and a copy of any document referred to in the motion, to every other party.

(2)Intimation of a motion may be given by–

(a)any of the methods of service provided for in Chapter 5 (citation, service and intimation); or

(b)where intimation is to a party represented by a solicitor, by–

(i)personal delivery,

(ii)facsimile transmission,

(iii)first class ordinary post, or

(iv)delivery to a document exchange,

to that solicitor.

(3)Where intimation is given–

(a)under paragraph (2)(b)(i) or (ii), it shall be deemed to have been given–

(i)on the day of transmission or delivery where it is given before 5.00 p.m. on any day; or

(ii)on the day after transmission or delivery where it is given after 5.00 p.m. on any day; or

(b)under paragraph (2)(b)(iii) or (iv), it shall be deemed to have been given on the day after posting or delivery.

(4)The sheriff may, on the application of a party intending to lodge a written motion, vary the period of 7 days specified in rule 15.3(1)(c) for lodging opposition to the motion or dispense with intimation.

(5)An application under paragraph (4) shall be made in the written motion, giving reasons for such variation or dispensation.

(6)Where the sheriff varies the period within which notice of opposition is to be lodged under rule 15.3(1)(c), the form of intimation required under rule 15.2(1) (intimation of motion in Form G7) shall state the date by which such notice requires to be lodged.

(7)A joint motion by all parties lodged in Form G6 need not be intimated.

Textual Amendments

F161Chapter 15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(22)

Opposition to motionsS

F16215.3.(1)Where a party seeks to oppose a motion made in accordance with rule 15.1(1)(b) (written motion), he shall–

(a)complete a notice of opposition in Form G9;

(b)intimate a copy of that notice to every other party; and

(c)lodge the notice with the sheriff clerk within 7 days after the date of intimation of the motion or such other period as the sheriff may have determined under rule 15.2(6).

(2)Paragraphs (2) and (3) of rule 15.2 (methods and time of intimation of motions) shall apply to the intimation of opposition to a motion under paragraph (1)(b) of this rule as they apply to intimation under that rule.

Textual Amendments

F162Chapter 15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(22)

F163 Consent to motionsS

15.4.Where a party consents to a written motion, he shall endorse the motion, or give notice to the sheriff clerk in writing, of his consent.

Textual Amendments

F163Chapter 15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(22)

F164 Hearing of motionsS

15.5.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), where no notice of opposition is lodged with the sheriff clerk within the period specified in rule 15.3(1)(c), or ordered by virtue of rule 15.2(4), the motion shall be determined by the sheriff in chambers without the appearance of parties, unless the sheriff otherwise directs.

(2)In accordance with any directions given by the sheriff principal, the sheriff clerk may determine any motion other than a motion which seeks a final interlocutor.

(3)Where the sheriff clerk considers that a motion dealt with by him under paragraph (2) should not be granted, he shall refer that motion to the sheriff who shall deal with it in accordance with paragraph (1).

(4)Where the sheriff requires to hear a party on a motion which is not opposed, the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)fix a date, time and place for the party to be heard, and

(b)inform that party–

(i)of that date, time and place; and

(ii)of the reasons for the sheriff wishing to hear him.

(5)Where a notice of opposition is lodged in accordance with rule 15.3(1), the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)assign a date, time and place, on the first suitable court day after the lodging of the notice of opposition, for the motion to be heard; and

(b)intimate that date, time and place to the parties.

(6)Where a motion has been determined under paragraph (1) or (2), the sheriff clerk shall intimate the interlocutor determining that motion to all parties forthwith.

(7)Where the sheriff, under paragraph (4) of rule 15.2, dispenses with intimation required by paragraph (1) of that rule, he shall make such order as he thinks fit for intimation of his determination of the motion to every party to the action in respect of whom intimation has been so dispensed with.

(8)Subject to paragraph (4), where all parties consent to a written motion, the sheriff may determine the motion in chambers without the appearance of parties.

(9)Subject to paragraph (4) where a joint motion of all parties in Form G6 is lodged with the sheriff clerk, the sheriff may determine the motion in chambers without the appearance of parties.

Textual Amendments

F164Chapter 15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(22)

Motions to sistS

[F16515.6.(1)Where a motion to sist is made, either orally or in writing in accordance with rule 15.1(1)(a) or (b)–

(a)the reason for the sist shall be stated by the party seeking the sist; and

(b)that reason shall be recorded in the interlocutor.

(2)Where a cause has been sisted, the sheriff may, after giving parties an opportunity to be heard, recall the sist.]

Textual Amendments

Dismissal of action due to delayS

[F16615.7.(1)Any party to an action may, while that action is depending before the court, apply by written motion for the court to dismiss the action due to inordinate and inexcusable delay by another party or another party's agent in progressing the action, resulting in unfairness.

(2)A motion under paragraph (1) shall—

(a)include a statement of the grounds on which it is proposed that the motion should be allowed F167...; and

(b)be lodged in accordance with rule 15.1.

(3)A notice of opposition to the motion in Form G9 shall include a statement of the grounds of opposition to the motion.

(4)In determining an application made under this rule, the court may dismiss the action if it appears to the court that—

(a)there has been an inordinate and inexcusable delay on the part of any party or any party's agent in progressing the action; and

(b)such delay results in unfairness specific to the factual circumstances, including the procedural circumstances, of that action.

(5)In determining whether or not to dismiss an action under paragraph (4), the court shall take account of the procedural consequences, both for the parties and for the work of the court, of allowing the action to proceed.]]

Textual Amendments

[F168CHAPTER 15ASMOTIONS INTIMATED AND LODGED BY EMAIL

Textual Amendments

Application of this ChapterS

15A.1.This Chapter applies—

(a)to a personal injuries action within the meaning of Part A1 of Chapter 36 proceeding in the all-Scotland sheriff court;

(b)where each party to such an action has provided to the sheriff clerk an email address for the purpose of transacting motion business.

Interpretation of this ChapterS

15A.2.(1)In this Chapter—

  • “court day” means a day on which the sheriff clerk’s office is open for civil court business;

  • “court day 1” means the court day on which a motion is treated as being intimated under rule 15A.4;

  • “court day 3” means the second court day after court day 1;

  • “court day 4” means the third court day after court day 1;

  • “lodging party” means the party lodging the motion;

  • “receiving party” means a party receiving the intimation of the motion from the lodging party; and

  • “transacting motion business” means—

    (a)

    intimating and lodging motions;

    (b)

    receiving intimation of motions;

    (c)

    intimating consent or opposition to motions;

    (d)

    receiving intimation of or opposition to motions.

(2)In this Chapter, a reference to—

(a)the address of a party is a reference to the email address of—

(i)that party’s solicitor; or

(ii)that party,

included in the list maintained under rule 15A.2(4);

(b)the address of the court is a reference to the email address of the court included in that list under rule 15A.2(5).

Provision of email addresses to sheriff clerkS

15A.2.(1)A solicitor representing a party in an action of the sort mentioned in rule 15A.1(a) must provide to the sheriff clerk an email address for the purpose of transacting motion business.

(2)A solicitor who does not have suitable facilities for transacting motion business by email may make a declaration in writing to that effect, which must be—

(a)sent to the sheriff clerk; and

(b)intimated to each of the other parties to the cause.

(3)A party to an action of the sort mentioned in rule 15A.1(a) who is not represented by a solicitor may provide to the sheriff clerk an email address for the purpose of transacting motion business.

(4)The sheriff clerk must maintain a list of the email addresses provided for the purpose of transacting motion business, which must be published in up to date form on the website of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

(5)The sheriff clerk must also include on that list an email address of the court for the purpose of lodging motions.

Making of motionsS

15A.3.A motion may be made—

(a)orally with leave of the court during any hearing; or

(b)by lodging it in accordance with this Chapter.

Intimation of motions by emailS

15A.4.(1)Where—

(a)a defender has lodged a notice of intention to defend under rule 9.1;

(b)a party has lodged a minute or answers; or

(c)provision is made in these Rules for the intimation of a motion to a party in accordance with this Part,

the lodging party must give intimation of his or her intention to lodge the motion, and of the terms of the motion, to every such party by sending an email in Form G6A (form of motion by email) to the addresses of every party.

(2)The requirement under paragraph (1) to give intimation of a motion to a party by email does not apply where that party—

(a)having lodged a notice of intention to defend, fails to lodge defences within the period for lodging those defences;

(b)has not lodged answers within the period of notice for lodging those answers; or

(c)has withdrawn or is deemed to have withdrawn the defences, minute or answers, as the case may be.

(3)A motion intimated under this rule must be intimated not later than 5 p.m. on a court day.

Opposition to motions by emailS

15A.5.(1)A receiving party must intimate any opposition to a motion by sending an email in Form G9A (form of opposition to motion by email) to the address of the lodging party.

(2)Any opposition to a motion must be intimated to the lodging party not later than 5 p.m. on court day 3.

(3)Late opposition to a motion must be sent to the address of the court and may only be allowed with the leave of the court, on cause shown.

Consent to motions by emailS

15A.6.Where a receiving party seeks to consent to a motion, that party may do so by sending an email confirming the consent to the address of the lodging party.

Lodging unopposed motions by emailS

15A.7.(1)This rule applies where no opposition to a motion has been intimated.

(2)The motion must be lodged by the lodging party not later than 12.30 p.m. on court day 4 by sending an email in Form G6A headed “Unopposed motion” to the address of the court.

(3)A motion lodged under paragraph (2) is to be determined by the court by 5 p.m. on court day 4.

(4)Where for any reason it is not possible for a motion lodged under paragraph (2) to be determined by 5 p.m. on court day 4, the sheriff clerk must advise the parties or their solicitors of that fact and give reasons.

Lodging opposed motions by emailS

15A.8.(1)This rule applies where opposition to a motion has been intimated.

(2)The motion must be lodged by the lodging party not later than 12.30 p.m. on court day 4 by—

(a)sending an email in Form G6A headed “Opposed motion”, to the address of the court;

(b)attaching to that email the opposition in Form G9A intimated by the receiving party to the lodging party.

(3)Where a motion is lodged under paragraph (2), the sheriff clerk must advise parties of the date on which the motion will be heard, which will be on the first suitable court day after court day 4.

Issuing of interlocutor by emailS

15A.9.Where the court pronounces an interlocutor determining a motion, the sheriff clerk must email a copy of the interlocutor to the addresses of the lodging party and every receiving party.

Other periods of intimation etc. under these RulesS

15A.10.(1)Where a provision of these Rules, other than Chapter 15 (motions), provides for a period of intimation of—

(a)a motion;

(b)opposition to a motion; or

(c)consent to a motion,

other than the period mentioned in this Chapter, that period will apply instead of the period mentioned in this Chapter.

(2)Paragraph (1) applies whether or not the intimation period mentioned elsewhere in these Rules is referred to by a specific number of days.

(3)Where—

(a)every receiving party in a cause consents to a shorter period of intimation; or

(b)the court shortens the period of intimation,

the motion may be lodged by the lodging party, or heard or otherwise determined by the court at an earlier time and date than that which is specified in this Part.

Motions to sistS

15A.11.(1)Where a motion to sist is made—

(a)the reason for the sist must be stated by the party seeking the sist; and

(b)that reason must be recorded in the interlocutor.

(2)Where a cause has been sisted, the sheriff may, after giving parties an opportunity to be heard, recall the sist.

Dismissal of action due to delayS

15A.12.(1)Any party to an action may, while that action is depending before the court, apply by motion for the court to dismiss the action due to inordinate and inexcusable delay by another party or another party’s solicitor in progressing the action, resulting in unfairness.

(2)A motion under paragraph (1) must—

(a)include a statement of the grounds on which it is proposed that the motion should be allowed; and

(b)be lodged in accordance with rule 15A.3(b) (lodging of motions).

(3)A notice of opposition to the motion in Form G9 (form of notice of opposition to motion or minute) or Form G9A (form of opposition to motion by email) must include a statement of the grounds of opposition to the motion.

(4)In determining an application made under this rule, the sheriff may dismiss the action if it appears to the sheriff that—

(a)there has been an inordinate and inexcusable delay on the part of any party or any party’s solicitor in progressing the action; and

(b)such delay results in unfairness specific to the factual circumstances, including the procedural circumstances, of that action.

(5)In determining whether or not to dismiss an action under paragraph (4), the sheriff must take account of the procedural consequences, both for the parties and for the work of the court, of allowing the action to proceed.]

CHAPTER 16SDECREES BY DEFAULT

Application of this ChapterS

16.1.This [F169Chapter] applies to any cause other than—

(a)an action to which rule 33.37 (decree by default in family action) applies;

[F170(aa)an action to which rule 33A.37 (decree by default in a civil partnership action) applies;]

(b)an action of multiplepoinding; F171. . .

(c)a cause under the Presumption of Death (Scotland) Act 1977 F172. [F173; or

F173(d)a commercial action within the meaning of Chapter 40.]

Textual Amendments

F169Word in rule 16.1 substituted (1.3.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/8, para. 2(1)(4)(a)

F170Sch. 1 rule 16. 1(aa) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(11)}

F171Word in rule 16.1(b) omitted (1.3.2001) by virtue of S.S.I. 2001/8, para. 2(1)(4)(b)

F173Rule 16.1(d) and the preceding word “or” inserted (1.3.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/8, para. 2(1)(4)(c)

Decrees where party in defaultS

16.2.(1)In a cause to which this Chapter applies, where a party fails—

(a)to lodge, or intimate the lodging of, any production or part of process within the period required under a provision in these Rules or an order of the sheriff,

(b)to implement an order of the sheriff within a specified period, F174. . .

(c)to appear or be represented at any diet, [F175, or

(d)otherwise to comply with any requirement imposed upon that party by these Rules]

that party shall be in default.

[F176(2)Where a party is in default the sheriff may, as the case may be–

(a)grant decree as craved with expenses;

(b)grant decree of absolvitor with expenses;

(c)dismiss the cause with expenses; or

(d)make such other order as he thinks fit to secure the expeditious progress of the cause.]

(3)Where no party appears at a diet, the sheriff may dismiss the cause.

(4)In this rule, “diet” includes—

(a)a hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing);

(b)a hearing under rule 10.6 (Procedural Hearing);

(c)a proof or proof before answer; and

(d)a debate.

Textual Amendments

Prorogation of time where party in defaultS

16.3.In an action to which this Chapter applies, the sheriff may, on cause shown, prorogate the time for lodging any production or part of process or for giving intimation or for implementing any order.

CHAPTER 17SSUMMARY DECREES

Application of this ChapterS

17.1.This Chapter applies to any action other than—

(a)a family action within the meaning of rule 33.1(1);

[F177(aa)a civil partnership action within the meaning of rule 33A.1(1);]

[F178(ab)an action of proving the tenor;]

(b)an action of multiplepoinding; or

(c)a cause under the Presumption of Death (Scotland) Act 1977.

Textual Amendments

F177Sch. 1 rule 17.1(aa) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(12)

Applications for summary decreeS

[F17917.2.(1)Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), a party to an action may, at any time after defences have been lodged, apply by motion for summary decree in accordance with rule 15.1(1)(b) (lodging of motions) [F180or rule 15A.7 (lodging unopposed motions by email) or rule 15A.8 (lodging opposed motions by email) as the case may be.]

(2)An application may only be made on the grounds that—

(a)an opposing party’s case (or any part of it) has no real prospect of success; and

(b)there exists no other compelling reason why summary decree should not be granted at that stage.

(3)The party enrolling the motion may request the sheriff—

(a)to grant decree in terms of all or any of the craves of the initial writ or counterclaim;

(b)to dismiss a cause or to absolve any party from any crave directed against him or her;

(c)to pronounce an interlocutor sustaining or repelling any plea-in-law; or

(d)to dispose of the whole or part of the subject-matter of the cause.

(4)The sheriff may—

(a)grant the motion in whole or in part, if satisfied that the conditions in subparagraph (2) are met,

(b)ordain any party, or a partner, director, officer or office-bearer of any party—

(i)to produce any relevant document or article; or

(ii)to lodge an affidavit in support of any assertion of fact made in the pleadings or at the hearing of the motion.

(5)Notwithstanding the refusal of all or part of a motion for summary decree, a subsequent motion may be made where there has been a change in circumstances.]

Textual Amendments

F179Sch. 1 rule 17.2 substituted for Sch. 1 rules 17.2, 17.3 (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 3(2) (with para. 15)

Application of summary decree to counterclaims, etc.S

F17917.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F179Sch. 1 rule 17.2 substituted for Sch. 1 rules 17.2, 17.3 (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 3(2) (with para. 15)

CHAPTER 18SAMENDMENT OF PLEADINGS

Alteration of sum sued forS

18.1.(1)In a cause in which all other parties have lodged defences or answers, the pursuer may, before the closing of the record, alter any sum sued for by amending the crave of the initial writ, F181. . . and any record.

(2)The pursuer shall forthwith intimate any such amendment in writing to every other party.

Textual Amendments

F181Words in rule 18.1(1) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(23)

Powers of sheriff to allow amendmentS

18.2.(1)The sheriff may, at any time before final judgment, allow an amendment mentioned in paragraph (2).

(2)Paragraph (1) applies to the following amendments:—

(a)an amendment of the initial writ which may be necessary for the purpose of determining the real question in controversy between the parties, notwithstanding that in consequence of such amendment—

(i)the sum sued for is increased or restricted after the closing of the record; or

(ii)a different remedy from that originally craved is sought;

(b)an amendment which may be necessary—

(i)to correct or supplement the designation of a party to the cause;

(ii)to enable a party who has sued or has been sued in his own right to sue or be sued in a representative capacity;

(iii)to enable a party who has sued or has been sued in a representative capacity to sue or be sued in his own right or in a different representative capacity;

(iv)to add the name of an additional pursuer or person whose concurrence is necessary;

(v)where the cause has been commenced or presented in the name of the wrong person, or it is doubtful whether it has been commenced or presented in the name of the right person, to allow any other person to be sisted in substitution for, or in addition to, the original person; or

(vi)to direct a crave against a third party brought into an action under Chapter 20 (third party procedure);

(c)an amendment of a condescendence, defences, answers, pleas-in-law or other pleadings which may be necessary for determining the real question in controversy between the parties; and

(d)where it appears that all parties having an interest have not been called or that the cause has been directed against the wrong person, an amendment inserting in the initial writ an additional or substitute party and directing existing or additional craves, averments and pleas-in-law against that party.

Applications to amendS

18.3.(1)A party seeking to amend shall lodge a minute of amendment in process setting out his proposed amendment and, at the same time, lodge a motion—

(a)to allow the minute of amendment to be received; and

(b)to allow—

(i)amendment in terms of the minute of amendment and, where appropriate, to grant an order under rule 18.5(1)(a) (service of amendment for additional or substitute party); or

(ii)where the minute of amendment may require to be answered, any other person to lodge answers within a specified period.

(2)Where the sheriff has pronounced an interlocutor allowing a minute of amendment to be received and answered, he may allow a period for adjustment of the minute of amendment and answers and, on so doing, shall fix a date for parties to be heard on the minute of amendment and answers as adjusted.

[F182(3)Any adjustment to any minute of amendment or answers shall be exchanged between parties and not lodged in process.

F182(4)Parties shall be responsible for maintaining a record of adjustment made and the date of their intimation.

F182(5)No adjustments shall be permitted after the period of adjustment allowed, except with leave of the sheriff.

F182(6)Each party shall, no later than 2 days before the hearing fixed in terms of paragraph (2), lodge in process a copy of their minute of amendment or answers with all adjustments made thereto in italic or bold type, or underlined.]

Textual Amendments

F182Sch. 1 rule 18.3(3)-(6) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(7)

Applications for diligence on amendmentS

18.4.(1)Where a minute of amendment is lodged by a pursuer under rule 18.2(2)(d) (all parties not, or wrong person, called), he may apply by motion for warrant to use any form of diligence which could be used on the dependence of a separate action.

(2)A copy certified by the sheriff clerk of the interlocutor granting warrant for diligence on the dependence applied for under paragraph (1) shall be sufficient authority for the execution of that diligence.

Service of amended pleadingsS

18.5.(1)Where an amendment under rule [F18318.2(b)(iv), (v) or (vi) (additional or substitute defenders added by amendment) or rule] 18.2(2)(d) (all parties not, or wrong person, called) has been made—

(a)the sheriff shall order that a copy of the initial writ or record, as the case may be, as so amended be served by the party who made the amendment on that additional or substitute party with—

(i)in a cause in which a time to pay direction under the M14Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 [F184or a time order under the Consumer Credit Act 1974] may be applied for, a notice in Form O8 specifying the date by which a notice of intention to defend must be lodged in process, a notice in Form O3 and a notice of intention to defend in Form O7; or

(ii)in any other cause, a notice in Form O9 specifying the date by which a notice of intention to defend must be lodged in process and a notice of intention to defend in Form O7; and

(b)the party who made the amendment shall lodge in process—

(i)a copy of the initial writ or record as amended;

(ii)a copy of the notice sent in Form O8 or Form O9; and

(iii)a certificate of service.

(2)When paragraph (1) has been complied with, the cause as so amended shall proceed in every respect as if that party had originally been made a party to the cause.

(3)Where a notice of intention to defend is lodged by virtue of paragraph (1)(a), the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time for a hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing).

Textual Amendments

F183Words in rule 18.5(1) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(24)

Marginal Citations

Expenses and conditions of amendmentS

18.6.The sheriff shall find the party making an amendment liable in the expenses occasioned by the amendment unless it is shown that it is just and equitable that the expenses occasioned by the amendment should be otherwise dealt with, and may attach such other conditions as he thinks fit.

Effect of amendment on diligenceS

18.7.Where an amendment has been allowed, the amendment—

(a)shall not validate diligence used on the dependence of a cause so as to prejudice the rights of [F185creditors of] the party against whom the diligence has been executed, who are interested in defeating such diligence; and

(b)shall preclude any objection to such diligence stated by a party or any person by virtue of a title acquired or in right of a debt contracted by him subsequent to the execution of such diligence.

Textual Amendments

F185Words in rule 18.7(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(25)

Preliminary pleas inserted on amendmentS

18.8.(1)Where a party seeks to add a preliminary plea by amendment or answers to an amendment, or by adjustment thereto, a note of the basis for the plea shall be lodged at the same time as the minute, answers or adjustment, as the case may be.

(2)If a party fails to comply with paragraph (1), that party shall be deemed to be no longer insisting on the preliminary plea and the plea shall be repelled by the sheriff.

CHAPTER 19SCOUNTERCLAIMS

CounterclaimsS

19.1.(1)In any action other than a family action within the meaning of rule 33.1(1) [F186, a civil partnership action within the meaning of rule 33A.1(1)] or an action of multiplepoinding, a defender may counterclaim against a pursuer—

(a)where the counterclaim might have been made in a separate action in which it would not have been necessary to call as defender any person other than the pursuer; and

(b)in respect of any matter—

(i)forming part, or arising out of the grounds, of the action by the pursuer;

(ii)the decision of which is necessary for the determination of the question in controversy between the parties; or

(iii)which, if the pursuer had been a person not otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the court, might have been the subject-matter of an action against that pursuer in which jurisdiction would have arisen by reconvention.

(2)A counterclaim shall be made in the defences—

(a)when the defences are lodged or during the period for adjustment;

(b)by amendment at any other stage, with the leave of the sheriff and subject to such conditions, if any, as to expenses or otherwise as the sheriff thinks fit.

(3)Defences which include a counterclaim shall commence with a crave setting out the counterclaim in such form as, if the counterclaim had been made in a separate action, would have been appropriate in the initial writ in that separate action and shall include—

(a)answers to the condescendence of the initial writ as required by rule 9.6(2) (form of defences);

(b)a statement of facts in numbered paragraphs setting out the facts on which the counterclaim is founded, incorporating by reference, if necessary, any matter contained in the defences; and

(c)appropriate pleas-in-law.

Textual Amendments

F186Words in Sch. 1 rule 19. 1 inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {para. 2(13)}

Warrants for diligence on counterclaimsS

19.2.(1)A defender who makes a counterclaim may apply for a warrant for [F187interim diligence] which would have been permitted had the warrant been sought in an initial writ in a separate action.

(2)F188. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)F188. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)F188. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Form of record where counterclaim lodgedS

[F18919.2A.Where, under rule 9.10 (open record), 9.11 (record for Options Hearing), 10.4 (open record), or 10.5 (closed record), a record requires to be lodged in an action in which a counterclaim is included in the defences, the pleadings of the parties shall be set out in the record in the following order:–

(a)the crave of the initial writ;

(b)the condescendence and answers relating to the initial writ;

(c)the pleas-in-law of the parties relating to the crave of the initial writ;

(d)the crave of the counterclaim;

(e)the statement of facts and answers relating to the counterclaim; and

(f)the pleas-in-law of the parties relating to the counterclaim.]

Textual Amendments

F189Rule 19.2A inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(27)

Effect of abandonment of causeS

19.3.(1)The right of a pursuer to abandon a cause under rule 23.1 shall not be affected by a counterclaim; and any expenses for which the pursuer is found liable as a condition of, or in consequence of, such abandonment shall not include the expenses of the counterclaim.

(2)Notwithstanding abandonment by the pursuer, a defender may insist in his counterclaim; and the proceedings in the counterclaim shall continue in dependence as if the counterclaim were a separate action.

Disposal of counterclaimsS

19.4.The sheriff may—

(a)deal with a counterclaim as if it had been stated in a separate action;

(b)regulate the procedure in relation to the counterclaim as he thinks fit; and

(c)grant decree for the counterclaim in whole or in part or for the difference between it and the sum sued for by the pursuer.

CHAPTER 20STHIRD PARTY PROCEDURE

Applications for third party noticeS

20.1.(1)Where, in an action, a defender claims that—

(a)he has in respect of the subject-matter of the action a right of contribution, relief or indemnity against any person who is not a party to the action, or

(b)a person whom the pursuer is not bound to call as a defender should be made a party to the action along with the defender in respect that such person is—

(i)solely liable, or jointly or jointly and severally liable with the defender, to the pursuer in respect of the subject-matter of the action, or

(ii)liable to the defender in respect of a claim arising from or in connection with the liability, if any, of the defender to the pursuer,

he may apply by motion for an order for service of a third party notice on that other person in Form O10 for the purpose of convening that other person as a third party to the action.

(2)Where—

(a)a pursuer against whom a counterclaim has been made, or

(b)a third party convened in the action,

seeks, in relation to the claim against him, to make against a person who is not a party, a claim mentioned in paragraph (1) as a claim which could be made by a defender against a third party, he shall apply by motion for an order for service of a third party notice in Form O10 in the same manner as a defender under that paragraph; and rules 20.2 to [F19020.6] shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to such a claim as they apply in relation to such a claim by a defender.

Textual Amendments

F190Word in rule 20.1(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(28)

Averments where order for service of third party notice soughtS

20.2.(1)Where a defender intends to apply by motion for an order for service of a third party notice before the closing of the record, he shall, before lodging the motion, set out in his defences, by adjustment to those defences, or in a separate statement of facts annexed to those defences—

(a)averments setting out the grounds on which he maintains that the proposed third party is liable to him by contribution, relief or indemnity or should be made a party to the action; and

(b)appropriate pleas-in-law.

(2)Where a defender applies by motion for an order for service of a third party notice after the closing of the record, he shall, on lodging the motion, lodge a minute of amendment containing—

(a)averments setting out the grounds on which he maintains that the proposed third party is liable to him by contribution, relief or indemnity or should be made a party to the action, and

(b)appropriate pleas-in-law,

unless those grounds and pleas-in-law have been set out in the defences in the closed record.

(3)A motion for an order for service of a third party notice shall be lodged before the commencement of the hearing of the merits of the cause.

Warrants for diligence on third party noticeS

20.3.[F191(1)A defender who applies for an order for service of a third party notice may apply for—

(a)a warrant for arrestment to found jurisdiction;

(b)a warrant for interim diligence,

which would have been permitted had the warrant been sought in an initial writ in a separate action.]

(2)Averments in support of the application for [F192a warrant under paragraph (1)(a)] shall be included in the defences or the separate statement of facts referred to in rule 20.2(1).

(3)An application for a warrant under [F193paragraph (1)(a)] shall be made by motion—

(a)at the time of applying for the third party notice; or

(b)if not applied for at that time, at any stage of the cause thereafter.

(4)A certified copy of the interlocutor granting warrant for diligence applied for under paragraph (2) shall be sufficient authority for execution of the diligence.

Textual Amendments

Service on third partyS

20.4.(1)A third party notice shall be served on the third party within 14 days after the date of the interlocutor allowing service of that notice.

(2)Where service of a third party notice has not been made within the period specified in paragraph (1), the order for service of it shall cease to have effect; and no service of the notice may be made unless a further order for service of it has been applied for and granted.

[F194(3)There shall be served with a third party notice–

(a)a copy of the pleadings (including any amendments or adjustments); and

(b)where the pleadings have not been amended in accordance with the minute of amendment referred to in rule 20.2, a copy of that minute.]

(4)A copy of the third party notice, with a certificate of service attached to it, shall be lodged in process by the defender.

Textual Amendments

Answers to third party noticeS

20.5.(1)An order for service of a third party notice shall specify 28 days, or such other period as the sheriff on cause shown may specify, as the period within which the third party may lodge answers.

(2)Answers for a third party shall be headed “Answers for [E.F.], Third Party in the action at the instance of [A.B.], Pursuer against [C.D.], Defender” and shall include—

(a)answers to the averments of the defender against him in the form of numbered paragraphs corresponding to the numbered articles of the condescendence in the initial writ and incorporating, if the third party so wishes, answers to the averments of the pursuer; or

(b)where a separate statement of facts has been lodged by the defender under rules 20.2(1), answers to the statement of facts in the form of numbered paragraphs corresponding to the numbered paragraphs of the statement of facts; and

(c)appropriate pleas-in-law.

Consequences of failure to amend pleadingsS

[F19520.5A.Where the pleadings have not been amended in accordance with the minute of amendment referred to in rule 20.2, no motion for a finding, order or decree against a third party may be enrolled by the defender unless, at or before the date on which he enrols the motion, he enrols a motion to amend the pleadings in accordance with that minute.]

Textual Amendments

Procedure following answersS

20.6(1)Where a third party lodges answer, the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time under rule 9.2 for a hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing) as if the third party had lodged a notice of intention to defend and the period of notice had expired on the date for lodging answers.

(2)At the Options Hearing, or at any time thereafter, the sheriff may grant such decree or other order as he thinks fit.

(3)A decree or other order against the third party shall have effect and be extractable in the same way as a decree or other order against a defender.

CHAPTER 21SDOCUMENTS FOUNDED ON OR ADOPTED IN PLEADINGS

Lodging documents founded on or adoptedS

21.1.(1)Subject to any other provision in these Rules, any document founded on by a party, or adopted as incorporated, in his pleadings shall, so far as in his possession or within his control, be lodged in process as a production by him—

(a)when founded on or adopted in an initial writ, at the time of returning the initial writ under rule 9.3 [F196or, in the case of a personal injuries action raised under Part AI of Chapter 36, when the initial writ is presented for warranting in accordance with rule 5.1];

(b)when founded on or adopted in a minute, defences, counterclaim or answers, at the time of lodging that part of process; and

(c)when founded on or adopted in an adjustment to any pleadings, at the time when such adjustment is intimated to any other party.

(2)Paragraph (1) shall be without prejudice to any power of the sheriff to order the production of any document or grant a commission and diligence for recovery of it.

Textual Amendments

Consequences of failure to lodge documents founded on or adoptedS

21.2.Where a party fails to lodge a document in accordance with rule 21.1(1), he may be found liable in the expenses of any order for production or recovery of it obtained by any other party.

Objection to documents founded onS

21.3.(1)Where a deed or writing is founded on by a party, any objection to it by any other party may be stated and maintained by exception without its being reduced.

(2)Where an objection is stated under paragraph (1) and an action of reduction would otherwise have been competent, the sheriff may order the party stating the objection to find caution or give such other security as the sheriff thinks fit.

[F197(3)An objection may not be stated by exception if the sheriff considers that the objection would be more conveniently disposed of in a separate action of reduction.]

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 22SPRELIMINARY PLEAS

Note of basis of preliminary pleaS

22.1.(1)A party intending to insist on a preliminary plea shall, not later than 3 days before the Options Hearing under rule 9.12 or the Procedural Hearing under rule 10.6—

(a)lodge in process a note of the basis for the plea; and

(b)intimate a copy of it to every other party.

[F198(2)Where the Options Hearing is continued under rule 9.12(5) and a preliminary plea is added by adjustment, a party intending to insist on that plea shall, not later than 3 days before the date of the Options Hearing so continued–

(a)lodge in process a note of the basis for the plea; and

(b)intimate a copy of it to every other party.]

[F199(3)]If a party fails to comply with paragraph (1) [F200or (2)], he shall be deemed to be no longer insisting on the preliminary plea; and the plea shall be repelled by the sheriff at the Options Hearing or Procedural Hearing.

[F199(4)]At any proof before answer or debate, parties may [F201on cause shown] raise matters in addition to those set out in the note mentioned in paragraph (1) [F200or (2)].

[F202(5)Where a note of the basis of a preliminary plea has been lodged under paragraph (1), and the Options Hearing is continued under rule 9.12(5), unless the basis of the plea has changed following further adjustment, it shall not be necessary for a party who is insisting on the plea to lodge a further note before the Options Hearing so continued.]

Textual Amendments

F198Rule 22.1(2) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(29)(b)

F199Rule 22.1(2)(3) renumbered as rule 22.1(3)(4) (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(29)(a)

F200Words in rule 22.1(3)(4) (as renumbered) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(29)(c)

F201Words in Sch. 1 rule 22.1(4) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(8)

F202Rule 22.1(5) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(29)(d)

CHAPTER 23SABANDONMENT

Abandonment of causesS

23.1.(1)A pursuer may abandon a cause at any time before decree of absolvitor or dismissal by lodging a minute of abandonment and—

(a)consenting to decree of absolvitor; or

(b)seeking decree of dismissal.

(2)The sheriff shall not grant decree of dismissal under paragraph (1)(b) unless full judicial expenses have been paid to the defender, and any third party against whom [F203the pursuer] has directed any crave, within 28 days after the date of taxation.

(3)If the pursuer fails to pay the expenses referred to in paragraph (2) to the party to whom they are due within the period specified in that paragraph, that party shall be entitled to decree of absolvitor with expenses.

Textual Amendments

Application of abandonment to counterclaimsS

23.2.Rule 23.1 shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to the abandonment by a defender of his counterclaim as it applies to the abandonment of a cause.

CHAPTER 24S WITHDRAWAL OF SOLICITORS

Intimation of withdrawal to courtS

24.1.(1)[F204Subject to paragraph (3),]Where a solicitor withdraws from acting on behalf of a party, he shall intimate his withdrawal by letter to the sheriff clerk and to every other party.

(2)The sheriff clerk shall [F205forthwith] lodge such letter in process.

[F206(3)Where a solicitor withdraws from acting on behalf of a party in open court and in the presence of the other parties to the action or their representatives, paragraph (1) shall not apply.]

Textual Amendments

F204Words in Sch. 1 rule 24.1(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(9)(a)

F205Word in Sch. 1 rule 24.1(2) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(9)(b)

Intimation to party whose solicitor has withdrawnS

24.2.(1)[F207Subject to paragraph (1A),] The sheriff shall, of his own motion, or on the motion of any other party, pronounce an interlocutor ordaining the party whose solicitor has withdrawn from acting to appear or be represented at a specified diet fixed by the sheriff to state whether or not he intends to proceed, under certification that if he fails to do so the sheriff may grant decree or make such other order or finding as he thinks fit.

[F208(1A)Where any previously fixed diet is to occur within 14 days from the date when the sheriff first considers the solicitor’s withdrawal, the sheriff may either–

(a)pronounce an interlocutor in accordance with paragraph (1); or

(b)consider the matter at the previously fixed diet.]

(2)The diet fixed in the interlocutor under paragraph (1) shall not be less than 14 days after the date of the interlocutor unless the sheriff otherwise orders.

(3)The party who has lodged the motion under paragraph (1), or any other party appointed by the sheriff, shall forthwith serve on the party whose solicitor has withdrawn a copy of the interlocutor and a notice in Form G10; and a certificate of service shall be lodged in process.

Textual Amendments

F207Words in Sch. 1 rule 24.2(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(10)(a)

Consequences of failure to intimate intention to proceedS

24.3.Where a party on whom a notice and interlocutor has been served under rule 24.2(2) fails to appear or be represented at a diet fixed under rule 24.2(1) and to state his intention as required by that paragraph, the sheriff may grant decree or make such other order or finding as he thinks fit.

CHAPTER 25S WITHDRAWAL OF SOLICITORS

Minutes of sistS

25.1Where a party dies or comes under legal incapacity while a cause is depending, any person claiming to represent that party or his estate may apply by minute to be sisted as a party to the cause.

Minutes of transferenceS

F209 . . .Where a party dies or comes under legal incapacity while a cause is depending and the provisions of rule 25.1 are not invoked, any other party may apply by minute to have the cause transferred in favour of or against, as the case may be, any person who represents that party or his estate.

F210(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F209Rule 25.2: “-(1)” at the beginning of paragraph (1) is omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(30)(a)

F210Rule 25.2(2) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(30)(b)

CHAPTER 26STRANSFER AND REMIT OF CAUSES

Transfer to another sheriff courtS

26.1.(1)The sheriff may, on cause shown, [F211transfer] any cause to another sheriff court.

(2)Subject to paragraph (4), where a cause in which there are two or more defenders has been brought in the sheriff court of the residence or place of business of one of them, the sheriff may transfer the cause to any other sheriff court which has jurisdiction over any of the defenders.

(3)Subject to pargagraph (4), where a plea of no jurisdiction is sustained, the sheriff may transfer the cause to the sheriff court before which it appears to him the cause ought to have been brought.

(4)The sheriff shall not transfer a cause to another sheriff court under paragraph (2) or (3) except—

(a)on the motion of a party; and

(b)where he considers it expedient to do so having regard to the convenience of the parties and their witnesses.

(5)On making an order under paragraph (1), (2) or (3), the sheriff—

(a)shall state his reasons for doing so in the interlocutor; and

(b)may make the order on such conditions as to expenses or otherwise as he thinks fit.

(6)The court to which a cause is transferred under paragraph (1), (2) or (3) shall accept the cause.

(7)A transferred cause shall proceed in all respects as if it had been originally brought in the court to which it is transferred.

F212(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Remit and transfer of summary cause proceedings to all-Scotland sheriff courtS

[F21326.1A.(1)This rule applies where the sheriff directs that a summary cause is to be treated as an ordinary cause and, at the same time, makes an order transferring the action to the all-Scotland sheriff court.

(2)The pursuer must lodge an initial writ and intimate it to every other party within 14 days of the date of the order.

(3)The defender must lodge defences within 28 days after the date of the order.

(4)Following the making of a direction and order mentioned in paragraph (1), the action is to be treated as a personal injuries action within the meaning of Part A1 of Chapter 36.]

Textual Amendments

Remit to the Court of Session: proceedings to which section 39 of the 2014 Act does not applyS

[F21426.2.(1)An application under section 92(2) of the 2014 Act (remit of cases to the Court of Session) is to be made by motion.

(2)Within 4 days after the sheriff has pronounced an interlocutor remitting a cause to the Court of Session under section 92(2), the sheriff clerk must—

(a)send written notice of the remit to each party;

(b)certify on the interlocutor sheet that subparagraph (a) has been complied with;

(c)transmit the process to the Deputy Principal Clerk of Session.

(3)Failure by a sheriff clerk to comply with paragraph (2)(a) or (b) does not affect the validity of a remit.

Textual Amendments

Remit to the Court of Session: proceedings to which section 39 of the 2014 Act appliesS

26.2A.(1)An application under section 92(4) of the 2014 Act (request for remit to the Court of Session) is to be made by motion.

(2)The decision of a sheriff on an application made under section 92(4) is to be recorded in an interlocutor, and a note of the sheriff’s reasons for that decision must be appended to that interlocutor.

(3)Following receipt of an interlocutor from the Court of Session allowing the proceedings to be remitted the sheriff must issue an interlocutor remitting the proceedings under section 92(6).

(4)Within 4 days after the sheriff has pronounced an interlocutor remitting a cause to the Court of Session under section 92(6), the sheriff clerk must—

(a)send written notice of the remit to each party;

(b)certify on the interlocutor sheet that subparagraph (a) has been complied with;

(c)transmit the process to the Deputy Principal Clerk of Session.

(5)Failure by a sheriff clerk to comply with paragraph (4)(a) or (b) does not affect the validity of a remit.

Textual Amendments

Remit to the Court of Session: remits under other enactmentsS

26.2B.(1)This rule applies where the sheriff has pronounced an interlocutor remitting a cause to the Court of Session under an enactment other than section 92 of the 2014 Act.

(2)Within 4 days after the sheriff has pronounced that interlocutor, the sheriff clerk must—

(a)send written notice of the remit to each party;

(b)certify on the interlocutor sheet that subparagraph (a) has been complied with;

(c)transmit the process to the Deputy Principal Clerk of Session.

(3)Failure by a sheriff clerk to comply with paragraph (2)(a) or (b) does not affect the validity of a remit.]

Textual Amendments

Remit from Court of SessionS

26.3.On receipt of the process in an action which has been remitted from the Court of Session under [F215section 93 of the 2014 Act (remit of cases from the Court of Session)], the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)record the date of receipt on the interlocutor sheet;

(b)fix a hearing to determine further procedure on the first suitable court day occurring not earlier than 14 days after the date of receipt of the process; and

(c)forthwith send written notice of the date of the hearing fixed under sub-paragraph (b) to each party.

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 27S CAUTION AND SECURITY

Application of this ChapterS

27.1.This Chapter applies to—

(a)any cause in which the sheriff has power to order a person to find caution or give other security; and

(b)security for expenses ordered to be given by the election court or the sheriff under section 136(2)(i) of the M15Representation of the People Act 1983 in an election petition.

Marginal Citations

Form of applicationsS

27.2.(1)An application for an order for caution or other security, or for variation or recall of such an order, shall be made by motion.

(2)The grounds on which such an application is made shall be set out in the motion.

OrdersS

27.3.Subject to section 726(2) of the M16Companies Act 1985 (expenses by certain limited com panies), an order to find caution or give other security shall specify the period within which such caution is to be found or such security given.

Marginal Citations

Methods of finding caution or giving securityS

27.4.(1)A person ordered—

(a)to find caution, shall do so by obtaining a bond of caution; or

(b)to consign a sum of money into court, shall do so by consignation under the M17Sheriff Court Consignations (Scotland) Act 1893 in the name of the sheriff clerk.

(2)The sheriff may approve a method of security other than one mentioned in paragraph (1), including a combination of two or more methods of security.

(3)Subject to paragraph (4), any document by which an order to find caution or give other security is satisfied shall be lodged in process.

(4)Where the sheriff approves a security in the form of a deposit of a sum of money in the joint names of the agents of parties, a copy of the deposit receipt, and not the principal, shall be lodged in process.

(5)Any document lodged in process, by which an order to find caution or give other security is satisifed, shall not be borrowed from process.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Rule 27.4 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3128, para. 3(2).

Marginal Citations

Cautioners and [F216guarantors]S

27.5.A bond of caution or other security [F217 shall be given only by a person who is an “authorised person” within the meaning of section 31 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ]F218.

Textual Amendments

F216Word in rule 27.5 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8Rule 27.5 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3128, para. 3(2).

Forms of bonds of caution and other securitiesS

27.6.(1)A bond of caution shall oblige the cautioner, his heirs and executors to make payment of the sums for which he has become cautioner to the party to whom he is bound, as validity and in the same manner as the party and his heirs and successors, for whom he is cautioner, are obliged.

(2)A bond of caution or other security document given [F219 by a person shall state whether that person is an “authorised person” within the meaning of section 31 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000].

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9Rule 27.6 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3128, para. 3(2).

Sufficiency of caution or security and objectionsS

27.7.(1)The sheriff clerk shall satisfy himself that any bond of caution, or other document lodged in process under rule 27.4(3), is in proper form.

(2)A party who is dissatisified with the sufficiency or form of the caution or other security offered in obedience to an order of the court may apply by motion for an order under rule 27.9 (failure to find caution or give security).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10Rule 27.7 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3128, para. 3(2).

Insolvency or death of cautioner or guarantorS

27.8.Where caution has been found by bond of caution or security has been given by guarantee and the cautioner or guarantor, as the case may be—

(a)becomes apparently insolvent within the meaning assigned by [F220section 16 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (meaning of apparent insolvency)],

(b)calls a meeting of his creditors to consider the state of his affairs,

(c)dies unrepresented, or

(d)is a company and—

(i)an [F221administration, bank administration or building society special administration order or a winding up, bank insolvency or building society insolvency order] has been made, or a resolution for a voluntary winding up has been passed, with respect to it,

(ii)a receiver of all or any part of its undertaking has been appointed, or

(iii)a voluntary arrangement (within the meaning assigned by section 1(1) of the M18Insolvency Act 1986) has been approved under Part I of that Act,

the party entitled to benefit from the caution or guarantee may apply by motion for a new security or further security to be given.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11Rule 27.8 applied (with modifications) (1.1.1994) by S.I. 1993/3128, para. 3(2).

Marginal Citations

Failure to find caution or give securityS

27.9.Where a party fails to find caution or give other security (in this rule referred to as “the party in default”), any other party may apply by motion—

(a)where the party in default is a pursuer, for decree of absolvitor; or

(b)where the party in default is a defender or a third party, for decree by default or for such other finding or order as the sheriff thinks fit.

[F222CHAPTER 27ASPURSUERS’ OFFERS

Textual Amendments

Interpretation of this ChapterS

27A.1.In this Chapter—

  • “appropriate date” means the date by which a pursuer’s offer could reasonably have been accepted;

  • “fees” means fees of solicitors, and includes any additional fee;

  • “pursuer’s offer” means an offer by a pursuer to settle a claim against a defender made in accordance with this Chapter;

  • “relevant period” means the period from the appropriate date to the date of acceptance of the pursuer’s offer or, as the case may be, to the date on which judgment was given, or on which the verdict was applied.

Pursuers’ offersS

27A.2.(1)A pursuer’s offer may be made in any cause where the initial writ includes a crave for an order for payment of a sum or sums of money, other than an order—

(a)which the sheriff may not make without evidence; or

(b)the making of which is dependent on the making of another order which the sheriff may not make without evidence.

(2)This Chapter has no effect as regards any other form of offer to settle.

Making of offerS

27A.3.(1)A pursuer’s offer is made by lodging in process an offer in the terms specified in rule 27A.4.

(2)A pursuer’s offer may be made at any time before—

(a)the sheriff makes avizandum or, if the sheriff does not make avizandum, gives judgment; or

(b)in a jury trial, the jury retires to consider the verdict.

(3)A pursuer’s offer may be withdrawn at any time before it is accepted by lodging in process a minute of withdrawal.

Form of offerS

27A.4.A pursuer’s offer must—

(a)state that it is made under this Chapter;

(b)offer to accept—

(i)a sum or sums of money, inclusive of interest to the date of the offer; and

(ii)the taxed expenses of process; and

(c)specify the crave or craves of the initial writ in satisfaction of which the sum or sums and expenses referred to in paragraph (b) would be accepted.

Disclosure of offersS

27A.5.(1)No averment of the fact that a pursuer’s offer has been made may be included in any pleadings.

(2)Where a pursuer’s offer has not been accepted—

(a)the sheriff must not be informed that an offer has been made until—

(i)the sheriff has pronounced judgment; or

(ii)in the case of a jury trial, the jury has returned its verdict; and

(b)a jury must not be informed that an offer has been made until it has returned its verdict.

Acceptance of offersS

27A.6.(1)A pursuer’s offer may be accepted any time before—

(a)the offer is withdrawn;

(b)the sheriff makes avizandum or, if the sheriff does not make avizandum, gives judgment; or

(c)in the case of a jury trial, the jury retires to consider its verdict.

(2)A pursuer’s offer is accepted by lodging in process an acceptance of the offer in the form of a minute of acceptance.

(3)A minute of acceptance must be unqualified other than as respects any question of contribution, indemnity or relief.

(4)On acceptance of a pursuer’s offer either the pursuer or the defender may apply by motion for decree in terms of the offer and minute of acceptance.

(5)Where a pursuer’s offer includes an offer to accept a sum of money in satisfaction of a crave for decree jointly and severally against two or more defenders, the offer is accepted only when accepted by all such defenders.

(6)However, the sheriff may, on the motion of the pursuer, and with the consent of any defender who has lodged a minute of acceptance, grant decree in terms of the offer and minute of acceptance.

Late acceptance of offersS

27A.7.(1)This rule applies to the determination of a motion under rule 27A.6(4) where the sheriff is satisfied that a defender lodged a minute of acceptance after the appropriate date.

(2)On the pursuer’s motion the sheriff must, except on cause shown—

(a)allow interest on any sum decerned for from the date on which the pursuer’s offer was made; and

(b)find the defender liable for payment to the pursuer of a sum calculated in accordance with rule 27A.9.

(3)Where the sheriff is satisfied that more than one defender lodged a minute of acceptance after the appropriate date the sheriff may find those defenders liable to contribute to payment of the sum referred to in paragraph (2)(b) in such proportions as the sheriff thinks fit.

(4)Where the sheriff makes a finding under paragraph (2)(b), the pursuer may apply for decerniture for payment of the sum as so calculated no later than the granting of decree for expenses as taxed.

Non-acceptance of offersS

27A.8.(1)This rule applies where—

(a)a pursuer’s offer has been made, and has not been withdrawn;

(b)the offer has not been accepted;

(c)either—

(i)the sheriff has pronounced judgment; or

(ii)in the case of a jury trial, the verdict of the jury has been applied;

(d)the judgment or verdict, in so far as relating to the craves specified in the pursuer’s offer, is at least as favourable in money terms to the pursuer as the terms offered; and

(e)the sheriff is satisfied that the pursuer’s offer was a genuine attempt to settle the proceedings.

(2)For the purpose of determining if the condition specified in paragraph (1)(d) is satisfied, interest awarded in respect of the period after the lodging of the pursuer’s offer is to be disregarded.

(3)On the pursuer’s motion the sheriff must, except on cause shown, decern against the defender for payment to the pursuer of a sum calculated in accordance with rule 27A.9.

(4)Such a motion must be lodged no later than the granting of decree for expenses as taxed.

(5)Where more than one defender is found liable to the pursuer in respect of a crave specified in the offer, the sheriff may find those defenders liable to contribute to payment of the sum referred to in paragraph (3) in such proportions as the sheriff thinks fit.

Extent of defender’s liabilityS

27A.9.The sum that may be decerned for under rule 27A.7(2)(b) or rule 27A.8(3) is a sum corresponding to half the fees allowed on taxation of the pursuer’s account of expenses, in so far as those fees are attributable to the relevant period, or in so far they can reasonably be attributed to that period.]

CHAPTER 28SRECOVERY OF EVIDENCE

Application and interpretation of this ChapterS

28.1.(1)This Chapter applies to the recovery of any evidence in a cause depending before the sheriff.

(2)In this Chapter, “the Act of 1972” means the M19Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972.

Marginal Citations

Applications for commission and diligence for recovery of documents or for orders under section 1 of the Act of 1972S

28.2.(1)An application by a party for—

(a)a commission and diligence for the recovery of a document, or

(b)an order under M20section 1 of the Act of 1972,

shall be made by motion.

(2)At the time of lodging a motion under paragraph (1), a specification of—

(a)the document or other property sought to be inspected, photographed, preserved, taken into custody, detained, produced, recovered, sampled or experimented on or with, as the case may be, or

(b)the matter in respect of which information is sought as to the identity of a person who might be a witness or a defender,

shall be lodged in process.

[F223(3)A copy of the specification lodged under paragraph (2) and the motion made under paragraph (1) shall be intimated by the applicant to–

(a)every other party;

(b)in respect of an application under section 1(1) of the M21Act of 1972, any third party haver; and

[F224(c)where necessary–

(i)the Advocate General for Scotland (in a case where the document or other property sought is in the possession of either a public authority exercising functions in relation to reserved matters within the meaning of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, or a cross-border public authority within the meaning of section 88(5) of that Act); or

(ii)the Lord Advocate (in any other case),

and, if there is any doubt, both.]]

(4)Where the sheriff grants a motion made under paragraph (1) in whole or in part, he may order the applicant to find such caution or give such other security as he thinks fit.

[F225(5)The Advocate General for Scotland or the Lord Advocate or both, as appropriate, may appear at the hearing of any motion under paragraph (1).]

Textual Amendments

F223Rule 28.2(3) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(32)

Marginal Citations

M20Section 1 of the Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972 was amended by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c.73), section 19 and Schedule 2, paragraph 15.

Optional procedure before executing commission and diligenceS

[F22628.3.(1)Subject to rule 28.3A (optional procedure where there is a party litigant), this rule applies where a party has obtained a commission and diligence for the recovery of a document on an application made under rule 28.2(1)(a).

(2)Such a party may, at any time before executing the commission and diligence against a haver, serve on the haver an order in Form G11 (in this rule referred to as “the order”).

(3)The order and a copy of the specification referred to in rule 28.2(2), as approved by the sheriff, must be served on the haver or his known agent and must be complied with by the haver in the manner and within the period specified in the order.

(4)Not later than the day after the date on which the order, and any document recovered, is received from a haver by the party who obtained the order, that party—

(a)must give written intimation of that fact in Form G11A to the sheriff clerk and every other party; and

(b)must—

(i)if the document has been sent by post, send a written receipt for the document in Form G11B to the haver; or

(ii)if the document has been delivered by hand, give a written receipt in Form G11B to the person delivering the document.

(5)Where the party who has recovered any such document does not lodge it in process within 14 days of receipt of it, that party must—

(a)give written intimation to every party that that party may borrow, inspect or copy the document within 14 days after the date of that intimation; and

(b)in so doing, identify the document.

(6)Where a party who has obtained any document under paragraph (5) wishes to lodge the document in process, that party must—

(a)lodge the document within 14 days after receipt of it; and

(b)at the same time, send a written receipt for the document in Form G11C to the party who obtained the order.

(7)Where—

(a)no party wishes to lodge or borrow any such document under paragraph (5), the document is to be returned to the haver by the party who obtained the order within 14 days after the expiry of the period specified in paragraph (5)(a); or

(b)any such document has been uplifted by another party under paragraph (5) and that party does not wish to lodge it in process, the document shall be returned to the haver by that party within 21 days after the date of receipt of it by him.

(8)Any such document lodged in process is to be returned to the haver by the party lodging it within 14 days after the expiry of any period allowed for appeal or, where an appeal has been marked, from the disposal of any such appeal.

(9)If any party fails to return any such document as provided for in paragraph (7) or (8), the haver may apply by motion (whether or not the cause is in dependence) for an order that the document be returned to him and for the expenses occasioned by that motion.

(10)The party holding any such document (being the party who last issued a receipt for it) is responsible for its safekeeping during the period that the document is in his custody or control.

(11)If the party who served the order is not satisfied that—

(a)full compliance has been made with the order, or

(b)adequate reasons for non-compliance have been given,

he may execute the commission and diligence under rule 28.4.

(12)Where an extract from a book of any description (whether the extract is certified or not) is produced under the order, the sheriff may, on the motion of the party who served the order, direct that that party may inspect the book and take copies of any entries falling with the specification.

(13)Where any question of confidentiality arises in relation to a book directed to be inspected under paragraph (12), the inspection shall be made, and any copies shall be taken, at the sight of the commissioner appointed in the interlocutor granting the commission and diligence.

(14)The sheriff may, on cause shown, order the production of any book (not being a banker’s book or book of public record) containing entries falling under a specification, notwithstanding the production of a certified extract from that book.

Textual Amendments

Optional procedure where there is a party litigantS

28.3A.(1)This rule applies where any of the parties to the action is a party litigant.

(2)The party who has obtained a commission and diligence for the recovery of a document on an application under rule 28.2(1)(a) may, at any time before executing it against a haver, serve on the haver an order in Form G11D (in this rule referred to as “the order”).

(3)The order and a copy of the specification referred to in rule 28.2(2), as approved by the sheriff, must be served on the haver or his known agent and must be complied with by the haver in the manner and within the period specified in the order.

(4)Not later than the day after the date on which the order, and any document recovered, is received from a haver by the sheriff clerk, the sheriff clerk shall give written intimation of that fact to each party.

(5)No party, other than the party who served the order, may uplift any such document until after the expiry of 7 days after the date of intimation under paragraph (4).

(6)Where the party who served the order fails to uplift any such document within 7 days after the date of intimation under paragraph (4), the sheriff clerk must give written intimation of that failure to every other party.

(7)Where no party has uplifted any such document within 14 days after the date of intimation under paragraph (6), the sheriff clerk must return it to the haver.

(8)Where a party who has uplifted any such document does not wish to lodge it, he must return it to the sheriff clerk who must—

(a)give written intimation of the return of the document to every other party; and

(b)if no other party uplifts the document within 14 days after the date of intimation, return it to the haver.

(9)Any such document lodged in process is to be returned to the haver by the party lodging it within 14 days after the expiry of any period allowed for appeal or, where an appeal has been [F227made], from the disposal of any such appeal.

(10)If any party fails to return any such document as provided for in paragraph (8) or (9), the haver may apply by motion (whether or not the cause is in dependence) for an order that the document be returned to him and for the expenses occasioned by that motion.

(11)The party holding any such document (being the party who last issued a receipt for it) is responsible for its safekeeping during the period that the document is in his custody or control.

(12)If the party who served the order is not satisfied that—

(a)full compliance has been made with the order, or

(b)adequate reasons for non-compliance have been given,

he may execute the commission and diligence under rule 28.4.

(13)Where an extract from a book of any description (whether the extract is certified or not) is produced under the order, the sheriff may, on the motion of the party who served the order, direct that that party shall be allowed to inspect the book and take copies of any entries falling within the specification.

(14)Where any question of confidentiality arises in relation to a book directed to be inspected under paragraph (13), the inspection shall be made, and any copies shall be taken, at the sight of the commissioner appointed in the interlocutor granting the commission and diligence.

(15)The sheriff may, on cause shown, order the production of any book (not being a banker’s book or book of public record) containing entries falling under a specification, notwithstanding the production of a certified extract from that book.]

Textual Amendments

Execution of commission and diligence for recovery of documentsS

28.4.(1)The party who seeks to execute a commission and diligence for recovery of a document obtained on an application made under rule 28.2(1)(a) shall—

(a)provide the commissioner with a copy of the specification, a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments) and a certified copy of the interlocutor of his appointment; and

(b)instruct the clerk and any shorthand writer considered necessary by the commissioner or any party; and

(c)be responsible for the fees of the commissioner and his clerk, and of any shorthand writer.

(2)The commissioner shall, in consultation with the parties, fix a diet for the execution of the commission.

(3)The interlocutor granting such a commission and diligence shall be sufficient authority for citing a haver to appear before the commissioner.

(4)A citation in Form G13 shall be served on the haver with a copy of the specification and, where necessary for a proper understanding of the specification, a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments) [F228; and the party citing the haver shall lodge a certificate in Form G12].

(5)The parties and the haver shall be entitled to be represented by a solicitor or person having a right of audience before the sheriff at the execution of the commission.

(6)At the commission, the commissioner shall—

(a)administer the oath de fideli administratione to any [F229clerk and any] shorthand writer appointed for the commission; and

(b)administer to the haver the oath in Form G14, or, where the haver elects to affirm, the affirmation in Form G15.

(7)The report of the execution of the commission and diligence, any document recovered and an inventory of that document, shall be sent by the commissioner to the sheriff clerk.

(8)Not later than the day after the date on which such a report, document and inventory, if any, are received by the sheriff clerk, he shall intimate to the parties that he has received them.

(9)No party, other than the party who served the order, may uplift such a document until after the expiry of 7 days after the date of intimation under paragraph (8).

(10)Where the party who served the order fails to uplift such a document within 7 days after the date of intimation under paragraph (8), the sheriff clerk shall intimate that failure to every other party.

(11)Where no party has uplifted such a document within 14 days after the date of intimation under paragraph (10), the sheriff clerk shall return it to the haver.

(12)Where a party who has uplifted such a document does not wish to lodge it, he shall return it to the sheriff clerk who shall—

(a)intimate the return of the document to every other party; and

(b)if no other party uplifts the document within 14 days of the date of intimation, return it to the haver.

Textual Amendments

F228Words in rule 28.4(4) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(34)(a)

F229Words in rule 28.4(6)(a) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(34)(b)

Execution of orders for production or recovery of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972S

28.5.(1)An order under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972 for the production or recovery of a document or other property shall grant a commission and diligence for the production or recovery of that document or other property.

(2)Rules 28.3 (optional procedure before executing commission and diligence) and 28.4 (execution of commission and diligence for recovery of documents) shall apply to an order to which paragraph (1) applies as they apply to a commission and diligence for the recovery of a document.

Execution of orders for inspection etc. of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972S

28.6.(1)An order under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972 for the inspection or photographing of a document or other property, the taking of samples or the carrying out of any experiment thereon or therewith, shall authorise and appoint a specified person to photograph, inspect, take samples of, or carry out any experiment on or with any such document or other property, as the case may be, subject to such conditions, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit.

(2)A certified copy of the interlocutor granting such an order shall be sufficient authority for the person specified to execute the order.

(3)When such an order is executed, the party who obtained the order shall serve on the haver a copy of the interlocutor granting it, a copy of the specification and, where necessary for a proper understanding of the specification, a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments).

Execution of orders for preservation etc. of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972S

28.7.(1)An order under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972 for the preservation, custody and detention of a document or other property F230. . . shall grant a commission and diligence for the detention and custody of that document or other property.

(2)The party who has obtained an order under paragraph (1) shall—

(a)provide the commissioner with a copy of the specification, a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments) and a certified copy of the interlocutor of his appointment;

(b)be responsible for the fees of the commissioner and his clerk; and

(c)serve a copy of the order on the haver.

(3)The report of the execution of the commission and diligence, any document or other property taken by the commissioner and an inventory of such property, shall be sent by the commissioner to the sheriff clerk for the further order of the sheriff.

Textual Amendments

F230Words in rule 28.7(1) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(35)

ConfidentialityS

28.8.[F231(1)Where confidentiality is claimed for any evidence sought to be recovered under any of the following rules, such evidence is to be, where practicable, enclosed in a sealed packet—

(a)rule 28.3 (optional procedure before executing commission and diligence),

(b)rule 28.3A (optional procedure where there is a party litigant),

(c)rule 28.4 (execution of commission and diligence for recovery of documents),

(d)rule 28.5 (execution of orders for production or recovery of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972),

(e)rule 28.7 (execution of orders for preservation etc. of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972).]

28.3(optional procedure before executing commission and diligence),

28.4(execution of commission and diligence for recovery of documents),

28.5(execution of orders for production or recovery of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972),

28.7(execution of orders for preservation etc. of documents or other property under section 1(1) of the Act of 1972).

(2)A motion to have such a sealed packet opened up [F232or such recovery allowed] may be lodged by—

(a)the party who obtained the commission and diligence; or

[F233(b)any other party after the date of intimation under rule 28.3(5), 28.3A(8) or 28.4(10).]

(3)In addition to complying with rule 15.2 (intimation of motions) [F234or rule 15A.4 (intimation of motions by email)], the party lodging such a motion shall intimate the terms of the motion to the haver by post by the first class recorded delivery service.

(4)The person claiming confidentiality may oppose a motion made under paragraph (2).

Textual Amendments

F232Words in rule 28.8(2) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(36)(b)

Warrants for production of original documents from public recordsS

28.9.(1)Where a party seeks to obtain from the keeper of any public record production of the original of any register or deed in his custody for the purposes of a cause, he shall apply to the sheriff by motion.

(2)Intimation of a motion under paragraph (1) shall be given to the keeper of the public record concerned at least 7 days before the motion is lodged.

(3)In relation to a public record kept by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland or the Keeper of the Records of Scotland, where it appears to the sheriff that it is necessary for the ends of justice that a motion under this rule should be granted, he shall pronounce an interlocutor containing a certificate to that effect; and the party applying for production may apply by letter (enclosing a copy of the interlocutor duly certified by the sheriff clerk), addressed to the Deputy Principal Clerk of Session, for an order from the Court of Session authorising the Keeper of the Registers or the Keeper of the Records, as the case may be, to exhibit the original of any register or deed to the sheriff.

(4)The Deputy Principal Clerk of Session shall submit the application sent to him under paragraph (3) to the Lord Ordinary in chambers who, if satisfied, shall grant a warrant for production or exhibition of the original register or deed sought.

(5)A certified copy of the warrant granted under paragraph (4) shall be served on the keeper of the public record concerned.

(6)The expense of the production or exhibition of such an original register or deed shall be met, in the first instance, by the party who applied by motion under paragraph (1).

Commissions for examination of witnessesS

28.10.(1)This rule applies to a commission—

(a)to take the evidence of a witness who—

(i)is resident beyond the jurisdiction of the court;

(ii)although resident within the jurisdiction of the court, resides at some place remote from that court; or

(iii)by reason of age, infirmity or sickness, is unable to attend the diet of proof; F235. . .

(b)in respect of the evidence of a witness which is in danger of being lost, to take the evidence to lie in retentis [F236; or]

[F237(c)on special cause shown, to take evidence of a witness on a ground other than one mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or (b)]

(2)An application by a party for a commission to examine a witness shall be made by motion; and that party shall specify in the motion the name and address of at least one proposed commissioner for approval and appointment by the sheriff.

[F238(2A)A motion under paragraph (2) may include an application for authority to record the proceedings before the commissioner by video recorder:]

(3)The interlocutor granting such a commission shall be sufficient authority for citing the witness to appear before the commissioner.

(4)At the commission, the commissioner shall—

(a)administer the oath de fideli administratione to any [F239clerk and any] shorthand writer appointed for the commis sion; and

(b)administer to the witness the oath in Form G14, or where the witness elects to affirm, the affirmation in Form G15.

(5)Where a commission is granted for the examination of a witness, the commission shall proceed without interrogatories unless, on cause shown, the sheriff otherwise directs.

Textual Amendments

F235Word in rule 28.10(1)(a)(iii) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(37)(a)(i)

F236Rule 28.10(1)(b): “;or” substituted for the full-stop (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(37)(a)(ii)

F237Rule 28.10(1)(c) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(37)(a)(iii)

F239Words in rule 28.10(4)(a) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(37)(b)

Commissions on interrogatoriesS

28.11.(1)Where interrogatories have not been dispensed with, the party who obtained the commis sion to examine a witness under rule 28.10 shall lodge draft interrogatories in process.

(2)Any other party may lodge cross-interrogatories.

(3)The interrogatories and any cross-interrogatories, when adjusted, shall be extended and returned to the sheriff clerk for approval and the settlement of any dispute as to their contents by the sheriff.

(4)The party who has obtained the commission shall—

(a)provide the commissioner with a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amend ments), the approved interrogatories and any cross-interrogatories and a certified copy of the interlocutor of his appointment;

(b)instruct the clerk; and

(c)be responsible, in the first instance, for the fee of the commissioner and his clerk.

(5)The commissioner shall, in consultation with the parties, fix a diet for the execution of the commission to examine the witness.

(6)The executed interrogatories, any document produced by the witness and an inventory of that document, shall be sent by the commissioner to the sheriff clerk.

(7)Not later than the day after the date on which the executed interrogatories, any document and an inventory of that document, are received by the sheriff clerk, he shall intimate to each party that he has received them.

(8)The party who obtained the commission to examine the witness shall lodge in process—

(a)the report of the commission; and

(b)the executed interrogatories and any cross-interrogatories.

Commissions without interrogatoriesS

28.12.(1)Where interrogatories have been dispensed with, the party who has obtained a commis sion to examine a witness under rule 28.10 shall—

(a)provide the commissioner with a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amend ments) and a certified copy of the interlocutor of his appointment;

(b)fix a diet for the execution of the commission in consultation with the commissioner and every other party;

(c)instruct the clerk and any shorthand writer; and

(d)be responsible [F240in the first instance] for the fees of the commissioner, his clerk and any shorthand writer.

(2)All parties shall be entitled to be present and represented at the execution of the commission.

(3)The report of the execution of the commission, any document produced by the witness and an inventory of that document, shall be sent by the commissioner to the sheriff clerk.

(4)Not later than the day after the date on which such a report, any document and an inventory of that document are received by the sheriff clerk, he shall intimate to each party that he has received them.

(5)The party who obtained the commission to examine the witness shall lodge the report in process.

Textual Amendments

F240Words in Sch. 1 rule 28.12(1)(d) inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), para. 2(7)

Evidence taken on commissionS

28.13.(1)Subject to the following paragraphs of this rule and to all questions of relevancy and admissibility, evidence taken on commission under rule 28.11 or 28.12 may be used as evidence at any proof of the cause.

(2)Any party may object to the use of such evidence at a proof; and the objection shall be determined by the sheriff.

(3)Such evidence shall not be used at a proof if the witness becomes available to attend the diet of proof.

(4)A party may use such evidence in accordance with the preceding paragraphs of this rule not withstanding that it was obtained at the instance of another party.

Letters of requestS

28.14.(1)[F241Subject to paragraph (7), this] rule applies to an application for a letter of request to a court or tribunal outside Scotland to obtain evidence of the kind specified in paragraph (2), being evidence obtainable within the jurisdiction of that court or tribunal, for the purposes of a cause depending before the sheriff.

(2)An application to which paragraph (1) applies may be made in relation to a request—

(a)for the examination of a witness [F242,]

(b)for the inspection, photographing, preservation, custody, detention, production or recovery of, or the taking of samples of, or the carrying out of any experiment on or with, a document or other property, as the case may be [F243,]

[F244(c)for the medical examination of any person,

(d)for the taking and testing of samples of blood from any person, or

(e)for any other order for obtaining evidence,

for which an order could be obtained from the sheriff.]

(3)Such an application shall be made by minute in Form G16 together with a proposed letter of request in Form G17.

(4)It shall be a condition of granting a letter of request that any solicitor for the applicant [F245, or a party litigant, as the case may be, shall be personally liable, in the first instance,] for the whole expenses which may become due and payable in respect of the letter of request to the court or tribunal obtaining the evidence and to any witness who may be examined for the purpose; and he shall consign into court such sum in respect of such expenses as the sheriff thinks fit.

(5)Unless the court or tribunal to which a letter of request is addressed is a court or tribunal in a country or territory—

(a)where English is an official language, or

(b)in relation to which the sheriff clerk certifies that no translation is required,

then the applicant shall, before the issue of the letter of request, lodge in process a translation of that letter and any interrogatories and cross-interrogatories into the official language of that court or tribunal.

(6)The letter of request when issued, any interrogatories and cross-interrogatories adjusted as required by rule 28.11 and the translations (if any), shall be forwarded by the sheriff clerk to [F246the Scottish Ministers] or to such person and in such manner as the sheriff may direct.

[F247(7)This rule does not apply to any request for the taking of evidence under Council Regulation (EC) No. 1206/2001 of 28th May 2001 on cooperation between the courts of the Member States in the taking of evidence in civil or commercial matters.]

Textual Amendments

F242Sch. 1 rule 28.14(2)(a): a comma is substituted for the semi-colon at the end (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(38)(a)(i)

F243Sch. 1 rule 28.14(2)(b): a comma is substituted for the full-stop at the end (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(38)(a)(ii)

F244Sch. 1 rule 28.14(2)(c)-(e) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(38)(a)(iii)

F245Words in Sch. 1 rule 28.14(4) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(38)(b)

Taking of evidence in [F249the European Union] S

[F24828.14A.(1)This rule applies to any request–

(a)for the competent court of another Member State to take evidence under Article 1.1(a) of the Council Regulation; or

(b)that the court shall take evidence directly in another Member State under Article 1.1(b) of the Council Regulation.

(2)An application for a request under paragraph (1) shall be made by minute in Form G16, together with the proposed request in form A or I (as the case may be) in the Annex to the Council Regulation.

(3)In this rule, “the Council Regulation” means Council Regulation (EC) No. 1206/2001 of 28th May 2001 on cooperation between the courts of the Member States in the taking of evidence in civil or commercial matters.]

Textual Amendments

Citation of witnesses and haversS

28.15.The following rules shall apply to the citation of a witness or haver to a commission under this Chapter as they apply to the citation of a witness for a proof:—

  • rule 29.7 (citation of witnesses), except paragraph (4),

  • rule 29.9 (second diligence against a witness),

  • rule 29.10 (failure of witness to attend).

[F250CHAPTER 28ASPRE-PROOF HEARING

Textual Amendments

Pre-proof hearingS

28A.1.(1)[F251Subject to paragraph (1A)] on the appointment of a cause to a proof or proof before answer or thereafter on the motion of any party or of his own motion, the sheriff may appoint the cause to a pre-proof hearing.

[F252(1A)Where Chapter 33AA applies, the sheriff will fix a pre-proof hearing at the case management hearing.]

(2)It shall be the duty of the parties to provide the sheriff with sufficient information to enable him to conduct the hearing as provided for in this rule.

(3)At a pre-proof hearing the sheriff shall ascertain, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the cause is likely to proceed to proof on the date fixed for that purpose and, in particular–

(a)the state of preparation of the parties; and

(b)the extent to which the parties have complied with their duties under rules 9A.2, 9A.3, 29.11 and 29.15 and any orders made by the sheriff under rules [F2539.12(3)(a),(b),(d) or (e)] [F254, 10.6(3)(a) or (b) or Chapter 33AA] [F255; and

(c)consider any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application that has been lodged where no order has been made, or ascertain whether there is or is likely to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the 2004 Act who is to give evidence at any proof or hearing and whether any order under section 12(1) of the Act of 2004 requires to be made.]

(4)At a pre-proof hearing the sheriff may–

(a)discharge the proof or proof before answer and fix a new date for such proof or proof before answer;

(b)adjourn the pre-proof hearing; or

(c)make such other order as he thinks fit to secure the expeditious progress of the cause.

(5)For the purposes of rules 16.2 (decrees where party in default), 33.37 (decree by default in family action) and 33A.37 (decree by default in civil partnership action), a pre-proof hearing shall be a diet in accordance with those rules.]

Textual Amendments

F253Words in Sch. 1 rule 28A.1(3)(b) substituted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), para. 2(6)(a)

F255Sch. 1 rule 28A.1(3)(c) and word inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), para. 2(6)(b)

CHAPTER 29SPROOF

Reference to oathS

29.1.(1)Where a party intends to refer any matter to the oath of his opponent he shall lodge a motion to that effect.

(2)If a party fails to appear at the diet for taking his deposition on the reference to his oath, the sheriff may hold him as confessed and grant decree accordingly.

Remit to person of skillS

29.2.(1)The sheriff may, on a motion by any party or on a joint motion, remit to any person of skill, or other person, to report on any matter of fact.

(2)Where a remit under paragraph (1) is made by joint motion or of consent of all parties, the report of such person shall be final and conclusive with respect to the subject-matter of the remit.

(3)Where a remit under paragraph (1) is made—

(a)on the motion of one of the parties, the expenses of the remit shall, in the first instance, be met by that party; and

(b)on a joint motion or of consent of all parties, the expenses shall, in the first instance, be met by the parties equally, unless the sheriff otherwise orders.

Written statementsS

[F25629.3.Where a statement in a document is admissible under section 2(1)(b) of the Civil Evidence (Scotland) Act 1988 F257, any party who wishes to have that statement received in evidence shall–

(a)docquet that document as follows:– (Place and date) This document contains a statement admissible under section 2(1)(b) of the Civil Evidence (Scotland) Act 1988. (Signed) (Designation and address);

(b)lodge that document in process; and

(c)provide all other parties with a copy of that document.]

Textual Amendments

Renouncing probationS

29.4.(1)Where, [F258at any time] the parties seek to renounce probation, they shall lodge in process a joint minute to that effect with or without a statement of admitted facts and any productions.

(2)On the lodging of a joint minute under paragraph (1), the sheriff may [F259make such order as he thinks fit to secure the expeditious progress of the cause].

Textual Amendments

Orders for proofS

29.5Where proof is necessary in any cause, the sheriff shall fix a date for taking the proof and may limit the mode of proof.

Hearing parts of proof separatelyS

29.6.(1)[F260In any cause], the sheriff may—

(a)of his own motion, or

(b)on the motion of any party,

order that proof on liability or any specified issue be heard separately from proof on the question of the amount for which decree may be pronounced and determine the order in which the proofs shall be heard.

(2)The sheriff shall pronounce such interlocutor as he thinks fit at the conclusion of the first proof of any cause ordered to be heard in separate parts under paragraph (1).

Textual Amendments

F260Words in rule 29.6(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(39)

Citation of witnessesS

29.7.(1)A witness shall be cited for a proof—

(a)by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service by the solicitor for the party on whose behalf he is cited; or

(b)by a sheriff officer—

(i)personally;

(ii)by a citation being left with a resident at the person’s dwelling place or an employee at his place of business;

(iii)by depositing it in that person’s dwelling place or place of business;

(iv)by affixing it to the door of that person’s dwelling place or place of business; or

(v)by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service.

(2)Where service is executed under paragraph (1)(b)(iii) or (iv), the sheriff officer shall, as soon as possible after such service, send, by ordinary post to the address at which he thinks it most likely that the person may be found, a letter containing a copy of the citation.

(3)A certified copy of the interlocutor allowing a proof shall be sufficient warrant to a sheriff officer to cite a witness on behalf of a party.

(4)A witness shall be cited on a period of notice of 7 days in Form G13 and the party citing the witness shall lodge a certificate of citation in Form G12.

(5)A solicitor who cites a witness shall be personally liable for his fees and expenses.

(6)In the event of a solicitor intimating to a witness that his citation is cancelled, the solicitor shall advise him that the cancellation is not to affect any other citation which he may have received from another party.

Citation of witnesses by party litigantsS

29.8.(1)Where a party to a cause is a party litigant, he shall—

(a)not later than 4 weeks before the diet of proof, apply to the sheriff by motion to fix caution in such sum as the sheriff considers reasonable having regard to the number of witnesses he proposes to cite and the period for which they may be required to attend court; and

(b)before instructing a sheriff officer to cite a witness, find caution for such expenses as can reasonably be anticipated to be incurred by the witness in answering the citation.

(2)A party litigant who does not intend to cite all the witnesses referred to in his application under paragraph (1)(a), may apply by motion for variation of the amount of caution.

Second diligence against a witnessS

29.9.(1)The sheriff may, on the motion of a party, grant a second diligence to compel the attendance of a witness under pain of arrest and imprisonment until caution can be found for his due attendance.

(2)The warrant for a second diligence shall be effective without endorsation and the expenses of such a motion and diligence may be decerned for against the witness.

Failure of witness to attendS

29.10.(1)Where a witness fails to answer a citation after having been duly cited, the sheriff may, on the motion of a party and on production of a certificate of citation, grant warrant for the apprehension of the witness and for bringing him to court; and the expenses of such a motion and apprehension may be decerned for against the witness.

(2)Where a witness duly cited and after having demanded and been paid his travelling expenses fails to attend a diet, either before the sheriff or before a commissioner, the sheriff may—

(a)ordain the witness to forfeit and pay a penalty not exceeding £250 unless a reasonable excuse be offered and sustained; and

(b)grant decree for that penalty in favour of the party on whose behalf the witness was cited.

Lodging productionsS

29.11.(1)Where a proof has been allowed, all productions [F261and affidavits] which are intended to be used at the proof shall be lodged in process not later than [F26228] days before the diet of proof.

(2)A production which is not lodged in accordance with paragraph (1) shall not be used or put in evidence at a proof unless—

(a)by consent of parties; or

(b)with leave of the sheriff on cause shown and on such conditions, if any, as to expenses or otherwise as the sheriff thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F261Words in Sch. 1 rule 29.11(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(12)

Copy productionsS

29.12.(1)A copy of every [F263documentary] production, marked with the appropriate number of process of the principal production, shall be lodged for the use of the sheriff at a proof not later than 48 hours before the diet of proof.

(2)Each copy production consisting of more than one sheet shall be securely fastened together by the party lodging it.

Textual Amendments

F263Word in Sch. 1 rule 29.12(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(13)

Returning borrowed parts of process and productions before proofS

29.13.All parts of process and productions which have been borrowed shall be returned to process before 12.30 pm on the day preceding the diet of proof.

Notices to admit and notices of non-admissionS

29.14.(1)At any time after [F264the record has closed], a party may intimate to any other party a notice or notices calling on him to admit for the purposes of that cause only—

(a)such facts relating to an issue averred in the pleadings as may be specified in the notice;

(b)that a particular document lodged in process and specified in the notice is—

(i)an original and properly authenticated document; or

(ii)a true copy of an original and properly authenticated document.

(2)Where a party on whom a notice is intimated under paragraph (1)—

(a)does not admit a fact specified in the notice, or

(b)does not admit, or seeks to challenge, the authenticity of a document specified in the notice,

he shall, within 21 days after the date of intimation of the notice under paragraph (1), intimate a notice of non-admission to the party intimating the notice to him under paragraph (1) stating that he does not admit the fact or document specified.

(3)A party who fails to intimate a notice of non-admission under paragraph (2) shall be deemed to have admitted the fact or document specified in the notice intimated to him under paragraph (1); and such fact or document may be used in evidence at a proof if otherwise admissible in evidence, unless the sheriff, on special cause shown, otherwise directs.

F265(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)The party serving a notice under paragraph (1) or (2) shall lodge a copy of it in process.

(6)A deemed admission under paragraph (3) shall not be used against the party by whom it was deemed to be made other than in the cause for the purpose for which it was deemed to be made or in favour of any person other than the party by whom the notice was given under paragraph (1).

[F266(7)The sheriff may, at any time, allow a party to amend or withdraw an admission made by him on such conditions, if any, as he thinks fit.

F266(8)A party may, at any time, withdraw in whole or in part a notice of non admission by intimating a notice of withdrawal.]

Textual Amendments

F264Words in Sch. 1 rule 29.14(1) substituted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(14)(a)

F266Sch. 1 rule 29.14(7)(8) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(14)(b)

Instruction of shorthand writerS

29.15.Where a shorthand writer is to record evidence at a proof, the responsibility for instructing a shorthand writer shall lie with the pursuer.

Administration of oath or affirmation to witnessesS

29.16.The sheriff shall administer the oath to a witness in Form G14 or, where the witness elects to affirm, the affirmation in Form G15.

Proof to be taken continuouslyS

29.17.A proof shall be taken continuously so far as possible; but the sheriff may adjourn the diet from time to time.

Recording of evidenceS

29.18.[F267(1)]Evidence in a cause shall be recorded by —

(a)a shorthand writer, to whom the oath de fideli administratione in connection with the sheriff court service generally has been administered, or

(b)tape recording or other mechanical means approved by the court,

unless the parties, by agreement and with the approval of the sheriff, dispense with the recording of evidence.

(2)Where a shorthand writer is employed to record evidence, he shall, in the first instance, be paid by the parties equally.

(3)Where evidence is recorded by tape recording or other mechanical means, any fee payable shall, in the first instance, be paid by the parties in equal proportions.

(4)The solicitors for the parties shall be personally liable for the fees payable under paragraph (2) or (3), and the sheriff may make an order directing payment to be made.

(5)The record of the evidence at a proof shall include—

(a)any objection taken to a question or to the line of evidence;

(b)any submission made in relation to such an objection; and

(c)the ruling of the court in relation to the objection and submission.

(6)A transcript of the record of the evidence shall be made only on the direction of the sheriff; and the cost shall, in the first instance, be borne—

(a)in an undefended cause, by the solicitor for the pursuer; and

(b)in a defended cause, by the [F268solicitors] for the parties in equal proportions.

(7)The transcript of the record of the evidence provided for the use of the court shall be certified as a faithful record of the evidence by—

(a)the shorthand writer who recorded the evidence; or

(b)where the evidence was recorded by tape recording or other mechanical means, by the persons who transcribed the record.

(8)The sheriff may make such alterations to the transcript of the record of the evidence as appear to him to be necessary after hearing the parties; and, where such alterations are made, the sheriff shall authenticate the alterations.

(9)Where a transcript of the record of the evidence has been made for the use of the sheriff, copies of it may be obtained by any party from the person who transcribed the record on payment of his fee.

(10)Except with leave of the sheriff, the transcript of the record of the evidence may be borrowed from process only for the purpose of enabling a party to consider whether to appeal against the interlocutor of the sheriff on the proof.

(11)Where a transcript of the record of the evidence is required for the purpose of an appeal but has not been directed to be transcribed under paragraph (6), the appellant—

(a)may request such a transcript from the shorthand writer or as the case may be, the cost of the transcript being borne by the solicitor for the appellant in the first instance; and

(b)shall lodge the transcript in process;

and copies of it may be obtained by any party from the shorthand writer or as the case may be, on payment of his fee.

(12)Where the recording of evidence has been dispensed with under paragraph (1), the sheriff, if called upon to do so, shall—

(a)in the case of an objection to—

(i)the admissibility of evidence on the ground of confidentiality, or

(ii)the production of a document on any ground,

note the terms in writing of such objections and his decisions on the objection; and

(b)in the case of any other objection, record, in the note to his interlocutor disposing of the merits of the cause, the terms of the objection and his decision on the objection.

(13)This rule shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to the recording of evidence at a commis sion as it applies to the recording of evidence at a proof.

Textual Amendments

F267Rule 29.18: “-(1)” inserted after “29.18” (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(40)(a)

F268Word in rule 29.18(6)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(40)(b)

Rulings on admissibility of evidence: leave to appealS

[F26929.19.(1)This rule applies where a party or any other person objects to—

(a)the admissibility of oral or documentary evidence on the ground of confidentiality;

(b)the production of a document on any ground.

(2)An application for leave to appeal against the decision of the sheriff on the objection must be made immediately.]

Textual Amendments

Parties to be heard at close of proofS

29.20.At the close of the proof, or at an adjourned diet if for any reason the sheriff has postponed the hearing, the sheriff shall hear parties on the evidence and thereafter shall pronounce judgment with the least possible delay.

CHAPTER 30S DECREES, EXTRACTS AND EXECUTION

Interpretation of this ChapterS

30.1.In this Chapter, “decree” includes any judgment, deliverance, interlocutor, act, order, finding or authority which may be extracted.

Taxes on money under control of the courtS

30.2.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), in a cause in which money has been consigned into court under the M22Sheriff Court Consignations (Scotland) Act 1893, no decree, warrant or order for payment to any person shall be granted until there has been lodged with the sheriff clerk a certificate by an authorised officer of the Inland Revenue stating that all taxes or duties payable to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have been paid or satisfied.

(2)In an action of multiplepoinding, it shall not be necessary for the grant of a decree, warrant or order for payment under paragraph (1) that all of the taxes or duties payable on the estate of a deceased claimant have been paid or satisfied.

Marginal Citations

Decrees for payment in foreign currencyS

30.3.(1)Where decree has been granted for payment of a sum of money in a foreign currency or the sterling equivalent, a party requesting extract of the decree shall do so by minute endorsed on or annexed to the initial writ stating the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the decree sought to be extracted or the date, or within 3 days before the date, on which the extract is ordered, and the sterling equivalent at that rate for the principal sum and interest decerned for.

(2)A certificate in Form G18, from the Bank of England or a bank which is an institution authorised under the M23Banking Act 1987 certifying the rate of exchange and the sterling equivalent shall be lodged with the minute requesting extract of the decree.

(3)The extract decree issued by the sheriff clerk shall mention any certificate referred to in paragraph (2).

Marginal Citations

When decrees extractableS

30.4.(1)Subject to the following paragraphs:—

(a)[F270subject to sub-paragraph (c),] a decree in absence may be extracted after the expiry of 14 days from the date of decree;

(b)[F270subject to sub-paragraph (c),] any decree pronounced in a defended cause may be extracted at any time after whichever is the later of the following:—

(i)the expiry of the period within which an application for leave to appeal may be made and no such application has been made;

(ii)the date on which leave to appeal has been refused and there is no right of appeal from such refusal;

(iii)the expiry of the period within which an appeal may be [F271made] and no appeal has been [F271made]; or

(iv)the date on which an appeal has been finally disposed of; and

(c)where the sheriff has, in pronouncing decree, reserved any question of expenses, extract of that decree may be issued only after the expiry of 14 days from the date of the interlocutor disposing of the question of expenses unless the sheriff otherwise directs.

(2)The sheriff may, on cause shown, grant a motion to allow extract to be applied for and issued earlier than a date referred to in paragraph (1).

(3)In relation to a decree referred to in paragraph (1)(b) or (c), paragraph (2) shall not apply unless—

(a)the motion under that paragraph is made in the presence of parties; or

(b)the sheriff is satisfied that proper intimation of the motion has been made in writing to every party not present at the hearing of the motion.

(4)Nothing in this rule shall affect the power of the sheriff to supersede extract.

Textual Amendments

F270Words in rule 30.4(1)(a)(b) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(41)(a)(b)

Extract of certain awards notwithstanding appealS

30.5.The sheriff clerk may issue an extract of [F272an order under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995(1) or in respect of aliment] notwithstanding that an appeal [F273has] been made against an interlocutor containing such an award unless an order under [F274rule 31.9 (appeals in connection with orders under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 or aliment)] has been made excusing obedience to or implement of that interlocutor.

Textual Amendments

Form of extract decreeS

30.6.(1)The extract of a decree mentioned in Appendix 2 shall be in the appropriate form for that decree in Appendix 2.

(2)In the case of a decree not mentioned in Appendix 2, the extract of the decree shall be modelled on a form in that Appendix with such variation as circumstances may require.

Form of warrant for executionS

[F27530.7.]An extract of a decree on which execution may proceed shall include a warrant for execution in the following terms:— “This extract is warrant for all lawful execution hereon.”.

Textual Amendments

F275Rule 3.7 renumbered as rule 30.7 (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(42)

Date of decree in extractS

30.8.(1)Where the [F276Sheriff Appeal Court] has adhered to the decision of the sheriff following an appeal, the date to be inserted in the extract decree as the date of decree shall be the date of the decision of the [F276Sheriff Appeal Court].

(2)Where a decree has more than one date it shall not be necessary to specify in an extract what was done on each date.

Textual Amendments

Service of charge where address of defender not knownS

30.9.(1)Where the address of a defender is not known to the pursuer, a charge shall be deemed to have been served on the defender if it is—

(a)served on the sheriff clerk of the sheriff court district where the defender’s last known address is located; and

(b)displayed by the sheriff clerk on the walls of court for the period of the charge.

(2)On receipt of such a charge, the sheriff clerk shall display it on the walls of court and it shall remain displayed for the period of the charge.

(3)The period specified in the charge shall run from the first date on which it was displayed on the walls of court.

(4)On the expiry of the period of charge, the sheriff clerk shall endorse a certificate on the charge certifying that it has been displayed in accordance with this rule and shall thereafter return it to the sheriff officer by whom service was executed.

ExpensesS

[F27730.10.A party who–

(a)is or has been represented by a person authorised under any enactment to conduct proceedings in the sheriff court; and

(b)would have been found entitled to expenses if he had been represented by a solicitor or an advocate,

may be awarded any expenses or outlays to which a party litigant may be found entitled under the Litigants in Person (Costs and Expenses) Act 1975 F278 or any enactment under that Act.]

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 31S APPEALS

Time limit for appealS

F27931.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Applications for leave to appealS

31.2.(1)Where leave to appeal is required, applications for leave to appeal against an interlocutor of a sheriff shall be made within 7 days after the date of the interlocutor against which it is sought to appeal unless the interlocutor has been extracted following a motion under rule 30.4(2) (early extract).

F280(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F281(3)An application for leave to appeal from a decision in relation to–

(a)a time to pay direction under section 1 of the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987;

(b)the recall or restriction of an arrestment made under section 3(4) of that Act; or

(c)a time order under section 129 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974,

shall specify the question of law on which the appeal is made.]

Textual Amendments

Appeals in connection with interim diligenceS

F28231.2A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Form of appeal to Court of SessionS

F28331.3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Form of appeal to the sheriff principalS

F28331.4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Transmission of process and notice to partiesS

F28331.5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Record of pleadings etc.S

F28331.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Determination of appealS

F28331.7.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Fixing of Options Hearing or making other order following appealS

F28331.8.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Appeals in connection with orders under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 or alimentS

[F28431.9.Where an appeal is marked against an interlocutor making an order under section 11 of the M24Children (Scotland) Act 1995(court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc.) or in respect of aliment, the marking of that appeal shall not excuse obedience to or implement of that order unless by order of the sheriff [F285or the Sheriff Appeal Court].]

Textual Amendments

F284Sch. 1 rule 31.9 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(43)(d)

Marginal Citations

Interim possession etc. pending appealS

[F28631.10.](1)Notwithstanding an appeal, the sheriff F287... from whose decision an appeal has been taken shall have power—

(a)to regulate all matters relating to interim possession;

(b)to make any order for the preservation of any property to which the action relates or for its sale if perishable;

(c)to make provision for the preservation of evidence; or

(d)to make any interim order which a due regard to the interests of the parties may require.

[F288(2)An order made under paragraph (1) may be reviewed by the Sheriff Appeal Court.]

Textual Amendments

F286Sch. 1 rule 31.6 renumbered as Sch. 1 rule 31.10 (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(43)(b)

Abandonment of appealS

F28931.11.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 32S TAXATION OF EXPENSES

Taxation before decree for expensesS

32.1.Expenses allowed in any cause, whether in absence or in foro contentioso, unless modified at a fixed amount, shall be taxed before decree is granted for them.

Order to lodge account of expensesS

[F29032.1A.A party found liable in expenses may from 4 months after the date of the interlocutor finding him so liable apply by motion for an order ordaining the party entitled to expenses to lodge an account of those expenses in process.]

Textual Amendments

Decree for expenses in name of solicitorS

32.2.The sheriff may allow a decree for expenses to be extracted in the name of the solicitor who conducted the cause.

Procedure for taxationS

32.3.(1)Where an account of expenses awarded in a cause is lodged for taxation, the account and process shall be transmitted by the sheriff clerk to the auditor of court.

(2)The auditor of court shall—

(a)assign a diet of taxation not earlier than 7 days from the date he receives the account from the sheriff clerk; and

(b)intimate that diet forthwith to the party who lodged the account.

(3)The party who lodged the account of expenses shall, on receiving intimation from the auditor of court under paragraph (2)—

(a)send a copy of the account, and

(b)intimate the date, time and place of the diet of taxation,

to every other party.

(4)After the account has been taxed, the auditor of court shall transmit the process with the account and his report to the sheriff clerk.

(5)Where the auditor of court has reserved consideration of the account at the diet of taxation, he shall intimate his decision to the parties who attended the taxation.

(6)Where no objections are lodged under rule 32.4 (objections to auditor’s report), the sheriff may grant decree for the expenses as taxed.

Objections to auditor’s reportS

32.4.(1)A party may lodge a note of objections to an account as taxed only where he attended the diet of taxation.

(2)Such a note shall be lodged within 7 days after—

(a)the diet of taxation; or

(b)where the auditor of court reserved consideration of the account under paragraph (5) of rule 32.3, the date on which the auditor of court intimates his decision under that paragraph.

(3)The sheriff shall dispose of the objection in a summary manner, with or without answers.

[F291Chapter32ASLIVE LINKS

Textual Amendments

32A.1.(1)On cause shown, a party may apply by motion for authority for the whole or part of–S

(a)the evidence of a witness or the party to be given; or

(b)a submission to be made,

through a live link.

(2)In paragraph (1)–

  • “witness” means a person who has been or may be cited to appear before the court as a witness[F292, except a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004.];

  • “submission” means any oral submission which would otherwise be made to the court by the party or his representative in person including an oral submission in support of a motion; and

  • “live link” means a live television link or such other arrangement as may be specified in the motion by which the witness, party or representative, as the case may be, is able to be seen and heard in the proceedings or heard in the proceedings and is able to see and hear or hear the proceedings while at a place which is outside the courtroom.]

Textual Amendments

F292Words in Sch. 1 rule 32A.1(2) inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), {art. 2(8)}

Special provisions in relation to particular causesS

CHAPTER 33S FAMILY ACTIONS

PART IS GENERAL PROVISIONS
Intepretation of this ChapterS

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;

[F293(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; F294...

F295(ii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

(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 M25Martimonial 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 M26Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1966.

[F296(n)an action of declarator of marriage;

(o)an action of declarator of nullity of marriage;]

[F297(p)an action for declarator of recognition, or non-recognition, of a relevant foreign decree within the meaning of section 7(9) of the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973;]

[F298(q)an application under section 28 or 29 of the Act of 2006 (financial provision for former co-habitants).]

[F299(r)an action for declarator of recognition, or non-recognition, of a relevant foreign decree within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Schedule 1B to the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973, or of a judgment to which paragraph 2(1)(b) of that Schedule refers.]

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

  • “the Act of 1975” means the M27Children Act 1975;

  • “the Act of 1976” means the M28Divorce (Scotland) Act 1976;

  • “the Act of 1981” means the M29Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981;

  • “the Act of 1985” means the M30Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985;

  • [F300“the Act of 1995” means the Children (Scotland) Act 1995;

  • [F301“the Act of 2006” means the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006;]

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

  • [F302“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 F303;

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

  • F304. . .

  • [F305“local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the M31Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;]

  • [F306“mental disorder” has the meaning assigned in section 328 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003]

  • “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;

  • [F307“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 [F308section 11 order] sought) and, in relation to proceedings in another jurisdiction, Schedule 3 to the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 M32 (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

F293Sch. 1 rule 33.1(1)(h) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(a)

F294Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.01(1)(h)(i) omitted (4.4.2011) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/193), paras. 1(1), 13(2)(a) (with para. 20)

F300Sch. 1 rule 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)

F302Sch. 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)

F304Sch. 1 rule 33.1(2): definition of "child" omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(b)(ii)

F305Sch. 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)

F307Sch. 1 rule 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)

F308Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.1(3) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 4(c)

Marginal Citations

[F309Averments in certain family actions about other proceedings]S

33.2.(1)This rule applies to an action of divorce [F310, separation, declarator of marriage or declarator of nullity of marriage].

(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 [F311or Council Regulation (E.C.) No. 2201/2003 of 27th November 2003 concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility] [F312or the 1996 Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children, signed at the Hague on 19th October 1996.]

(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

[F313Averments where section 11 order sought]S

33.3.(1)A party to a family action, who makes an application in that [F314action for a section 11 order] in respect of a child shall include in his pleadings—

(a)where that action is an action of divorce [F315, separation or declarator of nullity of marriage], 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 [F316section 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.

[F317(c)where the party seeks an order such as is mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (2) of that section, an averment that no permanence order (as defined in section 80(2) of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007) is in force in respect of the child]

(2)Where such other proceedings are continuing or have taken place and the averments of the applicant for such a [F316section 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 [F318party] 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

F313Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.3 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 5(a)

F314Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.3(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 5(b)

F316Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.3(1)(a)(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 5(c)

F318Word 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 knownS

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 ordersS

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 M33Debtors (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

Averments where aliment or financial provision soughtS

33.6.(1)In this rule—

  • “the Act of 1991” means the M34Child 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;

  • “ [F319“maintenance calculation”]” has the meaning assigned in section [F32054] 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 [F321calculation] under section 11 of that Act (maintenance assessments) is in force;

(ii)the date of the maintenance [F321calculation];

(iii)the amount and frequency of periodical payments of child support maintenance fixed by the maintenance [F321calculation]; 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 [F321calculation] 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 [F321calculation] under section 4, 6 or 7 of the Act of 1991 (applications for maintenance [F321calculation]); 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

Marginal Citations

Averments where divorce sought on ground of issue of interim gender recognition certificateS

[F32233.6ZA.(1)This rule applies to an action of divorce in which divorce is sought on the ground that an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to either party.

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

(a)where the pursuer is the party to whom the interim gender recognition certificate was issued, whether or not the Gender Recognition Panel has issued a full gender recognition certificate to the pursuer, and

(b)where the defender is the party to whom the interim gender recognition certificate was issued, whether—

(i)since the issue of the interim gender recognition certificate, the pursuer has made a statutory declaration consenting to the marriage continuing, and

(ii)the Gender Recognition Panel has given the pursuer notice of the issue of a full gender recognition certificate to the defender.]

Textual Amendments

Application by survivor for provision on intestacyS

[F32333.6A.(1)In an action for an order under section 29(2) of the Act of 2006 (application by survivor for provision on intestacy), the pursuer shall call the deceased’s executor as a defender.

(2)An application under section 29(9) of the Act of 2006 for variation of the date or method of payment of the capital sum shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(3)Words and expressions used in this rule shall have the same meaning as in section 29 of the Act of 2006.]

Textual Amendments

Warrants and forms for intimationS

33.7.(1)[F324Subject 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)[F325every person who is a child of the family (as defined in section 12(4)(a) of the Act of 1995)] F326... 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)[F327in an action of divorce] 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, F328...

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

[F329(iii)any person holding the office of guardian or continuing or welfare attorney to the defender under or by virtue of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000,]

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 M35Matrimonial 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 [F330, separation or declarator of nullity of marriage] 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 [F331in 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 [F332a 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;

F333(g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F334(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 [F335but a copy of the initial writ must not be sent to the child];]

(i)in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(aa) of the M36Act 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; F336. . .

(k)in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under the M37Act 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 [F337;]

[F338(l)in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(ba) of the M38Act of 1985 (orders under section 12A of the Act of 1985 for pension lump sum), to the [F339person responsible for the pension arrangement], and a notice of intimation in Form F12A shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person.] [F340; F341...

(m)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(baa) of the Act of 1985 (pension sharing orders), to the person responsible for the pension arrangement and a notice of intimation in Form F12B shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person]

[F342(n)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(bab) of the Act of 1985 (pension compensation sharing order), to the Board of the Pension Protection Fund, and a notice of intimation in Form F12C shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that Board; and

(o)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(bb) of the Act of 1985 (an order under section 12B(2) of the Act of 1985 for pension compensation), to the Board of the Pension Protection Fund and a notice of intimation in Form F12D shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that Board.]

[F343(p)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 29(2) of the Act of 2006 (application by survivor for provision on intestacy) to any person having an interest in the deceased’s net estate, and a notice of intimation in Form F12E shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person.]

[F344(2)Expressions used in—

(a)paragraph (1)(k) which are also used in the Act of 1981; and

(b)paragraph (1)(p) which are also used in section 29 of the Act of 2006,

shall have the same meanings as in that Act or section, as the case may be.]

(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.

F345(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)Where the address of a person mentioned in paragraph (1)(b), (d), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j) [F346, (k) [F347, (l) [F348, (m) or (p)]]] 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.

[F349(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

E1Words 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

F324Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(i)

F331Words 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)

F332Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(f) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(iv)

F334Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(h) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(a)(vi)

F336Word in rule 33.7(1)(j) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(a)(ii)

F338Sch. 1 rule 33.7(1)(l) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(a)(iv)

F346Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.7(5) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(45)(b)

F349Sch. 1 rule 33.7(7) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 6(c)

Marginal Citations

Intimation where [F350alleged] associationS

33.8.(1)In a family action where the pursuer [F351founds upon an] 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), “F352... association” means sodomy, incest or any homosexual relationship.

Textual Amendments

[F353Productions in action of divorce or where a section 11 order or order for financial provision may be made]S

33.9.Unless the sheriff otherwise directs—

(a)in an action of divorce [F354or 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)[F355in 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.

[F356(c)in an action which includes a crave for an order for financial provision, the pursuer must lodge a completed Form F13A signed by the pursuer with the initial writ or minute of amendment as the case may be.]

Textual Amendments

F355Words 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 certificateS

[F35733.9A.(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

Application for corrected gender recognition certificateS

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

Warrant of citationS

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

Form of citation and certificateS

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.

Intimation to local authorityS

[F35833.12.(1)In any family action where the pursuer craves a residence order in respect of a child, the sheriff may, if the sheriff thinks fit, order intimation to the local authority in which area the pursuer resides; and such intimation shall be in Form F8.

(2)Where an order for intimation is made under paragraph (1), intimation to that local authority shall be given within 7 days after the date on which an order for intimation has been made.]

Textual Amendments

Service in cases of mental disorder of defenderS

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 separationS

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 M39Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for [F359one year] 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 [F360two] 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;

[F361(c)in an action relying on section 1(1)(b) of the Act of 1976 (grounds for divorce: interim gender recognition certificate), a notice in Form F24A.]

(2)The certificate of [F362citation] 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

F362Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.14(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(46)

Marginal Citations

Orders for intimationS

F363[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

F363Sch. 1 rule 33.15 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 9

Appointment of curators ad litem to defendersS

33.16.(1)[F364This rule applies to a family action] 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 [F365one year] 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 [F366any notice] in Form G5 sent to him by the [F367sheriff] 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

F366Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.16(3)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(47)(a)

F367Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.16(3)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(47)(b)

Applications for sistS

33.17.An application for a sist, or the recall of a sist, under Schedule 3 to the M40Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973 shall be made by written motion.

Marginal Citations

Notices of consent to divorce or separationS

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 [F368one year] 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.

Textual Amendments

Procedure in respect of childrenS

F369[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

F369Sch. 1 rule 33.19 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 10

Recording of views of the childS

F370[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

F370Sch. 1 rule 33.20 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 10

Child welfare reportersS

[F37133.21.(1)At any stage of a family action the sheriff may, in relation to any matter affecting a child, appoint a person (referred to in this rule as a “child welfare reporter”)—

(a)to seek the views of the child and to report any views expressed by the child to the court; or

(b)to undertake enquiries and to report to the court.

(2)A child welfare reporter may only be appointed under paragraph (1)(b) where the sheriff is satisfied that the appointment—

(a)is in the best interests of the child; and

(b)will promote the effective and expeditious determination of an issue in relation to the child.

(3)An interlocutor appointing a child welfare reporter must—

(a)specify a date by which the report is to be submitted to the court;

(b)include a direction as to the fees and outlays of the child welfare reporter;

(c)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(a), specify the issues in respect of which the child’s views are to be sought; and

(d)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(b), specify the enquiries to be undertaken, and the issues requiring to be addressed in the report.

(4)An interlocutor complies with subparagraph (c) or (d) of paragraph (3) if the issues or, as the case may be the enquiries, referred to in that subparagraph are specified in an annex to the interlocutor in Form F44.

(5)Where the sheriff has appointed a child welfare reporter with a view to the report being considered at an assigned hearing, the date specified in accordance with paragraph (3)(a) must be a date no less than three clear days before that hearing, excluding any day on which the sheriff clerk’s office is not open for civil court business, unless cause exists for specifying a later date.

(6)On appointing a child welfare reporter the sheriff may also—

(a)make such further order as may be required to facilitate the discharge of the child welfare reporter’s functions;

(b)direct that a party to the proceedings is to be responsible for providing the child welfare reporter with copies of such documents lodged in the process as may be specified; and

(c)give the child welfare reporter directions.

(7)The direction referred to in paragraph (3)(b) must assign liability for payment of the child welfare reporter’s fees and outlays in the first instance, and require that liability to be borne—

(a)in equal shares by—

(i)the pursuer,

(ii)any defender who has lodged a notice of intention to defend, and

(iii)any minuter who has been granted leave to enter the process; or

(b)by one or more parties to the proceedings on such other basis as may be justified on cause shown.

(8)On the granting of an interlocutor appointing a child welfare reporter the sheriff clerk must—

(a)give the child welfare reporter—

(i)a certified copy of the interlocutor, and

(ii)sufficient information to enable the child welfare reporter to contact the solicitor for each party to the proceedings, or any party not represented by a solicitor; and

(b)intimate the name and address of the child welfare reporter to any local authority to which intimation of the proceedings has been made.

(9)A child welfare reporter appointed under this rule must—

(a)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(a)—

(i)seek the child’s views on the specified issues, and

(ii)prepare a report for the court reporting any such views;

(b)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(b)—

(i)undertake the specified enquiries, and

(ii)prepare a report for the court having regard to the specified issues;

(c)send the report to the sheriff clerk by the date specified; and

(d)unless otherwise directed, send a copy of the report to each party to the proceedings by that date.

(10)A child welfare reporter may—

(a)apply to the sheriff clerk to be given further directions by the sheriff;

(b)bring to the attention of the sheriff clerk any impediment to the performance of any function arising under this rule.

(11)Where a child welfare reporter acts as referred to in paragraph (10), the sheriff may, having heard parties, make any order or direction that could competently have been made under paragraph (6).

Textual Amendments

Appointment of local authority to report on a childS

33.21A.(1)This rule applies where the sheriff appoints a local authority to investigate and report to the court on the circumstances of a child and on the proposed arrangements for the care and upbringing of the child.

(2)The following provisions of rule 33.21 apply as if the reference to the child welfare reporter was a reference to the local authority appointed by the sheriff—

(a)paragraph (3)(a) and (b);

(b)paragraph (6)(a) and (b);

(c)paragraph (7); and

(d)paragraph (8).

(3)On completion of the report referred to in paragraph (1), the local authority must—

(a)send the report to the sheriff clerk; and

(b)unless otherwise directed by the sheriff, send a copy of the report to each party to the proceedings.]

Textual Amendments

Referral to family mediationS

F372[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

F372Sch. 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 HearingS

F37333.22A.(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

F373Sch. 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 childrenS

33.23.(1)An application for an order under section 33(1) of the M41Family 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

Applications in relation to removal of childrenS

33.24.(1)An application for leave under M42section 51(1) of the Act of 1975 (authority to remove a child from the care and possession of the applicant for [F374a 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 M43Child 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

F374Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.24(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 13

Marginal Citations

Intimation to local authority before supervised [F375contact order]S

33.25.Where the sheriff, [F376at his own instance] or on the motion of a party, is considering making [F377a 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 [F378for 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 [F379the 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, F380... do so within that period.

Textual Amendments

F375Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(a)

F376Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(b)

F377Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(c)

F378Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(d)

F379Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.25(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 14(e)

Joint minutesS

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

(a)[F381a section 11 order],

(b)aliment for a child, F382...

(c)an order for financial provision, [F383or

(d)an order under section 28 or 29 of the Act of 2006.]

a joint minute may be entered into expressing that agreement; [F384and, 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

F381Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.26(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 15(a)

F384Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.26 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 15(b)

AffidavitsS

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

Applications for postponement of decree under section 3A of the Act of 1976S

[F38533.27A.An application under section 3A(1) (application for postponement of decree where religious impediment to marry exists) or section 3A(4) (application for recall of postponement) of the Act of 1976 shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

Textual Amendments

PART IISUNDEFENDED FAMILY ACTIONS
Evidence in certain undefended family actionsS

33.28.(1)This rule—

(a)subject to sub-paragraph (b), applies to all family actions in which no notice of intention to defend has been lodged, other than a family action—

(i)for [F386a section 11 order or for] aliment;

(ii)of affiliation and aliment;

(iii)for financial provision after an overseas divorce or annulment within the meaning of Part IV of the M44Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984; or

(iv)for an order under the M45Act of 1981;

[F387(v)for declarator of recognition, or non-recognition, of a relevant foreign decree within the meaning of section 7(9) of the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973;]

[F388(vi)for an order under section 28 or 29 of the Act of 2006;]

[F389(vii)for declarator of recognition, or non-recognition, of a relevant foreign decree within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Schedule 1B to the Domicile and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1973, or of a judgment to which paragraph 2(1)(b) of that Schedule refers.]

(b)applies to a family action in which a curator ad litem has been appointed under rule 33.16 where the curator ad litem to the defender has lodged a minute intimating that he does not intend to lodge defences;

(c)applies to any family action which proceeds at any stage as undefended where the sheriff so directs;

(d)applies to the merits of a family action which is undefended on the merits where the sheriff so directs, notwithstanding that the action is defended on an ancillary matter.

(2)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, evidence shall be given by affidavit.

(3)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, evidence relating to the welfare of a child shall be given by affidavit, at least one affidavit being emitted by a person other than a parent or party to the action.

(4)Evidence in the form of a written statement bearing to be the professional opinion of a duly qualified medical practitioner, which has been signed by him and lodged in process, shall be admissible in place of parole evidence by him.

Textual Amendments

F386Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.28(1)(a)(i) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 16

Marginal Citations

M441984 c.42; Part IV was amended by the Act of 1985 (c.37), Schedule 1, paragraphs 12 and 13.

Procedure for decree in actions under rule 33.28S

33.29.(1)In an action to which rule 33.28 (evidence in certain undefended family actions) applies, the pursuer shall at any time after the expiry of the period for lodging a notice of intention to defend—

(a)lodge in process the affidavit evidence; and

(b)endorse a minute in Form F27 on the initial writ.

(2)The sheriff may, at any time after the pursuer has complied with paragraph (1), without requiring the appearance of parties—

(a)grant decree in terms of the motion for decree; or

(b)remit the cause for such further procedure, if any, including proof by parole evidence, as the sheriff thinks fit.

Extracts of undefended decreeS

33.30.In an action to which rule 33.28 (evidence in certain undefended family actions) applies, the sheriff clerk shall, after the expiry of 14 days after the grant of decree under rule 33.29 (procedure for decree in actions under rule 33.28), issue to the [F390pursuer] and the defender an extract decree.

Textual Amendments

F390Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.30 substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(26)}

Procedure in undefended family actions for [F391section 11 order]S

33.31.(1)Where no notice of intention to defend has been lodged in a family action for [F392a section 11 order], any proceedings in the cause shall be dealt with by the sheriff in chambers.

(2)In an action to which paragraph (1) applies, decree may be pronounced after such inquiry as the sheriff thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F391Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.31 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 17(a)

F392Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.31(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 17(b)

No recording of evidenceS

33.32.It shall not be necessary to record the evidence in any proof in a family action which is not defended.

Disapplication of Chapter 15S

33.33.[F393Other than rule 15.1(1),]Chapter 15 (motions) shall not apply to a family action in which no notice of intention to defend has been lodged [F394, or to a family action in so far as it proceeds as undefended].

Textual Amendments

F393Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.33 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(48)(a)

F394Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.33 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(48)(b)

Late appearance and application for recall by defendersS

[F39533.33A.(1)In a cause mentioned in [F396rule 33.1(a) to (h) or [F397(n) to (q)]], the sheriff may, at any stage of the action before the granting of final decree, make an order with such conditions, if any, as he thinks fit–

(a)directing that a defender who has not lodged a notice of intention to defend be treated as if he had lodged such a notice and the period of notice had expired on the date on which the order was made; or

(b)allowing a defender who has not lodged a notice of intention to defend to appear and be heard at a diet of proof although he has not lodged defences, but he shall not, in that event, be allowed to lead evidence without the pursuer's consent.

(2)Where the sheriff makes an order under paragraph (1), the pursuer may recall a witness already examined or lead other evidence whether or not he closed his proof before that order was made.

(3)Where no order under paragraph (1) has been sought by a defender who has not lodged a notice of intention to defend and decree is granted against him, the sheriff may, on an application made within 14 days of the date of the decree, and with such conditions, if any, as he thinks fit, make an order recalling the decree.

(4)Where the sheriff makes an order under paragraph (3), the cause shall thereafter proceed as if the defender had lodged a notice of intention to defend and the period of notice had expired on the date on which the decree was recalled.

(5)An application under paragraph (1) or (3) shall be made by note setting out the proposed defence and explaining the defender's failure to appear.

(6)An application under paragraph (1) or (3) shall not affect any right of appeal the defender may otherwise have.

(7)A note lodged in an application under paragraph (1) or (3) shall be served on the pursuer and any other party.]

Textual Amendments

PART IIISDEFENDED FAMILY ACTIONS
[F398Notice of intention to defend and defences etc.]S

33.34.(1)This rule applies where the defender in a family action seeks—

(a)to oppose any crave in the initial writ;

(b)to make a claim for—

(i)aliment;

(ii)an order for financial provision within the meaning of section 8(3) of the Act of 1985; F399...

(iii)[F400a section 11 order]; F401...

[F402(iv)an order for financial provision under section 28 or 29 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006; or]

(c)an order—

(i)under section 16(1)(b) or (3) of the M46Act of 1985 (setting aside or varying agreement as to financial provision);

(ii)under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions); or

(iii)under the Act of 1981; or

(d)to challenge the jurisdiction of the court.

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

(a)lodge a notice of intention to defend in Form F26 before the expiry of the period of notice; and

(b)make any claim or seek any order referred to in paragraph (1), as the case may be, in those defences by setting out in his defences—

(i)craves;

(ii)averments in the answers to the condescendence in support of those craves; and

(iii)appropriate pleas-in-law.

[F403(3)Where a defender intends to make an application for a section 11 order which, had it been made in an initial writ, would have required a warrant for intimation under rule 33.7, the defender shall include a crave in his notice of intention to defend 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.]

[F404(4)Where a defender opposes a crave for an order for financial provision or makes a claim in accordance with paragraph (1)(b)(ii), the defender must lodge a completed Form F13A signed by the defender with the defences, minute of amendment or answers as the case may be.]

Textual Amendments

F399Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.34(1)(b)(ii) omitted (1.8.2012) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 5(9)(a) (with para. 15)

F400Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.34(1)(b)(iii) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 18(a)

F401Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.34(1)(b)(iii) omitted (1.8.2012) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 5(9)(a) (with para. 15)

F403Sch. 1 rule 33.34(3) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 18(b)

Marginal Citations

Abandonment by pursuerS

33.35.Notwithstanding abandonment by a pursuer, the court may allow a defender to pursue an order or claim sought in his defences; and the proceedings in relation to that order or claim shall continue in dependence as if a separate cause.

Attendance of parties at Options HearingS

33.36.All parties shall, except on cause shown, attend personally the hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing).

Decree by defaultS

33.37.(1)In a family action in which the defender has lodged a notice of intention to defend, where a party fails—

(a)to lodge, or intimate the lodging of, any production or part of process,

(b)to implement an order of the sheriff within a specified period, F405...

(c)to appear [F406or] be represented at any diet, [F407, or

(d)otherwise to comply with any requirement imposed upon that party by these Rules]

that party shall be in default.

(2)Where a party is in default under paragraph (1), the sheriff may—

(a)where the family action is one mentioned in [F408rule 33.1(a) to (h) or (n) to (p)], allow that action to proceed as undefended under Part II of this Chapter; or

(b)where the family action is one mentioned in rule 33.1(1)(i) to (m) [F409or (q)], grant decree as craved; or

(c)grant decree of absolvitor; or

(d)dismiss the family action or any claim made or order sought; [F410or]

[F411(da)make such other order as he thinks fit to secure the expeditious progress of the cause; and]

(e)award expenses.

(3)Where no party appears at a diet in a family action, the sheriff may dismiss that action.

(4)In a family action, the sheriff may, on cause shown, prorogate the time for lodging any production or part of process, or for intimating or implementing any order.

Textual Amendments

F406Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.37(1)(c) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(49)

PART IVSAPPLICATIONS AND ORDERS RELATING TO CHILDREN IN CERTAIN ACTIONS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

F412. . .This Part applies to an action of divorce [F413, separation or declarator of nullity of marriage].

F414(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F412Sch. 1 rule 33.38: “-(1)” at the beginning of paragraph (1) is omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 19(a)

F413Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.38 substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(28)}

F414Sch. 1 rule 33.38(2) omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 19(b)

Applications in actions to which this Part appliesS

33.39.(1)An application for an order mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be made—

(a)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in an action to which this Part applies; or

(b)where the application is made by a person other than the pursuer or defender, by minute in that action.

(2)The orders referred to in paragraph (1) are:—

(a)an order for [F415a section 11 order]; and

(b)an order for aliment for a child.

Textual Amendments

F415Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.39(2)(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 20

F41633.40.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F416Sch. 1 rule 33.40 omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 21

F41733.41.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F417Sch. 1 rule 33.41 omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 22

F41833.42.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F418Sch. 1 rule 33.42 omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 23

Applications in depending actions by motionS

F419[33.43.An application by a party in an action depending before the court to which this Part applies for, or for variation of, an order for–

(a)interim aliment for a child under the age of 18, or

(b)a residence order or a contact order,

shall be made by motion.]

Textual Amendments

F419Sch. 1 rule 33.43 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 24

Applications after decree relating to [F420a section 11 order]S

33.44.[F421(1)An application after final decree for, or for the variation or recall of, a section 11 order [F422or in relation to the enforcement of such an order] shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

(2)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (1), any party may apply by motion for any interim order which may be made pending the determination of the application.

Textual Amendments

F420Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.44 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 25(a)

F421Sch. 1 rule 33.44(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 25(b)

F422Words Sch. 1 rule 33.44(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, Sch. para. 3(15)

Applications after decree relating to alimentS

33.45.(1)An application after final decree for, or for the variation or recall of, an order for aliment for a child shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(2)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (1), any party may lodge a motion for any interim order which may be made pending the determination of the application.

Applications after decree by persons over 18 years for alimentS

33.46.(1)A person—

(a)to whom an obligation of aliment is owed under section 1 of the M47Act of 1985,

(b)in whose favour an order for aliment while under the age of 18 years was made in an action to which this Part applies, and

(c)who seeks, after attaining that age, an order for aliment against the person in that action against whom the order for aliment in his favour was made,

shall apply by minute in the process of that action.

(2)An application for interim aliment pending the determination of an application under paragraph (1) shall be made by motion.

(3)Where a decree has been pronounced in an application under paragraph (1) or (2), any application for variation or recall of any such decree shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

Marginal Citations

PART VSORDERS RELATING TO FINANCIAL PROVISION
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33.47.(1)This Part applies to an action of divorce.

(2)In this Part, “incidental order” has the meaning assigned in section 14(2) of the Act of 1985.

Applications in actions to which this Part appliesS

33.48.(1)An application for an order mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be made—

(a)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in an action to which this Part applies; or

(b)where the application is made by a person other than the pursuer or defender, by minute in that action.

(2)The orders referred to in paragraph (1) are:—

(a)an order for financial provision within the meaning of section 8(3) of the Act of 1985;

(b)an order under section 16(1)(b) or (3) of the Act of 1985 (setting aside or varying agreement as to financial provision);

(c)an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions); and

(d)an order under section 13 of the M48Act of 1981 (transfer or vesting of tenancy).

Marginal Citations

Applications in depending actions relating to incidental ordersS

33.49.(1)In an action depending before the sheriff to which this Part applies—

(a)the pursuer or defender, notwithstanding rules 33.34(2) (application by defender for order for financial provision) and 33.48(1)(a) (application for order for financial provision in initial writ or defences), may apply by motion for an incidental order; and

(b)the sheriff shall not be bound to determine such a motion if he considers that the application should properly by by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be.

(2)In an action depending before the sheriff to which this Part applies, an application under section 14(4) of the Act of 1985 for the variation or recall of an incidental order shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

Applications relating to interim alimentS

33.50.An application for, or for the variation or recall of, an order for interim aliment for the pursuer or defender shall be made by motion.

Applications relating to orders for financial provisionS

33.51.(1)An application—

(a)after final decree under any of the following provisions of the Act of 1985—

(i)section 8(1) for periodical allowance,

(ii)section 12(1)(b) (payment of capital sum or transfer of property),

(iii)section 12(4) (variation of date or method of payment of capital sum or date of transfer of property), or

(iv)section 13(4) (variation, recall, backdating or conversion of periodical allowance), F423...

[F424(v)section 14(1) (incidental orders), or]

(b)after the grant or refusal of an application under—

(i)section 8(1) or 14(3) for an incidental order, or

(ii)section 14(4) (variation or recall of incidental order),

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(2)Where a minute is lodged under paragraph (1), any party may lodge a motion for any interim order which may be made pending the determination of the application.

[F425(3)An application under–

(a)paragraph (5) of section 12A of the Act of 1985 F426 (recall or variation of order in respect of a pension lump sum), F427. . .

(b)paragraph (7) of that section (variation of order in respect of pension lump sum to substitute trustees or managers), F428[F429...

[F430(ba)section 12B(4) of the Act of 1985 (recall or variation of a capital sum order), or]

(c)section 28(10) or 48(9) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 F431,]

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

Textual Amendments

F425Sch. 1 rule 33.51(3) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(50)

Pension Protection Fund notificationS

[F43233.51A.(1)In this rule–

  • “assessment period” shall be construed in accordance with section 132 of the Pensions Act 2004 F433;

  • “pension arrangement” shall be construed in accordance with the definition in section 27 of the Act of 1985; and

  • “valuation summary” shall be construed in accordance with the definition in Schedule 2 to the Pension Protection Fund (Provision of Information) Regulations 2005 F434.

(2)This rule applies where a party at any stage in the proceedings applies for an order under section 8 or section 16 of the Act of 1985.

(3)Where the party against whom an order referred to in paragraph (2) is sought has received notification in compliance with the Pension Protection Fund (Provision of Information) Regulations 2005 or does so after the order is sought–

(a)that there is an assessment period in relation to his pension arrangement; or

(b)that the Board of the Pension Protection Fund has assumed responsibility for all or part of his pension arrangement,

he shall comply with paragraph (4).

(4)The party shall–

(a)lodge the notification; and

(b)obtain and lodge as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter–

(i)a valuation summary; and

(ii)a forecast of his compensation entitlement.

(5)Subject to paragraph (6), the notification referred to in paragraph (4)(a) requires to be lodged–

(a)where the notification is received before the order is sought, within 7 days of the order being sought;

(b)where the notification is received after the order is sought, within 7 days of receiving the notification.

(6)Where an order is sought against the defender before the defences are lodged, and the notification is received before that step occurs, the notification shall be lodged with the defences.

(7)At the same time as lodging documents under paragraph (4), copies shall be sent to the other party to the proceedings.]

Textual Amendments

Applications after decree relating to agreements and avoidance transactionsS

33.52.An application for an order—

(a)under section 16(1)(a) or (3) of the Act of 1985 (setting aside or varying agreements as to financial provision), or

(b)under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions),

made after final decree shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

PART VIS APPLICATIONS RELATING TO AVOIDANCE TRANSACTIONS
Form of applicationsS

33.53.(1)An application for an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions) by a party to an action shall be made by including in the initial writ, defences or minute, as the case may be, appropriate craves, averments and pleas-in-law.

(2)An application for an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 after final decree in an action, shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

PART VIIS FINANCIAL PROVISION AFTER OVERSEAS DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT
Interpretation of this PartS

33.54.In this Part—

  • “the Act of 1984” means the M49Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984;

  • “order for financial provision” has the meaning assigned in section 30(1) of the Act of 1984;

  • “overseas country” has the meaning assigned in section 30(1) of the Act of 1984.

Marginal Citations

Applications for financial provision [F435after overseas divorce or annulment]S

33.55.(1)An application under M50section 28 of the Act of 1984 for an order for financial provision after a divorce or annulment in an overseas country shall be made by initital writ.

(2)An application for an order in an action to which paragraph (1) applies made before final decree under—

(a)section 13 of the M51Act of 1981(transfer of tenancy of matrimonal home),

(b)section 29(4) of the Act of 1984 for interim periodical allowance, or

(c)section 14(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation or recall of incidental order),

shall be made by motion.

(3)An application for an order in an action to which paragraph (1) applies made after final decree under—

(a)section 12(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation of date or method of payment of capital sum or date of transfer of property),

(b)section 13(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation, recall, backdating or conversion [F436of] periodical allowance), or

(c)section 14(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation or recall of incidental order),

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

[F437(4)An application under–

(a)paragraph (5) of section 12A of the Act of 1985 (recall or variation of order in respect of a pension lump sum), or

(b)paragraph (7) of that section (variation of order in respect of pension lump sum to substitute trustees or managers),

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

[F438(5)]Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (3), any party may apply by motion for an interim order pending the determination of the application.

Textual Amendments

F435Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.55 heading inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(51)(a)

F436Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.55(3)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(51)(b)

F437Sch. 1 rule 33.55(4) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(51)(d)

F438Sch. 1 rule 33.55(4) renumbered as Sch. 1 rule 33.55(5) (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(51)(c)

Marginal Citations

M50Section 28 was extended by section 29A (inserted by the Act of 1985, Schedule 1, paragraph 12) to an annulment.

M511981 c.51; section 13(2) was amended by the Act of 1985, Schedule 1, paragraph 11.

PART VIIIS ACTIONS OF ALIMENT
Interpretation of this PartS

33.56.In this Part, “action of aliment” means a claim for aliment under section 2(1) of the Act of 1985.

Undefended actions of alimentS

33.57.(1)Where a motion for decree in absence under Chapter 7 (undefended causes) is lodged in an action of aliment, the pursuer shall, on lodging the motion, lodge all documentary evidence of the means of the parties available to him in support of the amount of aliment sought.

(2)Where the sheriff requires the appearance of parties, the sheriff clerk shall fix a hearing.

Applications relating to alimentS

33.58.(1)An application for, or for variation of, an order for interim aliment in a depending action of aliment shall be made by motion.

(2)An application after final decree for the variation or recall of an order for aliment in an action of aliment shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(3)A person—

(a)to whom an obligation of aliment is owed under section 1 of the M52Act of 1985,

(b)in whose favour an order for aliment while under the age of 18 years was made in an action of aliment, or

(c)who seeks, after attaining that age, an order for aliment against the person in that action against whom the order for aliment in his favour was made,

shall apply by minute in the process of that action.

(4)An application for interim aliment pending the determination of an application under paragraph (2) or (3) shall be made by motion.

(5)Where a decree has been pronounced in an application under paragraph (2) or (3), any application for variation or recall of any such decree shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

Marginal Citations

Applications relating to agreements on alimentS

33.59.(1)Subject to paragraph (2) [F439and rule 33A.53], an application under section 7(2) of the Act of 1985 (variation or termination of agreement on aliment) shall be made by summary application.

(2)In a family action in which a crave for aliment may be made, an application under section 7(2) of the Act of 1985 shall be made by a crave in the initial writ or in defences, as the case may be.

Textual Amendments

F439Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.59(1) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(29)}

[F440PART IXS APPLICATIONS FOR ORDERS UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995.]

Textual Amendments

F440Sch. 1 Ch. 33 Pt. 9 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 26

Application of this PartS

F441[33.60.This Part applies to an application for a section 11 order in a family action other than in an action of divorce [F442, separation or declarator of nullity of marriage].]

Textual Amendments

F441Sch. 1 rule 33.60 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 27

F442Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.60 substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(30)}

Form of applicationsS

33.61.Subject to any other provision in this Chapter, an application for [F443a section 11 order] shall be made—

(a)by an action for [F444a section 11 order];

(b)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in any other family action to which this Part applies; or

(c)where the application is made by a person other than a party to an action mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), by minute in that action.

Textual Amendments

F443Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.61 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 28(a)

F444Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.61(a) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 28(b)

Defences in action for a section 11 orderS

F445[F44533.62.In an action for a section 11 order, the pursuer shall call as a defender—

(a)the parents or other parent of the child in respect of whom the order is sought;

(b)any guardian of the child;

(c)any person who has treated the child as a child of his family;

(d)any person who in fact exercises care or control in respect of the child; and

F446(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F445Sch. 1 rule 33.62 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 29

F446Sch. 1 rule 33.62(e) omitted (2.10.2000) by virtue of S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(16)

Applications relating to interim orders in depending actionsS

33.63.An application, in an action depending before the sheriff to which this Part applies, for, or for the variation or recall of, F447. . . [F448an interim residence order or an interim contact order] 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.

Textual Amendments

F447Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.63 omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(31)}

F448Sch. 1 rule 33.63: the words “an interim residence order or an interim contact order” substituted for the words “interim custody or interim access” (1.11.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 30

F44933.64.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F449Sch. 1 rule 33.64 omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 31

Applications after decreeS

33.65.[F450(1)An application after final decree for variation or recall of a section 11 order shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

(2)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (1), any party may apply by motion for an interim order pending the determination of the application.

Textual Amendments

F450Sch. 1 rule 33.65(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 32

Application for leaveS

[F45133.65A.(1)Where leave of the court is required under section 11(3)(aa) of the Act of 1995 for the making of an application for a contact order under that section, the applicant must lodge along with the initial writ a written application in the form of a letter addressed to the sheriff clerk stating—

(a)the grounds on which leave is sought;

(b)whether or not the applicant has applied for legal aid.

(2)Where the applicant has applied for legal aid he must also lodge along with the initial writ written confirmation from the Scottish Legal Aid Board that it has determined, under regulation 7(2)(b) of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002 M53, that notification of the application should be dispensed with or postponed pending the making by the sheriff of an order for intimation under paragraph (4)(b).

(3)Subject to paragraph (4)(b), an application under paragraph (1) shall not be served or intimated to any party.

(4)The sheriff shall consider an application under paragraph (1) without hearing the applicant and may—

(a)refuse the application and pronounce an interlocutor accordingly; or

(b)if he is minded to grant the application order the applicant—

(i)to intimate the application to such persons as the sheriff considers appropriate; and

(ii)to lodge a certificate of intimation in, as near as may be, Form G8.

(5)If any person who receives intimation of an application under paragraph (4)(b) wishes to be heard he shall notify the sheriff clerk in writing within 14 days of receipt of intimation of the application.

(6)On receipt of any notification under paragraph (5) the sheriff clerk shall fix a hearing and intimate the date of the hearing to the parties.

(7)Where an application under paragraph (1) is granted, a copy of the sheriff's interlocutor must be served on the defender along with the warrant of citation.]

Textual Amendments

F451Sch. 1 rule 33.65A inserted (28.9.2009) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007) 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/284), {para. 3(4)}

Marginal Citations

PART XS ACTIONS UNDER THE MATRIMONIAL HOMES (FAMILY PROTECTION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 1981
Interpretation of this PartS

33.66.Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions used in this Part which are also used in the M54Act of 1981 have the same meaning as in that Act.

Marginal Citations

Form of applicationsS

33.67.(1)Subject to any other provision in this Chapter, an application for an order under the Act of 1981 shall be made—

(a)by an action for such an order;

(b)by a crave in the initial writ or in defences, as the case may be, in any other family action; or

(c)where the application is made by a person other than a party to any action mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), by minute in that action.

(2)An application under section 7(1) (dispensing with consent of non-entitled spouse to a dealing) or section 11 (application in relation to poinding) shall, unless made in a depending family action, be made by summary application.

DefendersS

33.68.The applicant for an order under the Act of 1981 shall call as a defender—

(a)where he is seeking an order as a spouse, the other spouse;

(b)where he is a third party making an application under section 7(1) (dispensing with consent of non-entitled spouse to a dealing), or 8(1) (payment from non-entitled spouse in respect of loan), of the Act of 1981, both spouses; F452. . .

(c)where the application is made under section 18 of the Act of 1981 M55(occupancy rights of cohabiting couples), or is one to which that section applies, the other partner. [F453; and

(d)where the application is made under section 18A of the Act of 1981 M56(application for domestic interdict), the other partner.]

Textual Amendments

F452Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.68(b) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(32)(a)}

F453Sch. 1 rule 33.68(d) and word inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(32)(b)}

Marginal Citations

M56Section 18A was inserted by section 31 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp2).

Applications by motionS

33.69.(1)An application under any of the following provisions of the Act of 1981 shall be made by motion in the process of the depending action to which the application relates:—

(a)section 3(4) (interim order for regulation of rights of occupancy, etc.);

(b)section 4(6) (interim order suspending occupancy rights);

(c)section 7(1) (dispensing with consent of non-entitled spouse to a dealing);

(d)F454. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e)the proviso to section 18(1) F455 (extension of period of occupancy rights).

(2)Intimation of a motion under paragraph (1) shall be given—

(a)to the other spouse or partner, as the case may be;

(b)where the motion is under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (e) and the entitled spouse or partner is a tenant or occupies the matrimonial home by the permission of a third party, to the landlord or third party, as the case may be; and

(c)to any other person to whom intimation of the application was or is to be made by virtue of rule 33.7(1)(k) (warrant for intimation to certain persons in actions for orders under the Act of 1981) or 33.15 (order for intimation by sheriff).

Textual Amendments

F454Sch. 1 rule 33.69(1)(d) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(33)}

Applications by minuteS

33.70.(1)An application for an order under—

(a)section 5 of the Act of 1981 (variation and recall of orders regulating occupancy rights and of exclusion order), or

(b)F456. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

shall be made by minute.

(2)A minute under paragraph (1) shall be intimated—

(a)to the other spouse or partner, as the case may be;

(b)where the entitled spouse or partner is a tenant or occupies the matrimonial home by the permission of a third party, to the landlord or third party, as the case may be; and

(c)to any other person to whom intimation of the application was or is to be made by virtue of rule 33.7(1)(k) (warrant for intimation to certain persons in actions for orders under the Act of 1981) or 33.15 (order for intimation by sheriff).

Textual Amendments

F456Sch. 1 rule 33.70(1)(b) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(34)}

Sist of actions to enforce occupancy rightsS

33.71.Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, the sist of an action by virtue of section 7(4) of the Act of 1981 (where action raised by non-entitled spouse to enforce occupancy rights) shall apply only to such part of the action as relates to the enforcement of occupancy rights by a non-entitled spouse.

33.72.SF457. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F457Sch. 1 rule 33.72 omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(35)}

PART XIS SIMPLIFIED DIVORCE APPLICATIONS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33.73.(1)This Part applies to an application for divorce by a party to a marriage made in the manner prescribed in rule 33.74 (form of applications) if, but only if—

(a)that party relies on the facts set out in section 1(2)(d) (no cohabitation for [F458one year] with consent of defender to decree), or section 1(2)(e) (no cohabitation for [F459two] years) [F460 or section 1(1)(b) (issue of interim gender recognition certificate) ]F461, of the M57Act of 1976;

(b)in an application under section 1(2)(d) of the Act of 1976, the other party consents to decree of divorce being granted;

(c)no other proceedings are pending in any court which could have the effect of bringing the marriage to an end;

(d)there are no children of the marriage under the age of 16 years;

(e)neither party to the marriage applies for an order for financial provision on divorce; F462. . .

(f)neither party to the marriage suffers from mental disorder [F463; and.

[F464(g)neither party to the marriage applies for postponement of decree under section 3A of the Act of 1976 M58(postponement of decree where impediment to religious marriage exists).]]

(2)If an application ceases to be one to which this Part applies at any time before final decree, it shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall be dismissed.

(3)In this Part “simplified divorce application” means an application mentioned in paragraph (1).

Textual Amendments

F458Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.73(1)(a) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(36)(a)(i)}

F459Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.73(1)(a) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(36)(a)(ii)}

F460Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.73(1)(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), {rule 2(36)(a)(iii)}

F461Section 1(1)(b) was inserted by paragraph 6 of Schedule 2 to the Gender Recognition Act 2004 (c. 7).

F462Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.73(1)(e) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(36)(b)}

F463Sch. 1 rule 33.73(1)(g) and word inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(36)(c)}

Marginal Citations

M58Section 3A was inserted by section 15 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 2).

Form of applicationsS

33.74.(1)A simplified divorce application in which the facts set out in section 1(2)(d) of the Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for [F465one year] with consent of defender to decree) are relied on shall be made in Form F31 and shall only be of effect if—

(a)it is signed by the applicant; and

(b)the form of consent in Part 2 of Form [F466F31] is signed by the party to the marriage giving consent.

(2)A simplified divorce application in which the facts set out in section 1(2)(e) of the Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for [F467two] years) are relied on shall be made in Form F33 and shall only be of effect if it is signed by the applicant.

[F468(3)A simplified divorce application in which the facts set out in section 1(1)(b) of the Act of 1976 (grounds of divorce: interim gender recognition certificate) are relied on shall be made in Form F33A and shall only be of effect if signed by the applicant.]

Textual Amendments

F465Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.74(1) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(37)(a)}

F466Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.74(1)(b) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(54)

F467Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.74(2) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(37)(b)}

F468Sch. 1 rule 33.74(3) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(37)(c)}

Lodging of applicationsS

33.75.The applicant shall send a simplified divorce application to the sheriff clerk with—

(a)an extract or certified copy of the marriage certificate; F469. . .

(b)the appropriate fee. [F470; and

(c)in an application under section 1(1)(b) of the Act of 1976 (grounds of divorce: interim gender recognition certificate), the interim gender recognition certificate or a certified copy within the meaning of rule 33.9A(3).]

Textual Amendments

F469Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.75(a) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(38)(a)}

F470Sch. 1 rule 33.75(c) and word inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(38)(b)}

Citation and intimationS

33.76.(1)This rule is subject to rule 33.77 (citation where address not known).

(2)It shall be the duty of the sheriff clerk to cite any person or intimate any document in connection with a simplified divorce application.

(3)The form of citation—

(a)in an application relying on the facts in section 1(2)(d) of the Act of 1976 shall be in Form F34; F471. . .

(b)in an application relying on the facts in section 1(2)(e) of the Act of 1976 shall be in Form F35.

[F472(c)in an application relying on the facts in section 1(1)(b) of the Act of 1976 shall be in Form F35A.]

[F473(4)The citation or intimation required by paragraph (2) shall be made–

(a)by the sheriff clerk by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service in accordance with rule 5.3 (postal service or intimation);

(b)on payment of an additional fee, by a sheriff officer in accordance with rule 5.4(1) [F474to (4)] (service within Scotland by sheriff officer); or

(c)where necessary, by the sheriff clerk in accordance with rule 5.5 (service on persons furth of Scotland).]

[F475(5)Where citation or intimation is made in accordance with paragraph (4)(c), the translation into an official language of the country in which service is to be executed required by rule 5.5(6) shall be provided by the party lodging the simplified divorce application.]

Textual Amendments

F471Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.76(3)(a) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(39)(a)}

F472Sch. 1 rule 33.76(3)(c) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(39)(b)}

F473Sch. 1 rule 33.76(4) substituted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(17)(a)

F475Sch. 1 rule 33.76(5) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(17)(b)

Citation where address not knownS

33.77.(1)In a simplified divorce application in which the facts in section 1(2)(e) of the Act of 1976 (no cohabitation for [F476two] years) [F477or section 1(1)(b) of the Act of 1976 (grounds of divorce: issue of interim gender recognition certificate)] are relied on and the address of the other party to the marriage is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained—

(a)citation shall be executed by displaying a copy of the application and a notice in Form F36 on the walls of court on a period of notice of 21 days; and

(b)intimation shall be made 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 other party to the marriage who has reached that age, unless the address of such person is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained.

(2)Intimation to a person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) shall be given by intimating a copy of the application and a notice of intimation in Form F37.

Textual Amendments

F476Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.77(1) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(40)(a)}

F477Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.77(1) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(40)(b)}

Opposition to applicationsS

33.78.(1)Any person on whom service or intimation of a simplified divorce application has been made may give notice by letter sent to the sheriff clerk that he challenges the jurisdiction of the court or opposes the grant of decree of divorce and giving the reasons for his opposition to the application.

(2)Where oposition to a simplified divorce application is made under paragraph (1), the sheriff shall dismiss the application unless he is satisfied that the reasons given for the opposition are frivolous.

(3)The sheriff clerk shall intimate the decision under paragraph (2) to the applicant and the respondent.

(4)The sending of a letter under paragraph (1) shall not imply acceptance of the jurisdiction of the court.

EvidenceS

33.79.Parole evidence shall not be given in a simplified divorce application.

DecreeS

33.80.(1)The sheriff may grant decree in terms of the simplified divorce application on the expiry of the period of notice if such application has been properly served provided that, when the application has been served in a country to which the M59Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra-Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters dated 15 November 1965 applies, decree shall not be granted until it is established to the satisfaction of the sheriff that the requirements of article 15 of that Convention have been complied with.

(2)The sheriff clerk shall, not sooner than 14 days after the granting of decree in terms of paragraph (1), issue to each party to the marriage an extract of the decree of divorce in Form F38.

Marginal Citations

M59Cmnd. 3986 (1969).

AppealsS

33.81. [F478(1)] Any appeal against an interlocutor granting decree of divorce under rule 33.80 (decree) may be made, within 14 days after the date of decree, by sending a letter to the court giving reasons for the appeal.

[F479(2)Within 4 days after receiving an appeal, the sheriff clerk must transmit to the Clerk of the Sheriff Appeal Court—

(a)the appeal;

(b)all documents and productions in the simplified divorce application.

(3)On receipt of the appeal, the Clerk of the Sheriff Appeal Court is to fix a hearing and intimate the date, time and place of that hearing to the parties.]

Textual Amendments

Applications after decreeS

33.82.Any application to the court after decree of divorce has been granted in a simplified divorce application which could have been made if it had been made in an action of divorce shall be made by minute.

PART XIISVARIATION OF COURT OF SESSION DECREES
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33.83.(1)This Part applies to an application to the sheriff for variation or recall of any order to which section 8 of the M60Act of 1966(variation of certain Court of Session orders) applies.

(2)In this Part, the “Act of 1966” means the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1966.

Marginal Citations

Form of applications and intimation to Court of SessionS

33.84.(1)An application to which this Part applies shall be made by initial writ.

(2)In such an application there shall be lodged with the initial writ a copy of the interlocutor, certified by a clerk of the Court of Session, which it is sought to vary.

(3)Before lodging the initial writ, a copy of the initial writ certified by the pursuer or his solicitor shall be lodged, or sent by first class recorded delivery post to the Deputy Principal Clerk of Session to be lodged in the process of the cause in the Court of Session in which the original order was made.

(4)The pursuer or his solicitor shall attach a certificate to the initial writ stating that paragraph (3) has been complied with.

(5)The sheriff may, on cause shown, prorogate the time for lodging the certified copy of the interlocutor required under [F480paragraph (2)].

Textual Amendments

F480Words in Sch. 1 rule 33.84(5) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(55)

Defended actionsS

33.85.(1)Where a notice of intention to defend has been lodged and no request is made under rule 33.87 (remit of applications to Court of Session), the pursuer shall within 14 days after the date of the lodging of a notice of intention to defend or within such other period as the sheriff may order, lodge in process the following documents (or copies) from the process in the cause in the Court of Session in which the original order was made:—

(a)the pleadings;

(b)the interlocutor sheets;

(c)any opinion of the court; and

(d)any productions on which he seeks to found.

(2)The sheriff may, on the joint motion of parties made at any time after the lodging of the documents mentioned in paragraph (1)—

(a)dispense with proof;

(b)whether defences have been lodged or not, hear the parties; and

(c)thereafter, grant decree or otherwise dispose of the cause as he thinks fit.

Transmission of process to Court of SessionS

33.86.(1)Where decree has been granted or the cause otherwise disposed of—

(a)and the period for [F481making] an appeal has elapsed without an appeal being [F482made], or

(b)after the determination of the cause on any appeal,

the sheriff clerk shall transmit to the Court of Session the sheriff court process and the documents from the process of the cause in the Court of Session which have been lodged in the sheriff court process.

(2)A sheriff court process transmitted under paragraph (1) shall form part of the process of the cause in the Court of Session in which the original order was made.

Textual Amendments

Remit of applications to Court of SessionS

33.87.(1)A request for a remit to the Court of Session under section 8(3) of the Act of 1966 shall be made by motion.

(2)The sheriff shall, in respect of any such motion, order that the cause be remitted to the Court of Session; and, within four days after the date of such order, the sheriff clerk shall transmit the whole sheriff court process to the Court of Session.

(3)A cause remitted to the Court of Session under paragraph (2) shall form part of the process of the cause in the Court of Session in which the original order was made.

PART XIIIS CHILD SUPPORT ACT 1991
Interpretation of this PartS

  • F483. . . In this Part—

  • “the Act of 1991” means the M61Child Support Act 1991;

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

  • [F484“maintenance calculation”] has the meaning assigned in section [F48554] of the Act of 1991.

Textual Amendments

F483Sch. 1 rule 33.88: “-(1)” at the beginning is omitted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(56)(a)

F485Word in Sch. 1 rule 33.88 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(56)(b)

Marginal Citations

Restriction of expensesS

33.89.Where the Secretary of State is named as a defender in an action for declarator of nonparentage or illegitimacy, and the Secretary of State does not defend the action, no expenses shall be awarded against the Secretary of State.

Effect of maintenance [F486calculations]S

33.90.The sheriff clerk shall, on receiving notification that a maintenance [F487calculation] has been made, cancelled or has ceased to have effect so as to affect an order of a kind prescribed for the purposes of section 10 of the Act of 1991, endorse on the intelocutor sheet relating to that order a certificate, in Form F39 or F40, as the case may be.

Textual Amendments

Effect of maintenance [F488calculations] on extracts relating to alimentS

33.91.(1)Where an order relating to aliment is affected by a maintenance [F489calculation], any extract of that order issued by the sheriff clerk shall be endorsed with the following certificate:—

“A maintenance [F489calculation] having been made under the Child Support Act 1991 on (insert date), this order, in so far as it relates to the making or securing of periodical payments to or for the benefit of (insert name(s) of child/children), ceases to have effect from (insert date two days after the date on which the maintenance [F489calculation]was made)”.

(2)Where an order relating to aliment has ceased to have effect on the making of a maintenance [F489calculation], and that maintenance [F489calculation] is later cancelled or ceases to have effect, any extract of that order issued by the sheriff clerk shall be endorsed also with the following certificate:—

“The jurisdiction of the child support officer under the Child Support Act 1991 having terminated on (insert date), this order, in so far as it relates to (insert name(s) of child/children), again shall have effect as from (insert date of termination of child support officer’s jurisdiction)”.

.

Textual Amendments

Applications to recall or vary an interdictS

[F49033.91A.An application under section 32L(11)(b) of the Act of 1991 (orders preventing avoidance) for the variation or recall of an order for interdict is to be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

Textual Amendments

F491PART XIVSREFERRALS TO PRINCIPAL REPORTER

Textual Amendments

F49133.92.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49133.93.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F49133.94.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F492PART XVSMANAGEMENT OF MONEY PAYABLE TO CHILDREN

Textual Amendments

F492Sch. 1 Ch. 33 Pts. 14, 15 inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 33

33.95.SWhere the sheriff has made an order under section 13 of the Act of 1995 (awards of damages to children), an application by a person for an order by virtue of section 11(1)(d) of that Act (administration of child’s property) may be made in the process of the cause in which the order under section 13 of that Act was made.]

[F493PART XVISACTION OF DECLARATOR OF RECOGNITION OR NON-RECOGNITION OF A FOREIGN DECREE

Textual Amendments

Action of declarator in relation to certain foreign decreesS

33.96.(1)This rule applies to an action for declarator of recognition, or non-recognition, of

[F494(a)] a decree of divorce, nullity or separation granted outwith a member state of the European Union.

[F495(b)a decree of divorce, nullity of separation in respect of a same sex marriage when granted in a member state of the European Union.]

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

(a)the court, tribunal or other authority which granted the decree;

(b)the date of the decree of divorce, annulment or separation to which the action relates;

(c)the date and place of the marriage to which the decree of divorce, nullity or separation relates;

(d)the basis on which the court has jurisdiction to entertain the action;

(e)whether to the pursuer’s knowledge any other proceedings whether in Scotland or in any other country are continuing in respect of the marriage to which the action relates or are capable of affecting its validity or subsistence; and

(f)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; and

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

(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)(e), or

(ii)the particulars mentioned in paragraph (2)(f) 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)(f).

(4)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, a declarator of recognition, or non-recognition, of a decree under this rule shall not be granted without there being produced with the initial writ—

(a)the decree in question or a certified copy of the decree;

(b)the marriage extract or equivalent document to which the action relates.

(5)Where a document produced under paragraph (4)(a) or (b) is not in English it shall, unless the sheriff otherwise directs, be accompanied by a translation certified by a notary public or authenticated by affidavit.

(6)For the purposes of this rule, proceedings are continuing at any time after they have commenced and before they are finally disposed of.]

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 33ASCIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACTIONS

PART ISGENERAL PROVISIONS
Interpretation of this ChapterS

33A.1.(1)In this Chapter, “civil partnership action” means–

(a)an action of dissolution of civil partnership;

(b)an action of separation of civil partners;

(c)an action or application for an order under Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 of Part 3 of the Act of 2004;

(d)an application for a declarator or other order under section 127 of the Act of 2004;

(e)an action or application for financial provision after overseas proceedings as provided for in Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004;

[F496(f)an action for declarator of nullity of civil partnership.]

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

  • “the Act of 1985” means the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 M62;

  • “the Act of 1995” means the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 M63;

  • “the Act of 2004” means the Civil Partnership Act 2004 M64;

  • “civil partnership” has the meaning assigned in section 1(1) of the Act of 2004;

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

  • “Gender Recognition Panel” is to be construed in accordance with Schedule 1 to the Gender Recognition Act 2004 M65;

  • “interim gender recognition certificate” means the certificate issued under section 4 of the Gender Recognition Act 2004;

  • “local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 M66;

  • “mental disorder” has the meaning assigned in section 328 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 M67;

  • “order for financial provision” means, except in Part VII of this Chapter (financial provision after overseas proceedings as provided for in Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004), an order mentioned in section 8(1) of the Act of 1985;

  • “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;

  • “relevant interdict” has the meaning assigned in section 113(2) of the Act of 2004;

  • “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 M68.

(3)For the purposes of rules 33A.2 (averments in actions of dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partners about other proceedings) and 33A.3 (averments where section 11 order sought) and, in relation to proceedings in another jurisdiction, Part XIII of this Chapter (sisting of civil partnership actions in Scotland), proceedings are continuing at any time after they have commenced and before they are finally disposed of.

Textual Amendments

F496Sch. 1 rule 33A.1(1)(f) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(41)}

Marginal Citations

[F497Averments in certain civil partnership actions about other proceedings]S

33A.2.(1)This rule applies to an action of dissolution [F498or declarator of nullity] of civil partnership or separation of civil partners.

(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 civil partnership 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 Part XIII of this Chapter.

(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

F497Sch. 1 rule 33A.2 heading substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(42)(a)}

F498Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.2(1) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(42)(b)}

Averments where section 11 order soughtS

33A.3.(1)A party to a civil partnership action who makes an application in that action for a section 11 order in respect of a child shall include in his pleadings–

(a)where that action is an action of dissolution [F499or declarator of nullity]of civil partnership or separation of civil partners, 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 section 11 order is sought;

(b)in any other civil partnership 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 civil partnership of either of the parents of that child.

[F500(c)where the party seeks an order such as is mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (2) of that section, an averment that no permanence order (as defined in section 80(2) of the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007) is in force in respect of the child.]

(2)Where such other proceedings are continuing or have taken place and the averments of the applicant for such a 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 party to the civil partnership 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 101(7) of the Act of 2004.

Textual Amendments

Averments where identity or address of person not knownS

33A.4.In a civil partnership action, where the identity or address of any person referred to in rule 33A.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 ordersS

33A.5.In a civil partnership 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 Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 F501) has been granted in favour of or against that party or of any other person in respect of whom the order is sought.

Textual Amendments

Averments where aliment or financial provision soughtS

33A.6.(1)In this rule–

  • “the Act of 1991” means the Child Support Act 1991 F502;

  • “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;

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

(2)A civil partnership action containing a crave relating to aliment and to which section 8(6), (7), (8), or (10) of the Act of 1991 F503 (top up maintenance orders) applies shall–

(a)include averments stating, where appropriate–

(i)that a maintenance calculation under section 11 of that Act (maintenance calculations) is in force;

(ii)the date of the maintenance calculation;

(iii)the amount and frequency of periodical payments of child support maintenance fixed by the maintenance 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 calculation referred to in sub paragraph (a).

(3)A civil partnership 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; or

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

(4)A civil partnership 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

Warrants and forms for intimationS

33A.7.(1)Subject to paragraphs (5) and (7), in the initial writ in a civil partnership 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 person who was a child of the family (within the meaning of section 101(7) of the Act of 2004) and 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 CP1 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(b)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) and (ii), unless the address of such person is not known to the pursuer and cannot reasonably be ascertained; and

(ii)any person who holds the office of guardian, or continuing or welfare attorney to the defender under or by virtue of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 M69,

and a notice of intimation in Form CP2 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(c)in an action of dissolution [F504or declarator of nullity] of civil partnership or separation of civil partners 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 CP3 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that authority;

(ii)who, being a child of one party to the civil partnership, has been accepted as a child of the family by the other party to the civil partnership and who is liable to be maintained by a third party, to that third party, and a notice of intimation in Form CP3 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that third party; or

(iii)in respect of whom a third party in fact exercises care or control, to that third party, and a notice of intimation in Form CP4 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that third party;

(d)in an action where the pursuer craves 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 CP5 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such parent or guardian;

F505(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)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 CP7 shall be intimated to that child [F506but a copy of the initial writ must not be sent to the child];

(g)in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(aa) of the Act of 1985 M70(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 CP8 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(h)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 CP9 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person;

(i)in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2004, where the application is under section 102(1)(e), 102(4)(a), 103(1), 103(2), 104, 107 or 112 of that Act, and the entitled civil partner is a tenant or occupies the family 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 CP10 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 8(1)(ba) of the Act of 1985 M71(orders under section 12A of the Act of 1985 for pension lump sum), to the person responsible for the pension arrangement, and a notice of intimation in Form CP11 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person; F507...

(k)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(baa) of the Act of 1985 M72(pension sharing orders), to the person responsible for the pension arrangement and a notice of intimation in Form CP12 shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to any such person.

[F508(l)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(bab) of the Act of 1985 (pension compensation sharing order), to the Board of the Pension Protection Fund, and a notice of intimation in Form CP12A shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that Board; and

(m)in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(bb) of the Act of 1985 (an order under section 12B(2) of the Act of 1985 for pension compensation), to the Board of the Pension Protection Fund and a notice of intimation in Form CP12B shall be attached to the initial writ intimated to that Board.]

(2)Expressions used in paragraph (1)(i) which are also used in Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2004 have the same meaning as in that Chapter.

(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.

F509(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)Where the address of a person mentioned in paragraph (1)(c), (d), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) 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 civil partnership 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.

(7)Where a pursuer considers that to order intimation to a child under paragraph (1)(f) 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.

Textual Amendments

F504Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(1)(c) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(44)

Marginal Citations

Intimation where alleged associationS

33A.8.(1)In a civil partnership action where the pursuer founds upon an alleged 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 CP13 shall be intimated to the named person.

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

[F510Productions in action of dissolution of civil partnership or where a section 11 order or order for financial provision may be made]S

33A.9.(1)This rule applies unless the sheriff directs otherwise.

(2)In an action of dissolution [F511or declarator of nullity] of civil partnership, a warrant for citation shall not be granted without there being produced with the initial writ–

(a)an extract of the relevant entry in the civil partnership register or an equivalent document; and

(b)where the ground of action is that an interim gender recognition certificate has, after the date of registration of the civil partnership, been issued to either of the civil partners–

(i)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

(ii)where the defender is the subject of the interim gender recognition certificate, a certified copy of the interim gender recognition certificate.

(3)In a civil partnership 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.

(4)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.

[F512(5)In a civil partnership action which includes a crave for an order for financial provision, the pursuer must lodge a completed Form CP13A signed by the pursuer with the initial writ or minute of amendment as the case may be.]

Textual Amendments

F511Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.9(2) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(45)

Warrant of citationS

33A.10.The warrant of citation in a civil partnership action shall be in Form CP14.

Form of citation and certificateS

33A.11.(1)Subject to rule 5.6 (service where address of person is not known), citation of a defender shall be in Form CP15, 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 CP16.

(2)The certificate of citation shall be in Form CP17 which shall be attached to the initial writ.

Intimation to local authorityS

[F51333A.12.(1)In any civil partnership action where the pursuer craves a residence order in respect of a child, the sheriff may, if the sheriff thinks fit, order intimation to the local authority in which area the pursuer resides; and such intimation shall be in Form CP6.

(2)Where an order for intimation is made under paragraph (1), intimation to that local authority shall be given within 7 days after the date on which an order for intimation has been made.]

Textual Amendments

Service in cases of mental disorder of defenderS

33A.13.(1)In a civil partnership 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 CP15;

(b)any notice required by rule 33A.14(1);

(c)a request in Form CP18;

(d)a form of certificate in Form CP19 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 33A.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 CP19 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 dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partnersS

33A.14.(1)In the following actions of dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partners there shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ served on the defender–

(a)in an action relying on section 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004 (no cohabitation for [F514one year] with consent of defender to decree)–

(i)which is an action of dissolution of civil partnership, a notice in Form CP20 and a notice of consent in Form CP21;

(ii)which is an action of separation of civil partners, a notice in Form CP22 and a form of notice of consent in Form CP23;

(b)in an action relying on section 117(3)(d) of the Act of 2004 (no cohabitation for [F515two] years)–

(i)which is an action of dissolution of civil partnership, a notice in Form CP24;

(ii)which is an action of separation of civil partners, a notice in Form CP25.

[F516(c)in an action relying on section 117(2)(b) of the Act of 2004 (grounds of dissolution: interim gender recognition certificate), a notice in Form CP25A.]

(2)The certificate of 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

F514Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.14(1)(a) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(46)(a)}

F515Word in Sch. 1 rule 33A.14(1)(b) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(46)(b)}

F516Sch. 1 rule 33A.14(1)(c) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(46)(c)}

Orders for intimationS

33A.15.(1)In any civil partnership 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 dissolution of civil partnership, 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 CP7 to the child to whom the section 11 order would relate unless–

(a)intimation has been given to the child under rule 33A.7(1)(f); 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 civil partnership 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 33A.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.

Appointment of curators ad litem to defendersS

33A.16.(1)[F517This rule applies to a civil partnership action] 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 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004 (no cohabitation for [F518one year] 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 any notice in Form G5 sent to him by the 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

F518Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(2)(b) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(47)(b)

Applications for sistS

33A.17.An application for a sist, or the recall of a sist, under Part XIII of this Chapter shall be made by written motion.

Notices of consent to dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partnersS

33A.18.(1)Where, in an action of dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partners in which the facts in section 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004 (no cohabitation for [F519one year] with consent of defender to decree) are relied on, the defender wishes to consent to the grant of decree of dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partners he shall do so by giving notice in writing in Form CP21 (dissolution) or Form CP23 (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 dissolution of civil partnership or separation of civil partners where the initial writ includes, for the purposes of section 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004, 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 117(3) of the Act of 2004 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.

Textual Amendments

F519Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.18(1) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(48)}

Procedure in respect of childrenS

33A.19.(1)In a civil partnership action, in relation to any matter affecting a child, where that child has–

(a)returned to the sheriff clerk Form CP7, 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 civil partnership 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.

Recording of views of the childS

33A.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.

Child welfare reportersS

[F52033A.21.(1)At any stage of a civil partnership action the sheriff may, in relation to any matter affecting a child, appoint a person (referred to in this rule as a “child welfare reporter”)—

(a)to seek the views of the child and to report any views expressed by the child to the court; or

(b)to undertake enquiries and to report to the court.

(2)A child welfare reporter may only be appointed under paragraph (1)(b) where the sheriff is satisfied that the appointment—

(a)is in the best interests of the child; and

(b)will promote the effective and expeditious determination of an issue in relation to the child.

(3)An interlocutor appointing a child welfare reporter must—

(a)specify a date by which the report is to be submitted to the court;

(b)include a direction as to the fees and outlays of the child welfare reporter;

(c)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(a), specify the issues in respect of which the child’s views are to be sought; and

(d)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(b), specify the enquiries to be undertaken, and the issues requiring to be addressed in the report.

(4)An interlocutor complies with subparagraph (c) or (d) of paragraph (3) if the issues or, as the case may be the enquiries, referred to in that subparagraph are specified in an annex to the interlocutor in Form CP38.

(5)Where the sheriff has appointed a child welfare reporter with a view to the report being considered at an assigned hearing, the date specified in accordance with paragraph (3)(a) must be a date no less than three clear days before that hearing, excluding any day on which the sheriff clerk’s office is not open for civil court business, unless cause exists for specifying a later date.

(6)On appointing a [F521child welfare reporter] the sheriff may also—

(a)make such further order as may be required to facilitate the discharge of the child welfare reporter’s functions;

(b)direct that a party to the proceedings is to be responsible for providing the child welfare reporter with copies of such documents lodged in the process as may be specified; and

(c)give the child welfare reporter directions.

(7)The direction referred to in paragraph (3)(b) must assign liability for payment of the child welfare reporter’s fees and outlays in the first instance, and require that liability to be borne—

(a)in equal shares by—

(i)the pursuer,

(ii)any defender who has lodged a notice of intention to defend, and

(iii)any minuter who has been granted leave to enter the process; or

(b)by one or more parties to the proceedings on such other basis as may be justified on cause shown.

(8)On the granting of an interlocutor appointing a child welfare reporter the sheriff clerk must—

(a)give the child welfare reporter—

(i)a certified copy of the interlocutor, and

(ii)sufficient information to enable the child welfare reporter to contact the solicitor for each party to the proceedings, or any party not represented by a solicitor; and

(b)intimate the name and address of the child welfare reporter to any local authority to which intimation of the proceedings has been made.

(9)A child welfare reporter appointed under this rule must—

(a)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(a)—

(i)seek the child’s views on the specified issues, and

(ii)prepare a report for the court reporting any such views;

(b)where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(b)—

(i)undertake the specified enquiries, and

(ii)prepare a report for the court having regard to the specified issues;

(c)send the report to the sheriff clerk by the date specified; and

(d)unless otherwise directed, send a copy of the report to each party to the proceedings by that date.

(10)A child welfare reporter may—

(a)apply to the sheriff clerk to be given further directions by the sheriff;

(b)bring to the attention of the sheriff clerk any impediment to the performance of any function arising under this rule.

(11)Where a child welfare reporter acts as referred to in paragraph (10), the sheriff may, having heard parties, make any order or direction that could competently have been made under paragraph (6).

Textual Amendments

Appointment of local authority to report on a childS

33A.21A.(1)This rule applies where, in a civil partnership action, the sheriff appoints a local authority to investigate and report to the court on the circumstances of a child and on the proposed arrangements for the care and upbringing of a child.

(2)The following provisions of rule 33A.21 apply as if the reference to the child welfare reporter was a reference to the local authority appointed by the sheriff—

(a)paragraph (3)(a) and (b);

(b)paragraph (6)(a) and (b);

(c)paragraph (7); and

(d)paragraph (8).

(3)On completion of the report referred to in paragraph (1), the local authority must—

(a)send the report to the sheriff clerk; and

(b)unless otherwise directed by the sheriff, send a copy of the report to each party to the proceedings.]

Textual Amendments

Referral to family mediationS

33A.22.In any civil partnership 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.

Child Welfare HearingS

33A.23.(1)Where–

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

(c)in any other circumstances in a civil partnership 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 CP26.

(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.

[F522(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, make such order, if any, or order further procedure, as he thinks fit, and

(b)ascertain whether there is or is likely to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 who is to give evidence at any proof or hearing and whether any order under section 12(1) of the Act of 2004 requires to be made.]

(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

F522Sch. 1 rule 33A.23(4) substituted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), art. 2(10)

Applications for orders to disclose whereabouts of childrenS

33A.24.(1)An application in a civil partnership action for an order under section 33(1) of the Family Law Act 1986 F523 (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.

Textual Amendments

Applications in relation to removal of childrenS

33A.25.(1)An application in a civil partnership action for leave under section 51(1) of the Children Act 1975 F524 (authority to remove a child from the care and possession of the applicant for 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 in a civil partnership action under section 23(2) of the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 F525 (declarator that removal of child from United Kingdom was unlawful) shall be made–

(a)in an action depending before the sheriff–

(i)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

Intimation to local authority before supervised contact orderS

33A.26.Where in a civil partnership action the sheriff, at his own instance or on the motion of a party, is considering making 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 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 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, do so within that period.

Joint minutesS

33A.27.Where any parties in a civil partnership action have reached agreement in relation to—

(a)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; and, subject to rule 33A.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.

AffidavitsS

33A.28.The sheriff in a civil partnership action may accept evidence by affidavit at any hearing for an order or interim order.

PART IISUNDEFENDED CIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACTIONS
Evidence in certain undefended civil partnership actionsS

33A.29.(1)This rule–

(a)subject to sub paragraph (b), applies to all civil partnership actions in which no notice of intention to defend has been lodged, other than a civil partnership action–

(i)for financial provision after overseas proceedings as provided for in Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004; or

(ii)for an order under Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 of Part 3 or section 127 of the Act of 2004;

(b)applies to a civil partnership action in which a curator ad litem has been appointed under rule 33A.16 where the curator ad litem to the defender has lodged a minute intimating that he does not intend to lodge defences;

(c)applies to any civil partnership action which proceeds at any stage as undefended where the sheriff so directs;

(d)applies to the merits of a civil partnership action which is undefended on the merits where the sheriff so directs, notwithstanding that the action is defended on an ancillary matter.

(2)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, evidence shall be given by affidavits.

(3)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, evidence relating to the welfare of a child shall be given by affidavit, at least one affidavit being emitted by a person other than a parent or party to the action.

(4)Evidence in the form of a written statement bearing to be the professional opinion of a duly qualified medical practitioner, which has been signed by him and lodged in process, shall be admissible in place of parole evidence by him.

Procedure for decree in actions under rule 33A.29S

33A.30.(1)In an action to which rule 33A.29 (evidence in certain undefended civil partnership actions) applies, the pursuer shall at any time after the expiry of the period for lodging a notice of intention to defend–

(a)lodge in process the affidavit evidence; and

(b)endorse a minute in Form CP27 on the initial writ.

(2)The sheriff may, at any time after the pursuer has complied with paragraph (1), without requiring the appearance of parties–

(a)grant decree in terms of the motion for decree; or

(b)remit the cause for such further procedure, if any, including proof by parole evidence, as the sheriff thinks fit.

Extracts of undefended decreeS

33A.31.In an action to which rule 33A.29 (evidence in certain undefended civil partnership actions) applies, the sheriff clerk shall, after the expiry of 14 days after the grant of decree under rule 33A.30 (procedure for decree in actions under rule 33A.29), issue to the pursuer and the defender an extract decree.

No recording of evidenceS

33A.32.It shall not be necessary to record the evidence in any proof in a civil partnership action which is not defended.

Disapplication of Chapter 15S

33A.33.Other than rule 15.1(1), Chapter 15 (motions) shall not apply to a civil partnership action in which no notice of intention to defend has been lodged, or to a civil partnership action in so far as it proceeds as undefended.

Late appearance and application for recall by defendersS

[F52633A.33A.(1)In a cause mentioned in rule 33A.1(a), (b) or (f), the sheriff may, at any stage of the action before the granting of final decree, make an order with such conditions, if any, as he thinks fit–

(a)directing that a defender who has not lodged a notice of intention to defend be treated as if he had lodged such a notice and the period of notice had expired on the date on which the order was made; or

(b)allowing a defender who has not lodged a notice of intention to defend to appear and be heard at a diet of proof although he has not lodged defences, but he shall not, in that event, be allowed to lead evidence without the pursuer's consent.

(2)Where the sheriff makes an order under paragraph (1), the pursuer may recall a witness already examined or lead other evidence whether or not he closed his proof before that order was made.

(3)Where no order under paragraph (1) has been sought by a defender who has not lodged a notice of intention to defend and decree is granted against him, the sheriff may, on an application made within 14 days of the date of the decree, and with such conditions, if any, as he thinks fit, make an order recalling the decree.

(4)Where the sheriff makes an order under paragraph (3), the cause shall thereafter proceed as if the defender had lodged a notice of intention to defend and the period of notice had expired on the date on which the decree was recalled.

(5)An application under paragraph (1) or (3) shall be made by note setting out the proposed defence and explaining the defender's failure to appear.

(6)An application under paragraph (1) or (3) shall not affect any right of appeal the defender may otherwise have.

(7)A note lodged in an application under paragraph (1) or (3) shall be served on the pursuer and any other party.]

Textual Amendments

PART IIISDEFENDED CIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACTIONS
[F527Notice of intention to defend and defences etc.]S

33A.34.(1)This rule applies where the defender in a civil partnership action seeks–

(a)to oppose any crave in the initial writ;

(b)to make a claim for–

(i)aliment;

(ii)an order for financial provision within the meaning of section 8(3) of the Act of 1985; or

(iii)a section 11 order; or

(c)an order–

(i)under section 16(1)(b) or (3) of the Act of 1985 M73 (setting aside or varying agreement as to financial provision);

(ii)under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions); or

(iii)under Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 of Part 3 or section 127 of the Act of 2004; or

(d)to challenge the jurisdiction of the court.

(2)In an action to which this rule applies, the defender shall–

(a)lodge a notice of intention to defend in Form CP16 before the expiry of the period of notice; and

(b)make any claim or seek any order referred to in paragraph (1), as the case may be, in those defences by setting out in his defences–

(i)craves;

(ii)averments in the answers to the condescendence in support of those craves; and

(iii)appropriate pleas-in-law.

(3)Where a defender intends to make an application for a section 11 order which, had it been made in an initial writ, would have required a warrant for intimation under rule 33A.7, the defender shall include a crave in his notice of intention to defend for a warrant for intimation or to dispense with such intimation; and rule 33A.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.

[F528(4)Where a defender opposes a crave for an order for financial provision or makes a claim in accordance with paragraph (1)(b)(ii), the defender must lodge a completed Form CP13A signed by the defender with the defences, minute of amendment or answers as the case may be.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Abandonment by pursuerS

33A.35.Notwithstanding abandonment by a pursuer of a civil partnership action, the court may allow a defender to pursue an order or claim sought in his defences; and the proceedings in relation to that order or claim shall continue in dependence as if a separate cause.

Attendance of parties at Options HearingS

33A.36.All parties to a civil partnership action shall, except on cause shown, attend personally the hearing under rule 9.12 (Options Hearing).

Decree by defaultS

33A.37.(1)In a civil partnership action in which the defender has lodged a notice of intention to defend, where a party fails–

(a)to lodge, or intimate the lodging of, any production or part of process;

(b)to implement an order of the sheriff within a specified period; F529. . .

(c)to appear or be represented at any diet, [F530or

(d)otherwise to comply with any requirement imposed upon that party by these Rules]

that party shall be in default.

(2)Where a party is in default under paragraph (1), the sheriff may–

(a)where the civil partnership action is one mentioned in rule 33A.1(1) (a) [F531(b) or (f)], allow that action to proceed as undefended under Part II of this Chapter; or

(b)where the civil partnership action is one mentioned in rule 33A.1(1)(c) to (e), grant decree as craved; or

(c)grant decree of absolvitor; or

(d)dismiss the civil partnership action or any claim made or order sought; [F532or]

[F533(da)make such other order as he thinks fit to secure the expeditious progress of the cause; and]

(e)award expenses.

(3)Where no party appears at a diet in a civil partnership action, the sheriff may dismiss that action.

(4)In a civil partnership action, the sheriff may, on cause shown, prorogate the time for lodging any production or part of process, or for intimating or implementing any order.

Textual Amendments

F531Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.37(2)(a) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(49)}

PART IVSAPPLICATIONS AND ORDERS RELATING TO CHILDREN IN CERTAIN ACTIONS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33A.38.This Part applies to an action of dissolution [F534or declarator of nullity] of civil partnership or separation of civil partners.

Textual Amendments

F534Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.38 inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(50)}

Applications in actions to which this Part appliesS

33A.39.(1)An application for an order mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be made–

(a)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in an action to which this Part applies; or

(b)where the application is made by a person other than the pursuer or defender, by minute in that action.

(2)The orders referred to in paragraph (1) are:–

(a)an order for a section 11 order; and

(b)an order for aliment for a child.

Applications in depending actions by motionS

33A.40.An application by a party in an action depending before the court to which this Part applies for, or for variation of, an order for–

(a)interim aliment for a child under the age of 18; or

(b)a residence order or a contact order,

shall be made by motion.

Applications after decree relating to a section 11 orderS

33A.41.(1)An application after final decree for, or for the variation or recall of, a section 11 order or in relation to the enforcement of such an order shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(2)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (1), any party may apply by motion for any interim order which may be made pending the determination of the application.

Applications after decree relating to alimentS

33A.42.(1)An application after final decree for, or for the variation or recall of, an order for aliment for a child shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(2)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (1), any party may lodge a motion for any interim order which may be made pending the determination of the application.

Applications after decree by persons over 18 years for alimentS

33A.43.(1)A person–

(a)to whom an obligation of aliment is owed under section 1 of the Act of 1985;

(b)in whose favour an order for aliment while under the age of 18 years was made in an action to which this Part applies, and

(c)who seeks, after attaining that age, an order for aliment against the person in that action against whom the order for aliment in his favour was made,

shall apply by minute in the process of that action.

(2)An application for interim aliment pending the determination of an application under paragraph (1) shall be made by motion.

(3)Where a decree has been pronounced in an application under paragraph (1) or (2), any application for variation or recall of any such decree shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

PART VSORDERS RELATING TO FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33A.44.(1)This Part applies to an action of dissolution [F535or declarator of nullity] of civil partnership.

(2)In this Part, “incidental order” has the meaning assigned in section 14(2) of the Act of 1985.

Textual Amendments

F535Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.44(1) inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(51)}

Applications in actions to which this Part appliesS

33A.45.(1)An application for an order mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be made–

(a)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in an action to which this Part applies; or

(b)where the application is made by a person other than the pursuer or defender, by minute in that action.

(2)The orders referred to in paragraph (1) are:–

(a)an order for financial provision within the meaning of section 8(3) of the Act of 1985;

(b)an order under section 16(1)(b) or (3) of the Act of 1985 (setting aside or varying agreement as to financial provision);

(c)an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions); and

(d)an order under section 112 of the Act of 2004 (transfer of tenancy).

Applications in depending actions relating to incidental ordersS

33A.46.(1)In an action depending before the sheriff to which this Part applies–

(a)the pursuer or defender, notwithstanding rules 33A.34(2) (application by defender for order for financial provision) and 33A.45(1)(a) (application for order for financial provision in initial writ or defences), may apply by motion for an incidental order; and

(b)the sheriff shall not be bound to determine such a motion if he considers that the application should properly be by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be.

(2)In an action depending before the sheriff to which this Part applies, an application under section 14(4) of the Act of 1985 for the variation or recall of an incidental order shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

Applications relating to interim alimentS

33A.47.An application for, or for the variation or recall of, an order for interim aliment for the pursuer or defender shall be made by motion.

Applications relating to orders for financial provisionS

33A.48.(1)An application–

(a)after final decree under any of the following provisions of the Act of 1985–

(i)section 8(1) for periodical allowance;

(ii)section 12(1)(b) (payment of capital sum or transfer of property);

(iii)section 12(4) (variation of date or method of payment of capital sum or date of transfer of property); or

(iv)section 13(4) (variation, recall, backdating or conversion of periodical allowance); F536...

[F537(v)section 14(1) (incidental orders), or]

(b)after the grant or refusal of an application under–

(i)section 8(1) or 14(3) for an incidental order; or

(ii)section 14(4) (variation or recall of incidental order),

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(2)Where a minute is lodged under paragraph (1), any party may lodge a motion for any interim order which may be made pending the determination of the application.

(3)An application under–

(a)paragraph (5) of section 12A of the Act of 1985 F538 (recall or variation of order in respect of a pension lump sum);

(b)paragraph (7) of that section F539 (variation of order in respect of pension lump sum to substitute trustees or managers); F540...

[F541(ba)section 12B(4) of the Act of 1985 (recall or variation of a capital sum order); or]

(c)section 28(10) or 48(9) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999,

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

Textual Amendments

F538Section 12A(5) was inserted by the Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), section 167(3) and amended by the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), section 84 and Schedule 12, Part 1, paragraph 9(1)(6).

F539Section 12A(7) was inserted by the Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), section 167(3) and amended by the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), section 84 and Schedule 12, Part 1, paragraph 9(1)(8).

Pension Protection Fund notificationS

[F54233A.48A.(1)In this rule–

  • “assessment period” shall be construed in accordance with section 132 of the Pensions Act 2004;

  • “pension arrangement” shall be construed in accordance with the definition in section 27 of the Act of 1985; and

  • “valuation summary” shall be construed in accordance with the definition in Schedule 2 to the Pension Protection Fund (Provision of Information) Regulations 2005.

(2)This rule applies where a party at any stage in the proceedings applies for an order under section 8 or section 16 of the Act of 1985.

(3)Where the party against whom an order referred to in paragraph (2) is sought has received notification in compliance with the Pension Protection Fund (Provision of Information) Regulations 2005 or does so after the order is sought–

(a)that there is an assessment period in relation to his pension arrangement; or

(b)that the Board of the Pension Protection Fund has assumed responsibility for all or part of his pension arrangement,

he shall comply with paragraph (4).

(4)The party shall–

(a)lodge the notification; and

(b)obtain and lodge as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter–

(i)a valuation summary; and

(ii)a forecast of his compensation entitlement.

(5)Subject to paragraph (6), the notification referred to in paragraph (4)(a) requires to be lodged–

(a)where the notification is received before the order is sought, within 7 days of the order being sought;

(b)where the notification is received after the order is sought, within 7 days of receiving the notification.

(6)Where an order is sought against the defender before the defences are lodged, and the notification is received before that step occurs, the notification shall be lodged with the defences.

(7)At the same time as lodging documents under paragraph (4), copies shall be sent to the other party to the proceedings.]

Textual Amendments

Applications after decree relating to agreements and avoidance transactionsS

33A.49.An application for an order–

(a)under section 16(1)(a) or (3) of the Act of 1985 (setting aside or varying agreements as to financial provision), or

(b)under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions),

made after final decree shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

PART VISAPPLICATIONS RELATING TO AVOIDANCE TRANSACTIONS
Form of applicationsS

33A.50.(1)An application for an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 (which relates to avoidance transactions) by a party to a civil partnership action shall be made by including in the initial writ, defences or minute, as the case may be, appropriate craves, averments and pleas in law.

(2)An application for an order under section 18 of the Act of 1985 after final decree in a civil partnership action shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

PART VIISFINANCIAL PROVISION AFTER OVERSEAS PROCEEDINGS
Interpretation of this PartS

33A.51.In this Part–

  • “order for financial provision” has the meaning assigned in paragraph 4 of Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004;

  • “overseas proceedings” has the meaning assigned in paragraph 1(1)(a) of Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004.

Applications for financial provision after overseas proceedingsS

33A.52.(1)An application under paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004 for an order for financial provision after overseas proceedings shall be made by initial writ.

(2)An application for an order in an action to which paragraph (1) applies made before final decree under–

(a)section 112 of the Act of 2004 (transfer of tenancy of family home);

(b)paragraph 3(4) of Schedule 11 to the Act of 2004 for interim periodical allowance; or

(c)section 14(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation or recall of incidental order),

shall be made by motion.

(3)An application for an order in an action to which paragraph (1) applies made after final decree under–

(a)section 12(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation of date or method of payment of capital sum or date of transfer of property);

(b)section 13(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation, recall, backdating or conversion of periodical allowance); or

(c)section 14(4) of the Act of 1985 (variation or recall of incidental order),

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which it relates.

(4)An application under–

(a)paragraph (5) of section 12A of the Act of 1985 (recall or variation of order in respect of a pension lump sum); or

(b)paragraph (7) of that section (variation of order in respect of pension lump sum to substitute trustees or managers),

shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(5)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (3), any party may apply by motion for an interim order pending the determination of the application.

PART VIIISACTIONS IN RESPECT OF ALIMENT
Applications relating to agreements on alimentS

33A.53.In a civil partnership action in which a crave for aliment may be made, an application under section 7(2) of the Act of 1985 shall be made by a crave in the initial writ or in defences, as the case may be.

PART IXSAPPLICATIONS FOR ORDERS UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995
Application of this PartS

33A.54.This Part applies to an application for a section 11 order in a civil partnership action other than in an action of dissolution [F543or declarator of nullity] of civil partnership or separation of civil partners.

Textual Amendments

F543Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.54 inserted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {para. 2(52)}

Form of applicationsS

33A.55.Subject to any other provision in this Chapter, an application for a section 11 order shall be made—

(a)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in a civil partnership action to which this Part applies; or

(b)where the application is made by a person other than a party to an action mentioned in paragraph (a), by minute in that action.

Applications relating to interim orders in depending actionsS

33A.56.An application, in an action depending before the sheriff to which this Part applies, for, or for the variation or recall of, an interim residence order or an interim contact order 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.

Applications after decreeS

33A.57.(1)An application after final decree for variation or recall of a section 11 order shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.

(2)Where a minute has been lodged under paragraph (1), any party may apply by motion for an interim order pending the determination of the application.

Application for leaveS

[F54433A.57A(1)Where leave of the court is required under section 11(3)(aa) of the Act of 1995 for the making of an application for a contact order under that section, the applicant must lodge along with the initial writ a written application in the form of a letter addressed to the sheriff clerk stating—

(a)the grounds of which leave is sought; and

(b)whether or not the applicant has applied for legal aid.

(2)Where the applicant has applied for legal aid he must also lodge along with the initial writ written confirmation from the Scottish Legal Aid Board that it has determined, under regulation 7(2)(b) of the Civil Legal Aid (Scotland) Regulations 2002, that notification of the application for legal aid should be dispensed with or postponed pending the making by the sheriff of an order for intimation under paragraph (4)(b).

(3)Subject to paragraph (4)(b) an application under paragraph (1) shall not be served or intimated to any party.

(4)The sheriff shall consider an application under paragraph (1) without hearing the applicant and may—

(a)refuse the application and pronounce an interlocutor accordingly; or

(b)if he is minded to grant the application order the applicant—

(i)to intimate the application to such persons as the sheriff considers appropriate; and

(ii)to lodge a certificate of intimation in, as near as may be, Form G8.

(5)If any person who receives intimation of an application under paragraph (4)(b) wishes to be heard he shall notify the sheriff clerk in writing within 14 days of receipt of intimation of the application.

(6)On receipt of any notification under paragraph (5) the sheriff clerk shall fix a hearing and intimate the date of the hearing to the parties.

(7)Where an application under paragraph (1) is granted, a copy of the sheriff's interlocutor must be served on the defender along with the warrant of citation.]

Textual Amendments

F544Sch. 1 rule 33A.57A inserted (28.9.2009) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007) 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/284), {art. 3(5)}

PART XSACTIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY RIGHTS AND TENANCIES
Application of this PartS

33A.58.This Part applies to an action or application for an order under Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 of Part 3 or section 127 of the Act of 2004.

Interpretation of this PartS

33A.59.Unless the context otherwise requires, words and expressions used in this Part which are also used in Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 of Part 3 of the Act of 2004 have the same meaning as in Chapter 3 or Chapter 4, as the case may be.

Form of applicationS

33A.60.(1)Subject to any other provision in this Chapter, an application for an order under this Part shall be made–

(a)by an action for such an order;

(b)by a crave in the initial writ or defences, as the case may be, in any other civil partnership action;

(c)where the application is made by a person other than a party to any action mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), by minute in that action.

(2)An application under section 107(1) (dispensation with civil partner's consent to dealing) or section 127 (application in relation to attachment) of the Act of 2004 shall, unless made in a depending civil partnership action, be made by summary application.

DefendersS

33A.61.The applicant for an order under this Part shall call as a defender–

(a)where he is seeking an order as a civil partner, the other civil partner; and

(b)where he is a third party making an application under section 107(1) (dispensation with civil partner's consent to dealing), or 108(1) (payment from non-entitled civil partner in respect of loan) of the Act of 2004, both civil partners.

Applications by motionS

33A.62.(1)An application under any of the following provisions of the Act of 2004 shall be made by motion in the process of the depending action to which the application relates:–

(a)section 103(4) (interim order for regulation of rights of occupancy, etc.);

(b)section 104(6) (interim order suspending occupancy rights);

(c)section 107(1) (dispensation with civil partner's consent to dealing); and

(d)F545. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)Intimation of a motion under paragraph (1) shall be given–

(a)to the other civil partner;

(b)where the motion is under paragraph (1)(a) or (b) and the entitled civil partner is a tenant or occupies the family home by the permission of a third party, to the landlord or third party, as the case may be; and

(c)to any other person to whom intimation of the application was or is to be made by virtue of rule 33A.7(1)(i) (warrant for intimation to certain persons in actions for orders under Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2004) or rule 33A.15 (order for intimation by sheriff).

Textual Amendments

F545Sch. 1 rule 33A.62(1)(d) omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(53)}

Applications by minuteS

33A.63.(1)An application for an order under section 105 of the Act of 2004 (variation and recall of orders made under section 103 or section 104 of the Act of 2004) shall be made by minute.

(2)A minute under paragraph (1) shall be intimated–

(a)to the other civil partner;

(b)where the entitled civil partner is a tenant or occupies the family home by the permission of a third party, to the landlord or third party, as the case may be; and

(c)to any other person to whom intimation of the application was or is to be made by virtue of rule 33A.7(1)(i) (warrant for intimation to certain persons in actions for orders under Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2004) or rule 33A.15 (order for intimation by sheriff).

Sist of actions to enforce occupancy rightsS

33A.64.Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, the sist of an action by virtue of section 107(4) of the Act of 2004 (where action raised by non entitled civil partner to enforce occupancy rights) shall apply only to such part of the action as relates to the enforcement of occupancy rights by a non entitled civil partner.

Certificates of delivery of documents to chief constableS

33A.65.F546. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F546Sch. 1 rule 33A.65 omitted (4.5.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(54)}

PART XISSIMPLIFIED DISSOLUTION OF CIVIL PARTNERSHIP APPLICATIONS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33A.66.(1)This Part applies to an application for dissolution of civil partnership by a party to a civil partnership made in the manner prescribed in rule 33A.67 (form of applications) if, but only if–

(a)that party relies on the facts set out in section 117(3)(c) (no cohabitation for [F547one year] with consent of defender to decree), section 117(3)(d) (no cohabitation for [F548two] years), or section 117(2)(b) (issue of interim gender recognition certificate) of the Act of 2004;

(b)in an application under section 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004, the other party consents to decree of dissolution of civil partnership being granted;

(c)no other proceedings are pending in any court which could have the effect of bringing the civil partnership to an end;

(d)there is no child of the family (as defined [F549in section 12(4)(b) of the Act of 1995]) under the age of 16 years;

(e)neither party to the civil partnership applies for an order for financial provision on dissolution of civil partnership; and

(f)neither party to the civil partnership suffers from mental disorder.

(2)If an application ceases to be one to which this Part applies at any time before final decree, it shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall be dismissed.

(3)In this Part “simplified dissolution of civil partnership application” means an application mentioned in paragraph (1).

Textual Amendments

F547Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.66(1)(a) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(55)(a)

Form of applicationsS

33A.67.(1)A simplified dissolution of civil partnership application in which the facts set out in section 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004 (no cohabitation for [F550one year] with consent of defender to decree) are relied on shall be made in Form CP29 and shall only be of effect if–

(a)it is signed by the applicant; and

(b)the form of consent in Part 2 of Form CP29 is signed by the party to the civil partnership giving consent.

(2)A simplified dissolution of civil partnership application in which the facts set out in section 117(3)(d) of the Act of 2004 (no cohabitation for [F551two] years) are relied on shall be made in Form CP30 and shall only be of effect if it is signed by the applicant.

(3)A simplified dissolution of civil partnership application in which the facts set out in section 117(2)(b) of the Act of 2004 (issue of interim gender recognition certificate) are relied on shall be made in Form CP31 and shall only be of effect if it is signed by the applicant.

Textual Amendments

F550Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.67(1) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(56)(a)}

F551Word in Sch. 1 rule 33A.67(2) substituted (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), {rule 2(56)(b)}

Lodging of applicationsS

33A.68.The applicant shall send a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application to the sheriff clerk with–

(a)an extract or certified copy of the civil partnership certificate;

(b)the appropriate fee; and

(c)in an application under section 117(2)(b) of the Act of 2004, the interim gender recognition certificate or a certified copy, within the meaning of rule 33A.9(4).

Citation and intimationS

33A.69.(1)This rule is subject to rule 33A.70 (citation where address not known).

(2)It shall be the duty of the sheriff clerk to cite any person or intimate any document in connection with a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application.

(3)The form of citation–

(a)in an application relying on the facts in section 117(3)(c) of the Act of 2004 shall be in Form CP32;

(b)in an application relying on the facts in section 117(3)(d) of the Act of 2004 shall be in Form CP33; and

(c)in an application relying on the facts in section 117(2)(b) of the Act of 2004 shall be in Form CP34.

(4)The citation or intimation required by paragraph (2) shall be made–

(a)by the sheriff clerk by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service in accordance with rule 5.3 (postal service or intimation);

(b)on payment of an additional fee, by a sheriff officer in accordance with rule 5.4(1) [F552to (4)] (service within Scotland by sheriff officer); or

(c)where necessary, by the sheriff clerk in accordance with rule 5.5 (service on persons furth of Scotland).

(5)Where citation or intimation is made in accordance with paragraph (4)(c), the translation into an official language of the country in which service is to be executed required by rule 5.5(6) shall be provided by the party lodging the simplified dissolution of civil partnership application.

Textual Amendments

Citation where address not knownS

33A.70.(1)In a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application in which the facts in section 117(3)(d) (no cohabitation for [F553two] years) or section 117(2)(b) (issue of interim gender recognition certificate) of the Act of 2004 are relied on and the address of the other party to the civil partnership is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained–

(a)citation shall be executed by displaying a copy of the application and a notice in Form CP35 on the walls of court on a period of notice of 21 days; and

(b)intimation shall be made to–

(i)every person who was a child of the family (within the meaning [F554of section 12(4)(b) of the Act of 1995]) who has reached the age of 16 years, and

(ii)one of the next of kin of the other party to the civil partnership who has reached that age, unless the address of such person is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained.

(2)Intimation to a person referred to in paragraph (1)(b) shall be given by intimating a copy of the application and a notice of intimation in Form CP36.

Textual Amendments

Opposition to applicationsS

33A.71.(1)Any person on whom service or intimation of a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application has been made may give notice by letter sent to the sheriff clerk that he challenges the jurisdiction of the court or opposes the grant of decree of dissolution of civil partnership and giving the reasons for his opposition to the application.

(2)Where opposition to a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application is made under paragraph (1), the sheriff shall dismiss the application unless he is satisfied that the reasons given for the opposition are frivolous.

(3)The sheriff clerk shall intimate the decision under paragraph (2) to the applicant and the respondent.

(4)The sending of a letter under paragraph (1) shall not imply acceptance of the jurisdiction of the court.

EvidenceS

33A.72.Parole evidence shall not be given in a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application.

DecreeS

33A.73.(1)The sheriff may grant decree in terms of the simplified dissolution of civil partnership application on the expiry of the period of notice if such application has been properly served provided that, when the application has been served in a country to which the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters dated 15 November 1965 F555 applies, decree shall not be granted until it is established to the satisfaction of the sheriff that the requirements of article 15 of that Convention have been complied with.

(2)The sheriff clerk shall, not sooner than 14 days after the granting of decree in terms of paragraph (1), issue to each party to the civil partnership an extract of the decree of dissolution of civil partnership in Form CP37.

Textual Amendments

F555Cmnd. 3986 (1969).

AppealsS

33A.74. [F556(1)] Any appeal against an interlocutor granting decree of dissolution of civil partnership under rule 33A.73 (decree) may be made, within 14 days after the date of decree, by sending a letter to the court giving reasons for the appeal.

[F557(2)Within 4 days after receiving an appeal, the sheriff clerk must transmit to the Clerk of the Sheriff Appeal Court—

(a)the appeal;

(b)all documents and productions in the simplified dissolution of civil partnership application.

(3)On receipt of the appeal, the Clerk of the Sheriff Appeal Court is to fix a hearing and intimate the date, time and place of that hearing to the parties.]

Textual Amendments

Applications after decreeS

33A.75.Any application to the court after decree of dissolution of civil partnership has been granted in a simplified dissolution of civil partnership application which could have been made if it had been made in an action of dissolution of civil partnership shall be made by minute.

F558PART XIISREFERRALS TO PRINCIPAL REPORTER

Textual Amendments

F55833A.76.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F55833A.77.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F55833A.78.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART XIIISSISTING OF CIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACTIONS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

33A.79.(1)This Part applies to any action for–

  • dissolution of civil partnership;

  • separation of civil partners.

(2)In this Part–

  • “another jurisdiction” means any country outside Scotland.

  • “related jurisdiction” means any of the following countries, namely, England and Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man (the reference to Guernsey being treated as including Alderney and Sark).

(3)For the purposes of this Part–

(a)neither the taking of evidence on commission nor a separate proof relating to any preliminary plea shall be regarded as part of the proof in the action; and

(b)an action is continuing if it is pending and not sisted.

(4)Any reference in this Part to proceedings in another jurisdiction is to proceedings in a court or before an administrative authority of that jurisdiction.

Duty to furnish particulars of concurrent proceedingsS

33A.80.While any action to which this Part applies is pending in a sheriff court and proof in that action has not begun, it shall be the duty of the pursuer, and of any other person who has entered appearance in the action, to furnish, in such manner and to such persons and on such occasions as may be prescribed, such particulars as may be so prescribed of any proceedings which–

(a)he knows to be continuing in another jurisdiction; and

(b)are in respect of that civil partnership or capable of affecting its validity.

Mandatory sistsS

33A.81.Where before the beginning of the proof in any action for dissolution of civil partnership it appears to the sheriff on the application of a party to the civil partnership–

(a)that in respect of the same civil partnership proceedings for dissolution or nullity of civil partnership are continuing in a related jurisdiction; and

(b)that the parties to the civil partnership have resided together after the civil partnership was formed or treated as having been formed within the meaning of section 1(1) of the Act of 2004; and

(c)that the place where they resided together when the action was begun or, if they did not then reside together, where they last resided together before the date on which that action was begun is in that jurisdiction; and

(d)that either of the said parties was habitually resident in that jurisdiction throughout the year ending with the date on which they last resided together before the date on which that action was begun;

it shall be the duty of the sheriff, subject to rule 33A.83(2) below, to sist the action before him.

Discretionary sistsS

33A.82.(1)Where before the beginning of the proof in any action to which this Part applies, it appears to the sheriff–

(a)that any other proceedings in respect of the civil partnership in question or capable of affecting its validity are continuing in another jurisdiction, and

(b)that the balance of fairness (including convenience) as between the parties to the civil partnership is such that it is appropriate for those other proceedings to be disposed of before further steps are taken in the action,

the sheriff may then if he thinks fit sist that action.

(2)In considering the balance of fairness and convenience for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), the sheriff shall have regard to all factors appearing to be relevant, including the convenience of witnesses and any delay or expense which may result from the proceedings being sisted, or not being sisted.

(3)Paragraph (1) is without prejudice to the duty imposed by rule 33A.81 above.

(4)If, at any time after the beginning of the proof in any action to which this Part applies, the sheriff is satisfied that a person has failed to perform the duty imposed on him in respect of the action and any such other proceedings as aforesaid by rule 33A.80, paragraph (1) shall have effect in relation to that action and to the other proceedings as if the words “before the beginning of the proof” were omitted; but no action in respect of the failure of a person to perform such a duty shall be competent.

Recall of sistsS

33A.83.(1)Where an action is sisted in pursuance of rule 33A.81 or 33A.82, the sheriff may if he thinks fit, on the application of a party to the action, recall the sist if it appears to him that the other proceedings by reference to which the action was sisted are sisted or concluded or that a party to those other proceedings has delayed unreasonably in prosecuting those other proceedings.

(2)Where an action has been sisted in pursuance of rule 33A.82 by reference to some other proceedings, and the sheriff recalls the sist in pursuance of the preceding paragraph, the sheriff shall not again sist the action in pursuance of the said rule 33A.82.

Orders in sisted actionsS

33A.84.(1)The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply where an action to which this Part applies is sisted by reference to proceedings in a related jurisdiction for any of those remedies; and in this rule–

  • “the other proceedings”, in relation to any sisted action, means the proceedings in another jurisdiction by reference to which the action was sisted;

  • “relevant order” means an interim order relating to aliment or children; and

  • “sisted” means sisted in pursuance of this Part.

(2)Where an action such as is mentioned in paragraph (1) is sisted, then, without prejudice to the effect of the sist apart from this paragraph—

(a)the sheriff shall not have power to make a relevant order in connection with the sisted action except in pursuance of sub paragraph (c); and

(b)subject to the said sub paragraph (c), any relevant order made in connection with the sisted action shall (unless the sist or the relevant order has been previously recalled) cease to have effect on the expiration of the period of three months beginning with the date on which the sist comes into operation; but

(c)if the sheriff considers that as a matter of necessity and urgency it is necessary during or after that period to make a relevant order in connection with the sisted action or to extend or further extend the duration of a relevant order made in connection with the sisted action, the sheriff may do so, and the order shall not cease to have effect by virtue of sub paragraph (b).

(3)Where any action such as is mentioned in paragraph (1) is sisted and at the time when the sist comes into operation, an order is in force, or at a subsequent time an order comes into force, being an order made in connection with the other proceedings and providing for any of the following matters, namely periodical payments for a party to the civil partnership in question, periodical payments for a child, the arrangements to be made as to with whom a child is to live, contact with a child, and any other matter relating to parental responsibilities or parental rights, then, as from the time when the sist comes into operation (in a case where the order is in force at that time) or (in any other case) on the coming into force of the order–

(a)any relevant order made in connection with the sisted action shall cease to have effect in so far as it makes for a civil partner or child any provision for any of the said matters as respects which the same or different provision for that civil partner or child is made by the other order; and

(b)the sheriff shall not have power in connection with the sisted action to make a relevant order containing for a civil partner or child provision for any of the matters aforesaid as respects which any provision for that civil partner or child is made by the other order.

(4)Nothing in this paragraph affects any power of a sheriff–

(a)to vary or recall a relevant order in so far as the order is for the time being in force; or

(b)to enforce a relevant order as respects any period when it is or was in force; or

(c)to make a relevant order in connection with an action which was, but is no longer, sisted.

[F559CHAPTER 33AASEXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION OF CERTAIN CAUSES

Textual Amendments

Application of ChapterS

33AA.1.This Chapter applies where a cause is proceeding to proof or proof before answer in respect of a crave for an order under section 11 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (court orders relating to parental responsibilities etc.).

Fixing date for Case Management HearingS

33AA.2.(1)The sheriff shall fix a date for a case management hearing—

(a)at the Options Hearing in accordance with rule 9.12(3)(f);

(b)at the Procedural Hearing in accordance with rule 10.6(3)(f);

(c)on the motion of any party; or

(d)on the sheriff’s own motion.

(2)Except on cause shown, the date and time to be fixed under paragraph (1) shall be not less than 14 days and not more than 28 days after the interlocutor appointing the cause to a proof or proof before answer.

Pre-hearing conferenceS

33AA.3.(1)In advance of the case management hearing the parties shall hold a pre-hearing conference, at which parties must—

(a)discuss settlement of the action;

(b)agree, so far as is possible, the matters which are not in dispute between them;

(c)discuss the information referred to in rule 33AA.4(1).

(2)Prior to the case management hearing the pursuer shall lodge with the court a joint minute of the pre-hearing conference or explain to the sheriff why such a minute has not been lodged.

(3)If a party is not present during the pre-hearing conference, that party’s representative must be able to contact the party during the conference, and be in full possession of all relevant facts.

Case Management HearingS

33AA.4.(1)At the case management hearing the parties must provide the sheriff with sufficient information to enable the sheriff to ascertain—

(a)the nature of the issues in dispute, including any questions of admissibility of evidence or any other legal issues;

(b)the state of the pleadings and whether amendment will be required;

(c)the state of preparation of the parties;

(d)the scope for agreement of facts, questions of law and matters of evidence;

(e)the scope for use of affidavits and other documents in place of oral evidence;

(f)the scope for joint instruction of a single expert;

(g)the number and availability of witnesses;

(h)the nature of productions;

(i)whether sanction is sought for the employment of counsel;

(j)the reasonable estimate of time needed by each party for examination-in-chief, cross-examination and submissions.

(2)Subject to paragraph (4), at the case management hearing the sheriff will fix—

(a)a diet for proof or a proof before answer;

(b)a pre-proof hearing in accordance with Chapter 28A.

(3)The diet fixed under paragraph (2)(a)—

(a)shall be assigned for the appropriate number of days for resolution of the issues with reference to the information provided under paragraph (1) and subject to paragraph (4);

(b)may only be extended or varied on exceptional cause shown and subject to such orders (including awards of expenses) as the sheriff considers appropriate.

(4)The sheriff may make such orders as thought fit to ensure compliance with this rule and the expeditious resolution of the issues in dispute, including—

(a)restricting the issues for proof;

(b)excluding specified documents, reports and/or witnesses from proof;

(c)fixing other hearings and awarding expenses.

(5)A case management hearing may, on cause shown, be continued to a further case management hearing.

(6)For the purposes of rules 16.2 (decrees where party in default), 33.37 (decree by default in family action) and 33A.37 (decree by default in civil partnership action), a case management hearing shall be a diet in accordance with those rules.]

F560CHAPTER 33BSFINANCIAL PROVISION FOR FORMER COHABITANTS

Textual Amendments

Interpretation of this ChapterS

F56033B.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F56033B.2.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F561CHAPTER 33CSREFERRALS TO PRINCIPAL REPORTER

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretation of this PartS

33C.1.(1)In this Chapter—

  • “2011 Act” means the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011;

  • “relevant proceedings” means those proceedings referred to in section 62(5)(a) to (j) and (m) of the 2011 Act, ;

  • “section 62 statement” has the meaning given in section 62(4) of the 2011 Act;

  • “Principal Reporter” is the person referred to in section 14 of the 2011 Act or any person carrying out the functions of the Principal Reporter by virtue of paragraph 10(1) of schedule 3 to that Act.

(2)This Chapter applies where a sheriff, in relevant proceedings, makes a referral to the Principal Reporter under section 62(2) of the 2011 Act (“a referral”).

Intimation to Principal ReporterS

33C.2.— Where a referral is made, there shall be attached to the interlocutor a section 62 statement, which shall be intimated forthwith by the sheriff clerk to the Principal Reporter.

Intimation of decision by Principal ReporterS

33C.3.(1)Where a referral is made and the Principal Reporter considers that it is necessary for a compulsory supervision order to be made in respect of the child and arranges a children’s hearing under section 69(2) of the 2011 Act, the Principal Reporter shall intimate to the court which issued the section 62 statement the matters referred to in paragraph (2).

(2)The matters referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a)the decision to arrange such a hearing;

(b)where no appeal is made against the decision of that children’s hearing prior to the period for appeal expiring, the outcome of the children’s hearing; and

(c)where such an appeal has been made, that an appeal has been made and, once determined, the outcome of that appeal.

(3)Where a referral has been made and the Principal Reporter determines that—

(a)none of the section 67 grounds apply in relation to the child; or

(b)it is not necessary for a compulsory supervision order to be made in respect of the child

the Principal Reporter shall intimate that decision to the court which issued the section 62 statement.]

CHAPTER 34SACTIONS RELATING TO HERITABLE PROPERTY

F562PART IS

Textual Amendments

PART IIS REMOVING
Actions of removing where fixed term of removalS

34.5.(1)Subject to section 21 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 M74(notice to quit and notice of intention to quit)—

(a)where the tenant has bound himself to remove by writing, dated and signed—

(i)within 12 months after the term of removal, or

(ii)where there is more than one ish, after the ish first in date to remove an action of removing may be raised at any time; and

(b)where the tenant has not bound himself, an action of removing may be raised at any time, but—

(i)in the case of a lease of lands exceeding two acres in extent for three years and upwards, an interval of not less than one year nor more than two years shall elapse between the date of notice of removal and the term of removal first in date;

(ii)in the case of a lease of lands exceeding two acres in extent, whether written or verbal, held from year to year or under tacit relocation, or for any other period less than three years, an interval of not less than six months shall elapse between the date of notice of removal and the term of removal first in date; and

(iii)in the case of a house let with or without land attached not exceeding two acres in extent, as also of land not exceeding two acres in extent without houses, as also of mills, fishings, shootings, and all other heritable subjects excepting land exceeding two acres in extent, and let for a year or more, 40 days at least shall elapse between the date of notice of removal and the term of removal first in date.

(2)In any defended action of removing the sheriff may order the defender to find caution for violent profits.

(3)In an action for declarator of irritancy and removing by a superior against a vassal, the pursuer shall call as parties the last entered vassal and such heritable creditors and holders of postponed ground burdens as are disclosed by a search for 20 years before the raising of the action, and the expense of the search shall form part of the pursuer’s expenses of process.

Marginal Citations

Form of notice of removalS

34.6.(1)A notice under the following sections of [F563the M75Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907] shall be in Form H2:—

(a)section 34 (notice in writing to remove where lands exceeding two acres held on probative lease),

(b)section 35 (letter of removal where tenant in possession of lands exceeding two acres), and

(c)section 36 (notice of removal where lands exceeding two acres occupied by tenant without written lease).

(2)A letter of removal shall be in Form H3.

Textual Amendments

F563Words in rule 34.6(1) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(59)

Marginal Citations

Form of notice under section 37 of [F564the Act of 1907]S

34.7.A notice under section 37 of [F565the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907] (notice of termination of tenancy) shall be in Form H4.

Textual Amendments

F564Words in rule 34.7 heading substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(60)(a)

F565Words in rule 34.7 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(60)(b)

Giving notice of removalS

34.8.(1)A notice under section 34, 35, 36, 37 or 38 of [F566the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907] (which relate to notices of removal) may be given by—

(a)a sheriff officer,

(b)the person entitled to give such notice, or

(c)the solicitor or factor of such person,

posting the notice by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service at any post office within the United Kingdom in time for it to be delivered at the address on the notice before the last date on which by law such notice must be given, addressed to the person entitled to receive such notice, and bearing the address of that person at the time, if known, or, if not known, to the last known address of that person.

(2)A sheriff officer may also give notice under a section of [F566the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907] mentioned in paragraph (1) in any manner in which he may serve an initial writ; and, accordingly, rule 5.4 (service within Scotland by sheriff officer) shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to the giving of notice under this paragraph as it applies to service of an initial writ.

Textual Amendments

F566Words in rule 34.8 substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(61)

Evidence of notice to removeS

34.9.(1)A certificate of the sending of notice under rule 34.8 dated and endorsed on the lease or an extract of it, or on the letter of removal, signed by the sheriff officer or the person sending the notice, his solicitor or factor, or an acknowledgement of the notice endorsed on the lease or an extract of it, or on the letter of removal, by the party in possession or his agent, shall be sufficient evidence that notice has been given.

(2)Where there is no lease, a certificate of the sending of such notice shall be endorsed on a copy of the notice or letter of removal.

Disposal of applications under Part II of the Conveyancing and Feudal Reform (Scotland) Act 1970 for non-residential purposesS

[F56734.10.(1)This rule applies to an application or counter-application made by virtue of paragraph 3(2)(a) of the Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Enforcement of Securities over Heritable Property) 2010.

(2)An interlocutor of the sheriff disposing of an application or counter-application is final and not subject to appeal except as to a question of title or as to any other remedy granted.]

Textual Amendments

Service on unnamed occupiersS

[F56834.11.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), this rule applies only to a crave for removing in an action of removing against a person or persons in possession of heritable property without right or title to possess the property.

(2)This rule shall not apply with respect to a person who has or had a title or other right to occupy the heritable property and who has been in continuous occupation since that title or right is alleged to have come to an end.

(3)Where this rule applies, the pursuer may apply by motion to shorten or dispense with the period of notice or other period of time in these Rules relating to the conduct of the action or the extracting of any decree.

(4)Where the name of a person in occupation of the heritable property is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained, the pursuer shall call that person as a defender by naming him as an “occupier”.

(5)Where the name of a person in occupation of the heritable property is not known and cannot reasonably be ascertained, the initial writ shall be served (whether or not it is also served on a named person), unless the court otherwise directs, by a sheriff officer–

(a)affixing a copy of the initial writ and a citation in Form H5 addressed to “the occupiers” to the main door or other conspicuous part of the premises, and if practicable, depositing a copy of each of those documents in the premises; or

(b)in the case of land only, inserting stakes in the ground at conspicuous parts of the occupied land to each of which is attached a sealed transparent envelope containing a copy of the initial writ and a citation in Form H5 addressed to “the occupiers”.]

Textual Amendments

Applications under the Mortgage Rights (Scotland) Act 2001S

F56934.12.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

[F570PART IIISEXECUTION OF DEEDS

Textual Amendments

Form of application under section 87 of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014S

34.12.An application for an order for execution under section 87 (power of sheriff to order sheriff clerk to execute deed relating to heritage) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 may be made—

(a)by a crave in the initial writ;

(b)where no such crave has been made, by lodging a minute of amendment to the initial writ; or

(c)where final decree has been pronounced, by lodging a minute in the process of the action to which the application relates.]

CHAPTER 35SACTIONS OF MULTIPLEPOINDING

Application of this ChapterS

35.1.This Chapter applies to an action of multiplepoinding.

Application of Chapters 9 and 10S

35.2.Chapter 10 (additional procedure) and the following rules in Chapter 9 (standard procedure in defended causes) shall not apply to an action of multiplepoinding:—

  • rule9.1 (notice of intention to defend),

  • rule9.2 (fixing date for Options Hearing),

  • rule9.4 (lodging of pleadings before Options Hearing),

  • rule9.8 (adjustment of pleadings),

  • rule9.9 (effect of sist on adjustment),

  • rule9.10 (open record),

  • rule9.11 (record for Option Hearing),

  • rule9.12 (Option Hearing),

  • rule9.15 (applications for time to pay directions).

PartiesS

35.3.(1)An action of multiplepoinding may be brought by any person holding, or having an interest in, or claim on, the fund in medio in his own name.

(2)The pursuer shall call as defenders to such an action—

(a)all persons so far as known to him as having an interest in the fund in medio; and

(b)where he is not the holder of the fund, the holder of that fund.

Condescendence of fund in medioS

35.4.(1)Where the pursuer is the holder of the fund in medio, he shall include a detailed statement of the fund in the condescendence in the initial writ.

(2)Where the pursuer is not the holder of the fund in medio, the holder shall, before the expiry of the period of notice—

(a)lodge in process—

(i)a condescendence of the fund in medio, stating any claim or lien which he may profess to have on that fund;

(ii)a list of all persons known to him as having an interest in the fund; and

(b)intimate a copy of the condescendence and list to any other party.

Warrant of citation in multiplepoindingsS

35.5.The warrant of citation of the initial writ in an action of multiplepoinding shall be in Form M1.

CitationS

35.6.(1)Subject to rule 5.6 (service where address of person is not known), citation of any person in an action of multiplepoinding shall be in Form M2 which shall be attached to a copy of the initial writ and warrant of citation and shall have appended to it a notice of appearance in Form M4.

(2)The certificate of citation shall be in Form M3 and shall be attached to the initial writ.

AdvertisementS

35.7.The sheriff may make an order for advertisement of the action in such newspapers as he thinks fit.

Lodging of notice of appearanceS

35.8.Where a party intends to lodge—

(a)defences to challenge the jurisdiction of the court or the competency of the action,

(b)objections to the condescendence of the fund in medio, or

(c)a claim on the fund,

he shall, before the expiry of the period of notice, lodge a notice of appearance in Form M4.

Fixing date of first hearingS

35.9.Where a notice of appearance, or a condescendence on the fund in medio and a list under rule 35.4(2)(a) has been lodged, the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)fix a date and time for the first hearing, which date shall be the first suitable court day occurring not sooner than four weeks after the expiry of the period of notice;

(b)on fixing the date for the first hearing forthwith intimate that date in Form M5 to each party; and

(c)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording the date of the first hearing.

HearingsS

35.10.(1)The sheriff shall conduct the first, and any subsequent hearing, with a view to securing the expeditious progress of the cause by ascertaining from the parties the matters in dispute.

[F571(2)The parties shall provide the sheriff with sufficient information to enable him to–

(a)conduct the hearing as provided for in this Chapter,

(b)consider any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application that has been lodged where no order has been made, or

(c)ascertain whether there is or is likely to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 who is to give evidence at any proof or hearing and whether any order under section 12(1) of the Act of 2004 requires to be made.]

(3)At the first, or any subsequent hearing, the sheriff shall fix a period within which defences, objections or claims shall be lodged, and appoint a date for a second hearing.

(4)Where the list lodged under rule 35.4(2)(a) contains any person who is not a party to the action, the sheriff shall order—

(a)the initial writ to be amended to add that person as a defender;

(b)service of the pleadings so amended to be made on that person, with a citation in Form M6; and

(c)intimation to that person of any condescendence of the fund in medio lodged by a holder of the fund who is not the pursuer.

(5)Where a person to whom service has been made under paragraph (4) lodges a notice of appearance under rule 35.8, the sheriff clerk shall intimate to him in Form M5 the date of the next hearing fixed in the action.

Textual Amendments

F571Sch. 1 rule 35.10(2) substituted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), {art. 2(11)}

Lodging defences, objections and claimsS

35.11.(1)Defences, objections and claims by a party shall be lodged with the sheriff clerk in a single document under separate headings.

(2)Each claimant shall lodge with his claim any documents founded on in his claim, so far as they are within his custody or power.

Disposal of defencesS

35.12.(1)Where defences have been lodged, the sheriff may order the initial writ and defences to be adjusted and thereafter close the record and regulate further procedure.

(2)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, defences shall be disposed of before any further procedure in the action.

Objections to fund in medioS

35.13.(1)Where objections to the fund in medio have been lodged, the sheriff may, after disposal of any defences, order the condescendence of the fund and objections to be adjusted; and thereafter close the record and regulate further procedure.

(2)If no objections to the fund in medio have been lodged, or if objections have been lodged and disposed of, the sheriff may, on the motion of the holder of the fund, and without ordering intimation to any party approve the condescendence of the fund and find the holder liable only in one single payment.

Preliminary pleas in multiplepoindingsS

35.14.(1)A party intending to insist on a preliminary plea shall, not later than 3 days before any hearing to determine further procedure following the lodging of defences, objections or claims, lodge with the sheriff clerk a note of the basis of the plea.

(2)Where a party fails to comply with the provisions of paragraph (1), he shall be deemed to be no longer insisting on the plea and the plea shall be repelled by the sheriff at the hearing referred to in paragraph (1).

(3)If satisfied that there is a preliminary matter of law which justifies a debate, the sheriff shall, after having heard parties and considered the note lodged under this rule, appoint the action to debate.

Consignation of the fund and discharge of holderS

35.15.(1)At any time after the condescendence of the fund in medio has been approved, the sheriff may order the whole or any part of the fund to be sold and the proceeds of the sale consigned into court.

(2)After such consignation the holder of the fund in medio may apply for his exoneration and discharge.

(3)The sheriff may allow the holder of the fund in medio, on his exoneration and discharge, his expenses out of the fund as a first charge on the fund.

Further service or advertisementS

35.16.The sheriff may at any time, of his own motion or on the motion of any party, order further service on any person or advertisement.

Ranking of claimsS

35.17.(1)After disposal of any defences, and approval of the condescendence of the fund in medio, the sheriff may, where there is no competition on the fund, rank and prefer the claimants and grant decree in terms of that ranking.

(2)Where there is competition on the fund, the sheriff may order claims to be adjusted and thereafter close the record and regulate further procedure.

Remit to reporterS

35.18.(1)Where several claims have been lodged, the sheriff may remit to a reporter to prepare a scheme of division and report.

(2)The expenses of such remit, when approved by the sheriff, shall be made a charge on the fund, to be deducted before division.

CHAPTER 36SACTIONS OF DAMAGES

[F572PART AISSPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR ACTIONS FOR, OR ARISING FROM, PERSONAL INJURIES

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretationS
Application and interpretation of this PartS

36.A1.(1)This Part applies to a personal injuries action.

(2)In this Part—

  • “personal injuries action” means an action of damages for, or arising from, personal injuries or death of a person from personal injuries; and

  • “personal injuries procedure” means the procedure established by rules 36.G1 to 36.L1.

(3)In the definition of “personal injuries action”, “personal injuries” includes any disease or impairment, whether physical or mental.

Raising a personal injuries actionS
Form of initial writS

36.B1.(1)Subject to rule 36.C1, the initial writ in a personal injuries action shall be in Form PI1 and there shall be annexed to it a brief statement containing—

(a)averments in numbered paragraphs relating only to those facts necessary to establish the claim;

(b)the names of every medical practitioner from whom, and every hospital or other institution in which, the pursuer or, in an action in respect of the death of a person, the deceased received treatment for the personal injuries.

(2)An initial writ may include—

(a)warrants for intimation so far as permitted under these Rules, and

(b)a specification of documents in Form PI2.

Actions based on clinical negligenceS

[F57336.C1.(1)This rule applies to a personal injuries action based on alleged clinical negligence.

(2)Where a pursuer intends to make an application under paragraph (3) to have the cause appointed to the procedure in Chapter 36A (case management of certain personal injuries actions), the pursuer must—

(a)present the initial writ for warranting in Form G1 (form of initial writ); and

(b)include in the initial writ a draft interlocutor in Form PI4 (form of interlocutor appointing the cause to the procedure in Chapter 36A).

(3)At the same time as an initial writ which includes a draft interlocutor in Form PI4 is presented for warranting, the pursuer must lodge a written application in the form of a letter addressed to the sheriff clerk to have the cause appointed to the procedure in Chapter 36A.

(4)On the making of an application under paragraph (3), the initial writ will be placed before a sheriff in chambers and in the absence of the parties.

(5)On consideration of the initial writ in accordance with paragraph (4), the sheriff may—

(a)after considering the likely complexity of the action and being satisfied that the efficient determination of the action would be served by doing so, appoint the cause to the procedure in Chapter 36A by signing the draft interlocutor in the initial writ; or

(b)fix a hearing.

(6)The sheriff clerk must notify the parties of the date and time of any hearing under paragraph (5)(b).

(7)At a hearing under paragraph (5)(b), the sheriff may—

(a)refuse the application; or

(b)after considering the likely complexity of the action and being satisfied that the efficient determination of the action would be served by doing so, appoint the cause to the procedure in Chapter 36A by signing the draft interlocutor in the initial writ.

(8)Where the sheriff appoints the cause to the procedure in Chapter 36A under paragraph (5)(a) or (7)(b)—

(a)the sheriff or, as the case may be, the sheriff clerk must sign a warrant in accordance with rule 5.1 (signature of warrants);

(b)the cause will proceed in accordance with Chapter 36A rather than in accordance with personal injuries procedure.

(9)In this rule—

  • “clinical negligence” means a breach of duty of care by a health care professional in connection with that person’s diagnosis or the care and treatment of any person, by act or omission, while the health care professional was acting in a professional capacity;

  • “health care professional” includes—

    (a)

    a registered medical practitioner;

    (b)

    a registered nurse; or

    (c)

    any other member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) (the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002.]

Textual Amendments

Inspection and recovery of documentsS

36.D1.(1)This rule applies where the initial writ in a personal injuries action contains a specification of documents by virtue of rule 36.B1(2)(b).

(2)On the granting of a warrant for citation, an order granting commission and diligence for the production and recovery of the documents mentioned in the specification shall be deemed to have been granted and the sheriff clerk shall certify Form PI2 to that effect by attaching thereto a docquet in Form PI3.

(3)An order which is deemed to have been made under paragraph (2) shall be treated for all purposes as an interlocutor granting commission and diligence signed by the sheriff.

(4)The pursuer may serve an order under paragraph (2) and the provisions of Chapter 28 (recovery of evidence) shall thereafter apply, subject to any necessary modifications, as if the order were an order obtained on an application under rule 28.2 (applications for commission and diligence for recovery of documents etc.).

(5)Nothing in this rule shall affect the right of a party to apply under rule 28.2 for a commission and diligence for recovery of documents or for an order under section 1 of the Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972 in respect of any document or other property whether or not mentioned in the specification annexed to the initial writ.

Personal injuries action: application of other rules and withdrawal from personal injuries procedureS
Application of other rulesS

[F57436.E1.(1)A defended personal injuries action will, instead of proceeding in accordance with Chapter 9 (standard procedure in defended causes), proceed in accordance with personal injuries procedure.

(2)But paragraph (1) does not apply to a personal injuries action following its appointment to the procedure in Chapter 36A under rule 36.C1, 36.F1 or 36A.1.

(3)Paragraphs (4) to (17) apply to a personal injuries action proceeding in accordance with personal injuries procedure but cease to apply when an action is appointed to the procedure in Chapter 36A.

(4)Despite paragraph (1), the following rules of Chapter 9 apply—

(a)rule 9.1 (notice of intention to defend);

(b)rule 9.3 (return of initial writ);

(c)rule 9.5 (process folder);

(d)rule 9.6 (defences); and

(e)rule 9.7 (implied admissions).

(5)But the defences will not include a note of pleas-in-law.

(6)In the application of rule 18.3(1) (applications to amend), a minute of amendment lodged in process must include, where appropriate, confirmation as to whether any warrants are sought under rule 36.B1(2)(a) (warrants for intimation) or whether a specification of documents is sought under rule 36.B1(2)(b) (specification of documents).

(7)In the application of rule 18.5(1)(a) (service of amended pleadings), the sheriff must order any timetable issued in terms of rule 36.G1 to be served together with a copy of the initial writ or record.

(8)Rule 18.5(3) (fixing of hearing following service of amended pleadings and lodging of notice of intention to defend) does not apply.

(9)In the application of rule 19.1 (counterclaims) a counterclaim may also include—

(a)warrants for intimation so far as permitted under these Rules; and

(b)a specification of documents in Form PI2.

(10)In rule 19.4 (disposal of counterclaims), paragraph (b) does not apply.

(11)In the application of rule 20.4(3) (service on third party), any timetable already issued in terms of rule 36.G1 must also be served with a third party notice.

(12)In the application of rule 20.6 (procedure following answers)—

(a)paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply; and

(b)where a third party lodges answers, any timetable already issued under rule 36.G1 applies to the third party.

(13)Chapters 22 (preliminary pleas) and 28A (pre-proof hearing) do not apply.

(14)Rule 29.11 does not apply.

(15)References elsewhere in these Rules to the condescendence of an initial writ or to the articles of the condescendence are to be construed as references to the statement required under rule 36.B1(1) and the numbered paragraphs of that statement.

(16)References elsewhere in these Rules to pleas-in-law, an open record, a closed record or a record for an Options Hearing are to be ignored.

(17)References elsewhere in these Rules to any action carried out before or after the closing of the record are to be construed as references to that action being carried out before, or as the case may be, after, the date fixed for completion of adjustment under rule 36.G1(1A)(c).]

Textual Amendments

Disapplication of personal injuries procedureS

36.F1.(1)Any party to a personal injuries action proceeding in accordance with personal injuries procedure may, within 28 days of the lodging of defences (or, where there is more than one defender the first lodging of defences), by motion apply to have the action withdrawn from personal injuries procedure and [F575appointed to the procedure in Chapter 36A].

(2)No motion under paragraph (1) shall be granted unless the sheriff is satisfied that there are exceptional reasons for not following personal injuries procedure.

(3)In determining whether there are exceptional reasons justifying the granting of a motion made under paragraph (1), the sheriff shall have regard to—

(a)the likely need for detailed pleadings;

(b)the length of time required for preparation of the action; and

(c)any other relevant circumstances.

[F576(4)Where the sheriff appoints the cause to the procedure in Chapter 36A under paragraph (1)—

(a)the pursuer must within 14 days lodge a revised initial writ in Form G1 (form of initial writ);

(b)the defender must adjust the defences so as to comply with rule 9.6(2) (defences); and

(c)the cause will proceed in accordance with Chapter 36A, rather than in accordance with personal injuries procedure.]

Textual Amendments

Personal injuries procedureS
Allocation of diets and timetablesS

36.G1.[F577(1)The sheriff clerk shall, on the lodging of defences in the action or, where there is more than one defender, the first lodging of defences—

(a)allocate a diet of proof of the action, which shall be no earlier than 4 months (unless the sheriff on cause shown directs an earlier diet to be fixed) and no later than 9 months from the date of the first lodging of defences; and

(b)issue a timetable stating—

(i)the date of the diet mentioned in subparagraph (a); and

(ii)the dates no later than which the procedural steps mentioned in paragraph (1A) are to take place.

(1A)Those procedural steps are—

(a)application for a third party notice under rule 20.1;

(b)the pursuer [F578serving] a commission for recovery of documents under rule 36.D1;

(c)the parties adjusting their pleadings;

(d)the pursuer lodging a statement of valuation of claim in process;

(e)the pursuer lodging a record;

(f)the defender (and any third party to the action) lodging a statement of valuation of claim in process;

(g)the parties each lodging in process a list of witnesses together with any productions upon which they wish to rely; and

(h)the pursuer lodging in process the minute of the [F579pre-trial meeting].

(1B)The dates mentioned in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) are to be calculated by reference to periods specified in Appendix 3, which, with the exception of the period specified in rule 36.K1(2), the sheriff principal may vary for his sheriffdom or for any court within his sheriffdom.]

(2)A timetable issued under paragraph (1)(b) shall be in Form PI5 and shall be treated for all purposes as an interlocutor signed by the sheriff; and so far as the timetable is inconsistent with any provision in these Rules which relates to a matter to which the timetable relates, the timetable shall prevail.

(3)Where a party fails to comply with any requirement of a timetable other than that referred to in F580... rule 36.K1(3), the sheriff clerk may fix a date and time for the parties to be heard by the sheriff.

(4)The pursuer shall lodge a certified copy of the record, which shall consist of the pleadings of the parties, in process by the date specified in the timetable and shall at the same time send one copy to the defender and any other parties.

(5)The pursuer shall, on lodging the certified copy of the record as required by paragraph (4), apply by motion to the sheriff, craving the court—

(a)to allow to parties a preliminary proof on specified matters;

(b)to allow a proof; or

[F581(ba)to allow a jury trial;]

(c)to make some other specified order.

[F582(6)The motion lodged under paragraph (5) must specify the anticipated length of the preliminary proof, proof, or jury trial, as the case may be.]

(7)In the event that any party proposes to crave the court to make any order other than an order allowing a proof under paragraph (5)(b) [F583or a jury trial under paragraph (5)(ba)], that party shall, on making or opposing (as the case may be) the pursuer’s motion, specify the order to be sought and give full notice in the motion or the notice of opposition thereto of the grounds thereof.

F584(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F585(8A)A party who seeks to rely on the evidence of a person not on his or her list lodged in accordance with paragraph (1A)(g) must, if any other party objects to such evidence being admitted, seek leave of the sheriff to admit that evidence whether it is to be given orally or not; and such leave may be granted on such conditions, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit.

(8B)The list of witnesses intimated in accordance with paragraph (1A)(g) must include the name, occupation (where known) and address of each intended witness and indicate whether the witness is considered to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 and whether any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application has been lodged in respect of that witness.]

(9)A production which is not lodged in accordance with [F586paragraph (1A)(g)] shall not be used or put in evidence at proof unless—

(a)by consent of parties; or

(b)with the leave of the sheriff on cause shown and on such conditions, if any, as to expenses or otherwise as the court thinks fit.

(10)In a cause which is one of a number of causes arising out of the same cause of action, the sheriff may—

(a)on the motion of a party to that cause; and

(b)after hearing parties to all those causes,

appoint that cause or any part of those causes to be the leading cause and to sist the other causes pending the determination of the leading cause.

(11)In this rule, “pursuer” includes additional pursuer or minuter as the case may be.

Textual Amendments

F577Sch. 1 rule 36.G1(1)(1A)(1B) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 36.G1(1) (29.7.2010) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/279), paras. 1(2), 4(3)(a) (with para. 4(8))

Applications for sist or for variation of timetableS

36.H1.(1)The action may be sisted or the timetable varied by the sheriff on an application by any party to the action by motion F587....

(2)An application under paragraph (1)—

(a)shall be placed before the sheriff; and

(b)shall be granted only on F588... cause shown.

(3)Any sist of an action in terms of this rule shall be for a specific period.

(4)Where the timetable issued under rule 36.G1 is varied under this rule, the sheriff clerk shall issue a revised timetable in Form PI5.

(5)A revised timetable issued under paragraph (4) shall have effect as if it were a timetable issued under rule 36.G1 and any reference in this Part to any action being taken in accordance with the timetable shall be construed as a reference to its being taken in accordance with the timetable as varied under this rule.

Textual Amendments

Statements of valuation of claimS

36.J1.(1)Each party to the action shall make a statement of valuation of claim in Form PI6.

(2)A statement of valuation of claim (which shall include a list of supporting documents) shall be lodged in process.

(3)Each party shall, on lodging a statement of valuation of claim—

(a)intimate the list of documents included in the statement of valuation of claim to every other party; and

(b)lodge each of those documents.

(4)Nothing in paragraph (3) shall affect—

(a)the law relating to, or the right of a party to object to, the recovery of a document on the ground of privilege or confidentiality; or

(b)the right of a party to apply under rule 28.2 for a commission and diligence for recovery of documents or an order under section 1 of the Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972.

(5)Without prejudice to paragraph (2) of rule 36.L1, where a party has failed to lodge a statement of valuation of claim in accordance with a timetable issued under rule 36.G1, the sheriff may, at any hearing under paragraph (3) of that rule—

(a)where the party in default is the pursuer, dismiss the action; or

(b)where the party in default is the defender, grant decree against the defender for an amount not exceeding the pursuer’s valuation.

Pre-trial meetingsS

[F58936.K1.(1)For the purposes of this rule, a pre-trial meeting is a meeting between the parties to—

(a)discuss settlement of the action; and

(b)agree, so far as is possible, the matters which are not in dispute between them.

(2)A pre-trial meeting must—

(a)be held not later than four weeks before the date assigned for the proof or trial; and

(b)be attended by parties—

(i)in person; or

(ii)by means of video-conference facilities.

(3)Subject to any variation of the timetable in terms of rule 36.H1 (applications for sist or variation of timetable), a joint minute of a pre-trial meeting, made in Form PI7 (minute of pre-trial meeting), must be lodged in process by the pursuer not later than three weeks before the date assigned for proof or trial.

(4)Where a joint minute in Form PI7 has not been lodged in accordance with paragraph (3) and by the date specified in the timetable the sheriff clerk must fix a date and time for the parties to be heard by the sheriff.

(5)If a party is not in attendance during the pre-trial meeting, the representative of such party must have access to the party or another person who has authority to commit the party in settlement of the action.]

Textual Amendments

Incidental hearingsS

36.L1.(1)Where the sheriff clerk fixes a date and time for a hearing under [F590paragraph (3) of rule 36.G1 or paragraph (4) of rule 36.K1] he shall—

(a)fix a date not less than seven days after the date of the notice referred to in subparagraph (b);

(b)give notice to the parties to the action—

(i)of the date and time of the hearing; and

(ii)requiring the party in default to lodge in process a written explanation as to why the timetable has not been complied with and to intimate a copy to all other parties, not less than two clear working days before the date of the hearing.

(2)At the hearing, the sheriff—

(a)shall consider any explanation provided by the party in default;

(b)may award expenses against that party; and

(c)may make any other appropriate order, including decree of dismissal.]

Textual Amendments

PART ISINTIMATION TO CONNECTED PERSONS IN CERTAIN ACTIONS OF DAMAGES
Application and interpretation of this PartS

36.1.(1)This Part applies to an action of damages in which, following the death of any person from personal injuries, damages are claimed—

(a)F591... in respect of the injuries from which the deceased died; or

(b)F592... in respect of the death of the deceased.

(2)In this Part—

  • “connected person” means a person, not being a party to the action, who has title to sue the defender in respect of the personal injuries from which the deceased died or in respect of his death;

  • F593...

Textual Amendments

AvermentsS

36.2.In an action to which this Part applies, the pursuer shall aver in the condescendence, as the case may be—

(a)that there are no connected persons;

(b)that there are connected persons, being the persons specified in the crave for intimation;

(c)that there are connected persons in respect of whom intimation should be dispensed with on the ground that—

(i)the names or whereabouts of such persons are not known to, and cannot reasonably be ascertained by, the pursuer; or

(ii)such persons are unlikely to be awarded more than £200 each.

Warrants for intimationS

36.3.(1)Where the pursuer makes averments under rule 36.2(b) (existence of connected persons), he shall include a crave in the initial writ for intimation to any person who is believed to have title to sue the defender in an action in respect of the death of the deceased or the personal injuries from which the deceased died.

(2)A notice of intimation in Form D1 shall be attached to the copy of the initial writ where intimation is given on a warrant under paragraph (1).

Applications to dispense with intimationS

36.4.(1)Where the pursuer makes averments under rule 36.2(c) (dispensing with intimation to connected persons), he shall apply by crave in the initial writ for an order to dispense with intimation.

(2)In determining an application under paragraph (1), the sheriff shall have regard to—

(a)the desirability of avoiding a multiplicity of actions; and

(b)the expense, inconvenience or difficulty likely to be involved in taking steps to ascertain the name or whereabouts of the connected person.

(3)Where the sheriff is not satisfied that intimation to a connected person should be dispensed with, he may—

(a)order intimation to a connected person whose name and whereabouts are known;

(b)order the pursuer to take such further steps as he may specify in the interlocutor to ascertain the name or whereabouts of any connected person; and

(c)order advertisement in such manner, place and at such times as he may specify in the interlocutor.

Subsequent disclosure of connected personsS

36.5.Where the name or whereabouts of a person, in respect of whom the sheriff has dispensed with intimation on a ground specified in rule 36.2(c) (dispensing with intimation to connected persons), subsequently becomes known to the pursuer, the pursuer shall apply to the sheriff by motion for a warrant for intimation to such a person; and such intimation shall be made in accordance with rule 36.3(2).

Connected persons entering processS

36.6.(1)A connected person may apply by minute craving leave to be sisted as an additional pursuer to the action.

(2)Such a minute shall also crave leave of the sheriff to adopt the existing grounds of action, and to amend the craves, condescendence and pleas-in-law.

(3)The period within which answers to a minute under this rule may be lodged shall be 14 days from the date of intimation of the minute.

(4)[F594Rule 14.13 (procedure following grant of minute)] shall not apply to a minute to which this rule applies.

Textual Amendments

F594Words in sch. 1 rule 36.6(4) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(62)

Failure to enter processS

36.7.Where a connected person to whom intimation is made in accordance with this Part—

(a)does not apply to be sisted as an additional pursuer to the action,

(b)subsequently raises a separate action against the same defender in respect of the same personal injuries or death, and

(c)would, apart from this rule, be awarded the expenses or part of the expenses of that action,

he shall not be awarded those expenses except on cause shown.

PART IIS INTERIM PAYMENTS OF DAMAGES
Application and interpretation of this PartS

36.8.(1)This Part applies to an action of damages for personal injuries or the death of a person in consequence of personal injuries.

(2)In this Part—

  • “defender” includes a third party against whom the pursuer has a crave for damages;

  • “personal injuries” includes any disease or impairment of a physical or mental condition.

Applications for interim payment of damagesS

36.9.(1)In an action to which this Part applies, a pursuer may, at any time after defences have been lodged, apply by motion for an order for interim payment of damages to him by the defender or, where there are two or more of them, by any one or more of them.

(2)The pursuer shall intimate a motion under paragraph (1) to every other party on a period of notice of 14 days.

(3)On a motion under paragraph (1), the sheriff may, if satisfied that—

(a)the defender has admitted liability to the pursuer in the action, or

(b)if the action proceeded to proof, the pursuer would succeed in the action on the question of liability without any substantial finding of contributory negligence on his part, or on the part of any person in respect of whose injury or death the claim of the pursuer arises, and would obtain decree for damages against any defender,

ordain that defender to make an interim payment to the pursuer of such amount as the sheriff thinks fit, not exceeding a reasonable proportion of the damages which, in the opinion of the sheriff, are likely to be recovered by the pursuer.

(4)Any such payment may be ordered to be made in one lump sum or otherwise as the sheriff thinks fit.

(5)No order shall be made against a defender under this rule unless it appears to the sheriff that the defender is—

(a)a person who is insured in respect of the claim of the pursuer;

(b)a public authority; F595. . .

(c)a person whose means and resources are such as to enable him to make the interim payment. [F596; or

(d)the person's liability will be met by–

(i)an insurer under section 151 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 F597; or

(ii)an insurer acting under the Motor Insurers Bureau Agreement, or the Motor Insurers Bureau where it is acting itself.]

(6)Notwithstanding the grant or refusal of a motion for an interim payment, a subsequent motion may be made where there has been a change of circumstances.

(7)Subject to Part IV (management of damages payable to persons under legal disability), an interim payment shall be made to the pursuer unless the sheriff otherwise directs.

(8)This rule shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to a counterclaim for damages for personal injuries made by a defender as it applies to an action in which the pursuer may apply for an order for interim payment of damages.

Textual Amendments

Adjustment on final decreeS

36.10.Where a defender has made an interim payment under rule 36.9, the sheriff may, when final decree is pronounced, make such order with respect to the interim payment as he thinks fit to give effect to the final liability of that defender to the pursuer; and in particular may order—

(a)repayment by the pursuer of any sum by which the interim payment exceeds the amount which that defender is liable to pay to the pursuer; or

(b)payment by any other defender or a third party, of any part of the interim payment which the defender who made it is entitled to recover from him by way of contribution or indemnity or in respect of any remedy or relief relating to, or connected with, the claim of the pursuer.

PART IIIS PROVISIONAL DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURIES
Application and interpretation of this PartS

36.11.(1)This Part applies to an action of damages for personal injuries.

(2)In this Part—

  • “the Act of 1982” means the M76Administration of Justice Act 1982;

  • “further damages” means the damages referred to in section 12(4)(b) of the Act of 1982;

  • “provisional damages” means the damages referred to in section 12(4)(a) of the Act of 1982.

Marginal Citations

Applications for provisional damagesS

36.12.An application under section 12(2)(a) of the Act of 1982 for provisional damages for personal injuries shall be made by including in the initial writ—

(a)a crave for provisional damages;

(b)averments in the condescendence supporting the crave, including averments—

(i)that there is a risk that, at some definite or indefinite time in the future, the pursuer will, as a result of the act or omission which gave rise to the cause of action, develop some serious disease or suffer some serious deterioration of his physical or mental condition; and

(ii)that the defender was, at the time of the act or omission which gave rise to the cause of action, a public authority, public corporation or insured or otherwise indemnified in respect of the claim; and

(c)an appropriate plea-in-law.

Applications for further damagesS

36.13.(1)An application for further damages by a pursuer in respect of whom an order under section 12(2)(b) of the Act of 1982 has been made shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which it relates and shall include—

(a)a crave for further damages;

(b)averments in the statement of facts supporting that crave; and

(c)appropriate pleas-in-law.

(2)On lodging such a minute in process, the pursuer shall apply by motion for warrant to serve the minute on—

(a)every other party; and

(b)where such other party is insured or otherwise indemnified, his insurer or indemnifier, if known to the pursuer.

(3)Any such party, insurer or indemnifier may lodge answers to such a minute in process within 28 days after the date of service on him.

(4)Where answers have been lodged under paragraph (3), the sheriff may, on the motion of any party, make such further order as to procedure as he thinks fit.

PART IVSMANAGEMENT OF DAMAGES PAYABLE TO PERSONS UNDER LEGAL DISABILITY
Orders for payment and management of moneyS

36.14.(1)In an action of damages in which a sum of money becomes payable, by virtue of a decree or an extra-judicial settlement, to or for the benefit of a person under legal disability [F598(other than a person under the age of 18 years)], the sheriff shall make such order regarding the payment and management of that sum for the benefit of that person as he thinks fit.

(2)An order under paragraph (1) shall be made on the granting of decree for payment or of absolvitor.

Textual Amendments

F598Words in sch. 1 rule 36.14(1) inserted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2167, para. 2, Sch. para. 34

Methods of managementS

36.15.In making an order under rule 36.14(1), the sheriff may—

(a)appoint a judicial factor to apply, invest or otherwise deal with the money for the benefit of the person under legal disability;

(b)order the money to be paid to—

(i)the Accountant of Court, or

(ii)the guardian of the person under legal disability,

as trustee, to be applied, invested or otherwise dealt with and administered under the directions of the sheriff for the benefit of the person under legal disability;

(c)order the money to be paid to the sheriff clerk of the sheriff court district in which the person under legal disability resides, to be applied, invested or otherwise dealt with and administered, under the directions of the sheriff of that district, for the benefit of the person under legal disability; or

(d)order the money to be paid directly to the person under legal disability.

Subsequent ordersS

36.16.(1)Where the sheriff has made an order under rule 36.14(1), any person having an interest may apply for an appointment or order under rule 36.15, or any other order for the payment or management of the money, by minute in the process of the cause to which the application relates.

(2)An application for directions under rule 36.15(b) or (c) may be made by any person having an interest by minute in the process of the cause to which the application relates.

Management of money paid to sheriff clerkS

36.17.(1)A receipt in Form D2 by the sheriff clerk shall be a sufficient discharge in respect of the amount paid to him under this Part.

(2)The sheriff clerk shall, at the request of any competent court, accept custody of any sum of money in an action of damages ordered to be paid to, applied, invested or otherwise dealt with by him, for the benefit of a person under legal disability.

(3)Any money paid to the sheriff clerk under this Part shall be paid out, applied, invested or otherwise dealt with by the sheriff clerk only after such intimation, service and enquiry as the sheriff may order.

(4)Any sum of money invested by the sheriff clerk under this Part shall be invested in a manner in which trustees are authorised to invest by virtue of the M77Trustee Investments Act 1961.

Marginal Citations

F599PART IVASPRODUCTIONS IN CERTAIN ACTIONS OF DAMAGES

Textual Amendments

F59936.17A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F59936.17B.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F59936.17C.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART VS SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT 1975
Causes under section 66 of the Act of 1975S

36.18(1)In a cause in which a breach of statutory duty under section 66(1) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (proceedings for act of discrimination) is averred, the sheriff may, of his own motion or on the motion of any party, appoint an assessor.

(2)An assessor appointed under paragraph (1) shall be a person who the sheriff considers has special qualifications to be of assistance in determining [F600a cause] referred to in that paragraph.

(3)In a cause referred to in paragraph (1), the pursuer should send a copy of the initial writ by post by the first class recorded delivery service to the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Textual Amendments

F600Words in Sch. 1 rule 36.18(2) substituted (1.11.1996) by S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(63)

[F601PART VISMESOTHELIOMA ACTIONS: SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Textual Amendments

Mesothelioma actions: special provisionsS

36.19.(1)This Part applies where liability to a relative of the pursuer may arise under [F602section 5 of the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011 (discharge of liability to pay damages: exception for mesothelioma)].

(2)On settlement of the pursuer’s claim, the pursuer may apply by motion for all or any of the following—

(a)a sist for a specified period;

(b)discharge of any diet;

(c)where the action is one to which the personal injuries procedure in Part A1 of this Chapter applies, variation of the timetable issued under rule 36.G1.

(3)Paragraphs (4) to (7) apply where a motion under paragraph (2) has been granted.

(4)As soon as reasonably practicable after the death of the pursuer, any agent who immediately prior to the death was instructed in a cause by the deceased pursuer shall notify the court of the death.

(5)The notification under paragraph (4) shall be by letter to the sheriff clerk and shall be accompanied by a certified copy of the death certificate relative to the deceased pursuer.

(6)A relative of the deceased may apply by motion for the recall of the sist and for an order for further procedure.

(7)On expiration of the period of any sist pronounced on a motion under paragraph (2), the sheriff clerk may fix a date and time for the parties to be heard by the sheriff.]

Textual Amendments

[F603CHAPTER 36ASCASE MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN PERSONAL INJURIES ACTIONS

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretation of this ChapterS

36A.1.(1)This Chapter applies to actions appointed to the procedure in this Chapter by virtue of rule 36.C1 (actions based on clinical negligence), rule 36.F1 (disapplication of personal injuries procedure), or under paragraph (2).

(2)The sheriff may, after considering the likely complexity of an action and being satisfied that the efficient determination of the action would be served by doing so, appoint an action to which Chapter 36 applies (including actions relating to catastrophic injuries) to the procedure in this Chapter, rather than personal injuries procedure.

(3)Any party to an action may apply by motion to have the action withdrawn from the procedure in this Chapter.

(4)No motion under paragraph (3) will be granted unless the court is satisfied that there are exceptional reasons for not following the procedure in this Chapter.

(5)These Rules apply to an action to which this Chapter applies, subject to the following modifications—

(a)Chapters 9, 9A, 10, 22 and 28A do not apply;

(b)despite subparagraph (a), the following rules of Chapter 9 apply—

(i)rule 9.1 (notice of intention to defend);

(ii)rule 9.3 (return of initial writ);

(iii)rule 9.5 (process folder);

(iv)rule 9.6 (defences);

(v)rule 9.7 (implied admissions);

(c)in the application of rule 18.3(1) (applications to amend), a minute of amendment lodged in process must include, where appropriate, confirmation as to whether any warrants are sought under rule 36.B1(2)(a) (warrants for intimation) or whether a specification of documents is sought under rule 36.B1(2)(b) (specification of documents);

(d)rule 18.5(3) (fixing of hearing following service of amended pleadings and lodging of notice of intention to defend) does not apply;

(e)in the application of rule 19.1 (counterclaims) a counterclaim may also include—

(i)warrants for intimation so far as permitted under these Rules; and

(ii)a specification of documents in Form PI2;

(f)in rule 19.4 (disposal of counterclaims), paragraph (b) does not apply;

(g)in the application of rule 20.6 (procedure following answers)—

(i)paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply; and

(ii)where a third party lodges answers, any timetable already fixed under rule 36A.9(5)(b) will apply to the third party;

(h)rule 29.11 does not apply;

(i)references elsewhere in these Rules to an Options Hearing are to be ignored; and

(j)references elsewhere in these Rules to any action carried out before or after the closing of the record will be construed as references to that action being carried out before, or as the case may be, after, the closing of the record under rule 36A.7.

(6)In this Chapter—

  • “personal injuries”, “personal injuries action” and “personal injuries procedure” have the meanings given in rule 36.A1;

  • “witness statement” means a written statement containing a factual account conveying the evidence of the witness;

  • “proof” includes jury trial where an action is proceeding in the all Scotland sheriff court, and references to an action being sent to proof are to be construed as including the allowing of a jury trial in the action.

Form of initial writS

36A.2.Where the sheriff appoints an action to the procedure in this Chapter under rule 36A.1(2)—

(a)the pursuer must within 14 days thereof lodge a revised initial writ in Form G1 (form of initial writ); and

(b)the defender must thereafter adjust the defences so as to comply with rule 9.6(2) (defences).

Averments of medical treatmentS

36A.3.The condescendence of the initial writ in an action to which this Chapter applies must include averments naming—

(a)every general medical practitioner or general medical practice from whom; and

(b)every hospital or other institution in which,

the pursuer or, in an action in respect of the death of a person, the deceased received treatment for the injuries sustained, or disease suffered.

Making up open recordS

36A.4.(1)The pursuer must lodge a copy of the pleadings in the form of an open record within the timescale in paragraph (2), (3) or (4), as the case may be.

(2)As regards an action appointed to this Chapter under rule 36.C1 (actions based on clinical negligence), the open record must be lodged within 14 days after the date on which defences are lodged under rule 9.6.

(3)As regards an action appointed to this Chapter under rule 36.F1 (disapplication of personal injuries procedure), the open record must be lodged within 14 days after the date on which defences are adjusted in accordance with rule 36.F1(4)(b).

(4)As regards an action appointed to this Chapter under rule 36A.1 (actions withdrawn from Chapter 36 by sheriff), the open record must be lodged—

(a)where the action is appointed to this Chapter before the lodging of defences, within 14 days after the date on which defences are lodged under rule 9.6; or

(b)where the action is appointed to this Chapter following the lodging of defences, within 14 days after the date on which defences are adjusted in accordance with rule 36A.2(b).

Period for adjustmentS

36A.5.(1)Where, under rule 36.C1 (actions based on clinical negligence), 36.F1 (disapplication of personal injuries procedure), or 36A.1 (actions withdrawn from Chapter 36 by sheriff), the sheriff orders that a cause will proceed in accordance with this Chapter, the sheriff must continue the cause for adjustment for a period of 8 weeks, which will commence the day after the lodging of the open record under rule 36A.4.

(2)Paragraphs (2) and (3) of rule 9.8 (exchange and record of adjustments) apply to a cause in which a period for adjustment under paragraph (1) of this rule has been allowed as they apply to the period for adjustment under that rule.

Variation of adjustment periodS

36A.6.(1)At any time before the expiry of the period for adjustment the sheriff may close the record if parties, of consent or jointly, lodge a motion seeking such an order.

(2)The sheriff may, if satisfied that there is sufficient reason for doing so, extend the period for adjustment for such period as the sheriff thinks fit, if any party—

(a)lodges a motion seeking such an order; and

(b)lodges a copy of the record adjusted to the date of lodging of the motion.

(3)A motion lodged under paragraph (2) must set out—

(a)the reasons for seeking an extension of the period for adjustment; and

(b)the period for adjustment sought.

Closing recordS

36A.7.(1)On the expiry of the period for adjustment, the record closes.

(2)Following the closing of the record, the sheriff clerk must, without the attendance of parties—

(a)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording the closing of the record and fixing the date of the Procedural Hearing under rule 36A.9, which date must be on the first suitable court day occurring not sooner than 21 days after the closing of the record; and

(b)intimate the date of the hearing to each party.

(3)The pursuer must, no later than 7 days before the Procedural Hearing fixed under paragraph (2)—

(a)send a copy of the closed record to the defender and to every other party; and

(b)lodge a certified copy of the closed record in process.

(4)The closed record is to consist only of the pleadings of the parties and any adjustments and amendments to them.

Lodging of written statementsS

36A.8.Each party must, no later than 7 days before the Procedural Hearing fixed under rule 36A.7(2) lodge in process and send to every other party a written statement containing proposals for further procedure which must state—

(a)whether the party is seeking to have the action appointed to debate or to have the action sent to proof;

(b)where it is sought to have the action appointed to debate—

(i)the legal argument on which any preliminary plea should be sustained or repelled; and

(ii)the principal authorities (including statutory provisions) on which the argument is founded;

(c)where it is sought to have the action appointed to proof—

(i)the issues for proof;

(ii)the names, occupations (where known) and addresses of the witnesses who are intended to be called to give evidence, including the matters to which each witness is expected to speak and the time estimated for each witness;

(iii)whether any such witness is considered to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 and whether any child witness notice under section 12(2) of that Act or vulnerable witness application under section 12(6) of that Act has been, or is to be, lodged in respect of that witness;

(iv)the progress made in preparing and exchanging the reports of any skilled persons;

(v)the progress made in obtaining and exchanging records, particularly medical records;

(vi)the progress made in taking and exchanging witness statements;

(vii)the time estimated for proof and how that estimate was arrived at;

(viii)any other progress that has been made, is to be made, or could be made in advance of the proof;

(ix)whether an application has been or is to be made under rule 36B.2 (applications for jury trial).

Procedural HearingS

36A.9.(1)At the Procedural Hearing, the sheriff, after considering the written statements lodged by the parties under rule 36A.8 and hearing from the parties, is to determine whether the action should be appointed to debate or sent to proof on the whole or any part of the action.

(2)Before determining whether the action should be appointed to debate the sheriff is to hear from the parties with a view to ascertaining whether agreement can be reached on the points of law in contention.

(3)Where the action is appointed to debate, the sheriff may order that written arguments on any question of law are to be submitted.

(4)Before determining whether the action should be sent to proof, the sheriff is to hear from parties with a view to ascertaining—

(a)the matters in dispute between the parties;

(b)the readiness of parties to proceed to proof; and

(c)without prejudice to the generality of subparagraphs (a) and (b)—

(i)whether reports of skilled persons have been exchanged;

(ii)the nature and extent of the dispute between skilled persons;

(iii)whether there are facts that can be agreed between parties, upon which skilled persons can comment;

(iv)the extent to which agreement can be reached between the parties on the relevant literature upon which skilled persons intend to reply;

(v)whether there has been a meeting between skilled persons, or whether such a meeting would be useful;

(vi)whether a proof on a particular issue would allow scope for the matter to be resolved;

(vii)whether witness statements have been exchanged;

(viii)whether any party is experiencing difficulties in obtaining precognition facilities;

(ix)whether all relevant records have been recovered and whether there is an agreed bundle of medical records;

(x)whether there is a relevant case that is supported by evidence of skilled persons;

(xi)if there is no evidence of skilled persons to support a relevant case, whether such evidence is necessary;

(xii)whether there is a relevant defence to any or all of the cases supported by evidence of skilled persons;

(xiii)if there is no evidence of skilled persons to support a relevant defence, whether such evidence is necessary;

(xiv)whether causation of some or all of the injuries is the main area of dispute and, if so, what the position of the respective skilled person is;

(xv)whether valuations have been, or could be, exchanged;

(xvi)if valuations have been exchanged showing a significant disparity, whether parties should be asked to provide an explanation for such disparity;

(xvii)whether a joint minute has been considered;

(xviii)whether any of the heads of damage can be agreed;

(ixx)whether any orders would facilitate the resolution of the case or the narrowing of the scope of the dispute;

(xx)whether a pre-trial meeting should be fixed;

(xxi)whether amendment, other than updating, is anticipated; and

(xxii)the time required for proof.

(5)Where the action is sent to proof the sheriff must—

(a)fix a date for the hearing of the proof;

(b)fix a pre-proof timetable in accordance with rule 36A.10.

(6)The sheriff may fix a further Procedural Hearing—

(a)on the motion of any party;

(b)on the sheriff’s own initiative.

(7)A further hearing under paragraph (6) may be fixed—

(a)at the Procedural Hearing or at any time thereafter;

(b)whether or not the action has been appointed to debate or sent to proof.

Pre-proof timetableS

36A.10.(1)The pre-proof timetable mentioned in rule 36A.9(5)(b) must contain provision for the following—

(a)no later than 24 weeks before the proof—

(i)a date for a pre-proof hearing;

(ii)the last date for the lodging of a draft valuation and vouchings by the pursuer;

(b)no later than 20 weeks before the proof, the last date for the lodging of a draft valuation and vouchings by the defender;

(c)no later than 16 weeks before the proof, the last date for the lodging of witness lists and productions, including a paginated joint bundle of medical [F604records], by the parties;

(d)no later than 12 weeks before the proof, the last date for a pre-trial meeting;

(e)no later than 8 weeks before the proof, a date for a further pre-proof hearing.

(2)Rule 36.K1(1), (2)(b) and (5) applies to a pre-trial meeting held under this Chapter as it applies to a pre-trial meeting held under Chapter 36.

(3)Prior to the pre-proof hearing mentioned in subparagraph (1)(e)—

(a)the pursuer must lodge in process a joint minute of the pre-trial meeting in Form PI7 (minute of pre-trial meeting);

(b)the parties must lodge in process any other joint minutes.

(4)At any time the sheriff may, at the sheriff’s own instance or on the motion of a party—

(a)fix a pre-proof hearing;

(b)vary the pre-proof timetable,

where the sheriff considers that the efficient determination of the action would be served by doing so.

Textual Amendments

Power of sheriff to make ordersS

36A.11.(1)Following the fixing of a hearing under rule 36A.9(6) or 36A.10(4)(a), or the variation of the pre-proof timetable under rule 36A.10(4)(b), the sheriff may make such orders as the sheriff thinks necessary to secure the efficient determination of the action

(2)In particular, the sheriff may make orders to resolve any matters arising or outstanding from the written statements lodged by the parties under rule 36A.8 or the pre-proof timetable fixed under rule 36A.9(5)(b).]

[F605CHAPTER 36BSJURY TRIALS

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretation of this ChapterS

36B.1.(1)This Chapter applies where a personal injuries action is—

(a)proceeding in the all-Scotland sheriff court; and

(b)an interlocutor has been issued allowing a jury trial—

(i)following an application under rule 36.G1 (allocation of diets and timetables); or

(ii)under rule 36A.9 (procedural hearing).

(2)For the purposes of this Chapter, references in other provisions of these Rules to proof are to be construed as including jury trial.

(3)In this Chapter—

(a)the “issue” or “issues” for jury trial means the question or questions to be put to the jury within the meaning of section 63 of the 2014 Act;

(b)“personal injuries action” has the meaning given in rule 36.A1.

Applications for jury trialS

36B.2.(1)Within 14 days after the date of an interlocutor allowing a jury trial, the pursuer must lodge in process the proposed issue for jury trial and a copy of it for the use of the court.

(2)Where the pursuer fails to lodge a proposed issue—

(a)the pursuer is held to have departed from the right to jury trial unless—

(i)the court, on cause shown, otherwise orders; or

(ii)another party lodges a proposed issue under paragraph (3);

(b)any other party may apply by motion for a proof.

(3)Where a pursuer fails to lodge a proposed issue, any other party may, within 7 days after the expiry of the period specified in paragraph (1), lodge in process a proposed issue for jury trial and a copy of it.

(4)Where a proposed issue has been lodged under paragraph (1) or (3), any other party may, within 7 days after the date on which the proposed issue has been lodged, lodge in process a proposed counter-issue and a copy of it for the use of the court.

(5)A proposed counter-issue may include any question of fact which is made the subject of a specific averment on record or is relevant to the party’s pleas-in-law notwithstanding that it does not in terms meet the proposed issue.

(6)The party lodging a proposed issue must, on the day after the date on which the period for lodging a proposed counter-issue expires, apply by motion for approval of the proposed issue.

(7)Any party who has lodged a proposed counter-issue under paragraph (4) must, within 7 days after the lodging of a motion for approval of a proposed issue under paragraph (6), apply by motion for approval of the proposed counter-issue.

(8)Where a motion for approval of a proposed counter-issue has been lodged, the motion for approval of a proposed issue will be heard at the same time as that motion.

(9)The sheriff, on granting a motion for approval of a proposed issue or proposed counter-issue, must specify in an interlocutor the approved issues to be put to the jury.

Citation of jurorsS

36B.3.(1)The interlocutor of a sheriff issued under rule 36B.2(9) is sufficient authority for the sheriff clerk to summon persons to attend as jurors at the diet for jury trial in accordance with this rule.

(2)Where an interlocutor is issued under rule 36B.2(9)—

(a)a list of not less than 36 jurors is to be prepared of an equal number of men and women from the lists of potential jurors maintained for the sheriff court district of Edinburgh in accordance with section 3 of the Jurors (Scotland) Act 1825; and

(b)the sheriff clerk is to summon those persons to attend as jurors at the diet for jury trial.

(3)A citation of a person to attend as a juror is to be in Form G13A (form of citation of juror) and is to be executed by post.

Ineligibility for, and excusal from, jury serviceS

36B.4.(1)A person summoned to serve on a jury may, as soon as possible after receipt of Form G13A, apply to the sheriff clerk to be released from the citation by completing and returning that Form.

(2)The sheriff clerk may, if satisfied that—

(a)there are good and sufficient grounds for excusal; or

(b)the person is ineligible for jury service,

grant the application.

(3)The sheriff to preside at the jury trial may, at any time before the jury is empanelled, excuse any person summoned to attend as a juror from attendance if satisfied that there are good and sufficient grounds for doing so.

Application of certain rules relating to proofsS

36B.5.(1)Chapter 29 of these Rules applies to an action in which issues have been approved for jury trial as they apply to an action in which a proof has been allowed.

(2)Despite paragraph (1), the following rules of Chapter 29 do not apply—

(a)rule 29.4 (renouncing probation);

(b)rule 29.5 (orders for proof);

(c)rule 29.6 (hearing parts of proof separately);

(d)rule 29.11 (lodging productions);

(e)rule 29.15 (instruction of shorthand writer).

Failure of party to appear at jury trialS

36B.6.Where a party does not appear at the diet for jury trial, then—

(a)if the party appearing is the pursuer or the party on whom the burden of proof lies, that party will be entitled to lead evidence, and go to the jury for a verdict;

(b)if the party appearing is the defender or the party on whom the burden of proof does not lie, that party will be entitled to obtain a verdict in that party’s favour without leading evidence.

Administration of oath or affirmation to jurorsS

36B.7.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), the sheriff clerk must administer the oath collectively to the jury in Form PI8 (form of oath for jurors).

(2)Where a juror elects to affirm, the sheriff clerk will administer the affirmation to that juror in Form PI9 (form of affirmation for jurors).

Exceptions to sheriff’s chargeS

36B.8.(1)Where a party seeks to take exception to a direction on a point of law given by the sheriff in the sheriff’s charge to the jury or to request the sheriff to give a direction differing from or supplementary to the directions in the charge, that party must, immediately on the conclusion of the charge, so intimate to the sheriff, who will hear the parties in the absence of the jury.

(2)The party dissatisfied with the charge to the jury must formulate in writing the exception taken or the direction sought; and the exception or direction, as the case may be, and the sheriff’s decision on it, must be recorded in a note of exception under the direction of the sheriff and is to be certified by the sheriff.

(3)After the note of exception has been certified, the sheriff may give such further or other directions to the jury in open court as the sheriff thinks fit before the jury considers its verdict.

Further questions for juryS

36B.9.(1)The sheriff may, after the evidence has been led, submit to the jury such further questions as the sheriff thinks fit.

(2)Any such questions must be specified by the sheriff in an interlocutor and submitted to the jury in writing along with the issue and any counter-issue.

Application of verdictsS

36B.10.Any party may, after the expiry of 7 days after the date on which the verdict was returned in accordance with section 68 of the 2014 Act, apply by motion to apply the verdict, grant decree in accordance with it and make any award in relation to expenses.

Recording of proceedings at jury trialS

36B.11.(1)Subject to any other provisions in these Rules, proceedings at a jury trial must be recorded by—

(a)a shorthand writer to whom the oath de fideli administratione in connection with the sheriff court service generally has been administered; or

(b)tape recording or other mechanical means approved by the court.

(2)In paragraph (1), “the proceedings” means the whole proceedings including, without prejudice to that generality—

(a)discussions—

(i)with respect to any challenge of a juror; and

(ii)on any question arising in the course of the trial;

(b)the decision of the sheriff on any matter referred to in subparagraph (a);

(c)the evidence led at the trial;

(d)the sheriff’s charge to the jury;

(e)the speeches of counsel or solicitors;

(f)the verdict of the jury; and

(g)any request for a direction to be given under rule 36B.8, any hearing in relation to such a request and any direction so given.

(3)A transcript of the record of proceedings will be made only on the direction of the court and the cost must, in the first instance, be borne by the solicitors for the parties in equal proportions.

(4)Any transcript so made must be certified as a faithful record of proceedings—

(a)where the recording was under paragraph (1)(a), by whoever recorded the proceedings; and

(b)where it was under paragraph (1)(b), by whoever transcribed the record.

(5)The sheriff may make such alterations to the transcript as appear to the sheriff to be necessary after hearing the parties and, where such alterations are made, the sheriff must authenticate the alterations.

(6)Where a transcript has been so made for the use of the court, copies of it may be obtained by any party from the transcriber on payment of the transcriber’s fee.

(7)Except with leave of the court, the transcript may be borrowed from process only for the purpose of enabling a party to consider whether to appeal against the interlocutor of the sheriff applying the verdict of the jury or whether to apply for a new trial.

(8)Where a transcript is required for a purpose mentioned in paragraph (7) but has not been directed to be transcribed under paragraph (3), a party—

(a)may request such a transcript from the shorthand writer, or as the case may be, from a person who might have transcribed the recording had there been such a direction, the cost of the requested transcript being borne by the solicitor for the requester in the first instance; and

(b)must lodge the transcript in process;

and copies of it may be obtained by any party from the transcriber on payment of the transcriber’s fee.]

CHAPTER 37S CAUSES UNDER THE PRESUMPTION OF DEATH (SCOTLAND) ACT 1977

Interpretation of this ChapterS

37.1.In this Chapter—

  • “the Act of 1977” means the M78Presumption of Death (Scotland) Act 1977;

  • “action of declarator” means an action under section 1(1) of the Act of 1977;

  • “missing person” has the meaning assigned in section 1(1) of the Act of 1977.

Marginal Citations

Parties to, and service and intimation of, actions of declaratorS

37.2.[F606(1)In an action of declarator–

(a)the missing person shall be named as the defender;

(b)subject to paragraph (2), service on that person shall be executed by advertisement in such newspaper or other publication as the sheriff thinks fit of such facts relating to the missing person and set out in the initial writ as the sheriff may specify; and

(c)the period of notice shall be 21 days from the date of publication of the advertisement unless the sheriff otherwise directs.]

[F607(2)The advertisement mentioned in paragraph (1) shall be in Form P1.]

(3)Subject to paragraph (5), in an action of declarator, the pursuer shall include a crave for a warrant for intimation to—

(a)the missing person’s—

(i)spouse, and

(ii)children, or, if he has no children, his nearest relative known to the pursuer,

(b)any person, including any insurance company, who so far as known to the pursuer has an interest in the action, and

(c)the Lord Advocate,

in the following terms:— “For intimation to (name and address) as [husband or wife, child or nearest relative] [a person having an interest in the presumed death] of (name and last known address of the missing person) and to the Lord Advocate.”.

(4)A notice of intimation in Form P2 shall be attached to the copy of the [F608initial writ] where intimation is given on a warrant under paragraph (3).

(5)The sheriff may, on the motion of the pursuer, dispense with intimation on a person mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) or (b).

(6)An application by minute under section 1(5) of the Act of 1977 (person interested in seeking determination or appointment not sought by pursuer) shall contain a crave for the determination or appointment sought, averments in the answers to the condescendence in support of that crave and an appropriate plea-in-law.

(7)On lodging a minute under paragraph (6), the minuter shall—

(a)send a copy of the minute by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service to each person to whom intimation of the action has been made under paragraph (2); and

(b)lodge in process the Post Office receipt or certificate of posting of that minute.

Textual Amendments

F606Sch. 1 rule 37.2(1) substituted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(20)(a)

F607Sch. 1 rule 37.2(2) substituted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(20)(b)

F608Words in Sch. 1 rule 37.2(4) substituted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(20)(c)

Further advertisementS

37.3.Where no minute has been lodged indicating knowledge of the present whereabouts of the missing person, at any time before the determination of the action, the sheriff may, of his own motion or on the motion of a party, make such order for further advertisement as he thinks fit.

Applications for proofS

37.4.(1)In an action of declarator where no minute has been lodged, the pursuer shall, after such further advertisement as may be ordered under rule 37.3, apply to the sheriff by motion for an order for proof.

(2)A proof ordered under paragraph (1) shall be by affidavit evidence unless the sheriff otherwise directs.

Applications for variation or recall of decreeS

37.5.(1)An application under section 4(1) of the Act of 1977 (variation or recall of decree) shall be made by minute in the process of the action to which it relates.

(2)On the lodging of such a minute, the sheriff shall make an order—

(a)for service on the missing person, where his whereabouts have become known;

(b)for intimation to those persons mentioned in rule 37.2(3) or to dispense with intimation to a person mentioned in rule 37.2(3)(a) or (b); and

(c)for any answers to the minute to be lodged in process within such period as the sheriff thinks fit.

(3)An application under section 4(3) of the Act of 1977 (person interested seeking determination or appointment not sought by applicant for variation order) shall be made by lodging answers containing a crave for the determination or appointment sought.

(4)A person lodging answers containing a crave under paragraph (3) shall, as well as sending a copy of the answers to the minuter—

(a)send a copy of the answers by registered post or the first class recorded delivery service to each person on whom service or intimation of the minute was ordered; and

(b)lodge in process the Post Office receipt or certificate of posting of those answers.

Appointment of judicial factorsS

37.6.(1)The Act of Sederunt (Judicial Factors Rules) 1992 F609 shall apply to an application for the appointment of a judicial factor under section 2(2)(c) or section 4(2) of the Act of 1977 as it applies to a petition for the appointment of a judicial factor.

(2)In the application of rule 37.5 (applications for variation or recall of decree) to an application under section 4(1) of the Act of 1977 in a cause in which variation or recall of the appointment of a judicial factor is sought, for references to a minute there shall be substituted references to a note.

Textual Amendments

CHAPTER 38SEUROPEAN COURT

Interpretation of this ChapterS

38.1.(1)In this Chapter—

  • “appeal” includes an application for leave to appeal;

  • “the European Court” means the Court of Justice of [F249the European Union];

  • “reference” means a reference to the European Court for—

    (a)

    a preliminary ruling under [F610Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union], Article 150 of the Euratom Treaty, or Article 41 of the E.C.S.C. Treaty; or

    (b)

    a ruling on the interpretation of the Conventions, as defined in section 1(1) of the M79Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, under Article 3 of Schedule 2 to that Act.

(2)The expressions F611... “Euratom Treaty” and “E.C.S.C. Treaty” have the meanings assigned respectively in Schedule 1 to the M80European Communities Act 1972.

[F612(3)In paragraph (1), “the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union” means the treaty referred to in section 1(2)(s) of the European Communities Act 1972.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

M791982 c.27; section 1(1) was amended by section 2 of, and Schedule 2 by section 3 of, and Schedule 2 to, the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1991 (c.12).

Applications for referenceS

38.2.(1)A reference may be made by the sheriff of his own motion or on the motion of a party.

F613(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F613Sch. 1 rule 38.2(2) omitted (2.10.2000) by virtue of S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(22)

Preparation of case for referenceS

38.3.(1)Where the sheriff decides that a reference shall be made, he shall continue the cause for that purpose and, within 4 weeks after the date of that continuation, draft a reference.

[F614(1A)Except in so far as the sheriff may otherwise direct, a reference shall be prepared in accordance with Form E1, having regard to the guidance set out in the M81Notes for Guidance issued by the Court of Justice of [F249the European Union] .]

(2)On the reference being drafted, the sheriff clerk shall send a copy to each party.

(3)Within 4 weeks after the date on which copies of the draft have been sent to parties, each party may—

(a)lodge with the sheriff clerk, and

(b)send to every other party,

a note of any adjustments he seeks to have made in the draft reference.

(4)Within 14 days after the date on which any such note of adjustments may be lodged, the sheriff, after considering any such adjustments, shall make and sign the reference.

(5)The sheriff clerk shall forthwith intimate the making of the reference to each party.

Textual Amendments

F614Sch. 1 rule 38.3(1A) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(23)

Marginal Citations

M81The Notes for Guidance are reproduced in the Parliament House Book.

Sist of causeS

38.4.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), on a reference being made, the cause shall, unless the sheriff when making such a reference otherwise orders, be sisted until the European Court has given a preliminary ruling on the question referred to it.

(2)The sheriff may recall a sist made under paragraph (1) for the purpose of making an interim order which a due regard to the interests of the parties may require.

Transmission of referenceS

38.5.(1)Subject to paragraph (2), a copy of the reference, certified by the sheriff clerk, shall be transmitted by the sheriff clerk to the Registrar of the European Court.

(2)Unless the sheriff otherwise directs, a copy of the reference shall not be sent to the Registrar of the European Court where an appeal against the making of the reference is pending.

(3)For the purpose of paragraph (2), an appeal shall be treated as pending—

(a)until the expiry of the time for making that appeal; or

(b)where an appeal has been made, until that appeal has been determined.

[F615CHAPTER 39SPROVISIONS IN RELATION TO CURATORS AD LITEM

Textual Amendments

F615Sch. 1 Ch. 39 (rule 39.1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(24)

Fees and outlays of curators ad litem in respect of childrenS

F61639.1.(1)This rule applies to any civil proceedings whether or not the child is a party to the action.

(2)In an action where the sheriff appoints a curatorad litem to a child, the pursuer shall in the first instance, unless the court otherwise directs, be responsible for the fees and outlays of the curatorad litem incurred during the period from his appointment until the occurrence of any of the following events:–

(a)he lodges a minute stating that he does not intend to lodge defences or to enter the process;

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

(c)the discharge, before the occurrence of the events mentioned in sub paragraphs (a) and (b), of the curator.]

Textual Amendments

F616Sch. 1 Ch. 39 (rule 39(1) inserted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(1)(24)

[F617CHAPTER 40SCOMMERCIAL ACTIONS

Textual Amendments

F617Sch. 1 Ch. 40 inserted (1.3.2001) by S.S.I. 2001/8, para. 2(5)

Application and interpretation of this ChapterS

F61840.1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Proceedings before a nominated sheriffS

40.2.All proceedings in a commercial action shall be brought before–

(a)a sheriff of the sheriffdom nominated by the Sheriff Principal; or

(b)where a nominated sheriff is not available, any other sheriff of the sheriffdom.

Procedure in commercial actionsS

40.3.(1)In a commercial action the sheriff may make such order as he thinks fit for the progress of the case in so far as not inconsistent with the provisions in this Chapter.

(2)Where any hearing is continued, the reason for such continuation shall be recorded in the interlocutor.

Election of procedure for commercial actionsS

40.4.The pursuer may elect to adopt the procedure in this Chapter by bringing an action in Form G1A.

Transfer of action to be a commercial actionS

40.5.(1)In an action within the meaning of rule 40.1(2) in which the pursuer has not made an election under rule 40.4, any party may apply by motion at any time to have the action appointed to be a commercial action.

(2)An interlocutor granted under paragraph (1) shall include a direction as to further procedure.

Appointment of a commercial action as an ordinary causeS

40.6.(1)At any time before, or at the Case Management Conference, the sheriff shall appoint a commercial action to proceed as an ordinary cause–

(a)on the motion of a party where–

(i)detailed pleadings are required to enable justice to be done between the parties; or

(ii)any other circumstances warrant such an order being made; or

(b)on the joint motion of parties.

(2)If a motion to appoint a commercial action to proceed as an ordinary action is refused, no subsequent motion to appoint the action to proceed as an ordinary cause shall be considered except on a material change of circumstances.

(3)Where the sheriff orders that a commercial action shall proceed as an ordinary cause the interlocutor granting such shall prescribe–

(a)a period of adjustment, if appropriate; and

(b)the date, time and place for any options hearing fixed.

(4)In determining what order to make in deciding that a commercial action proceed as an ordinary cause the sheriff shall have regard to the periods prescribed in rule 9.2.

Special requirements for initial writ in a commercial actionS

40.7.(1)Where the construction of a document is the only matter in dispute no pleadings or pleas-in-law require to be included in the initial writ.

(2)There shall be appended to an initial writ in Form G1A a list of the documents founded on or adopted as incorporated in the initial writ.

Notice of Intention to DefendS

40.8.(1)Where the defender intends to–

(a)challenge the jurisdiction of the court;

(b)state a defence; or

(c)make a counterclaim,

he shall, before the expiry of the period of notice lodge with the sheriff clerk a notice of intention to defend in Form O7 and shall, at the same time, send a copy to the pursuer.

(2)The lodging of a notice of intention to defend shall not imply acceptance of the jurisdiction of the court.

DefencesS

40.9.(1)Where a notice of intention to defend has been lodged, the defender shall lodge defences within 7 days after the expiry of the period of notice.

(2)There shall be appended to the defences a list of the documents founded on or adopted as incorporated in the defences.

(3)Subject to the requirement that each article of condescendence in the initial writ need not be admitted or denied, defences shall be in the form of answers that allow the extent of the dispute to be identified and shall have appended a note of the pleas in law of the defender.

Fixing date for Case Management ConferenceS

40.10.(1)On the lodging of defences, the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time for a Case Management Conference, which date shall be on the first suitable courtday occurring not sooner than 14 days, nor later than 28 days after the date of expiry of the period of notice.

(2)On fixing the date for the Case Management Conference, the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)forthwith intimate to the parties the date and time of the Case Management Conference; and

(b)prepare and sign an interlocutor recording that information.

(3)The fixing of the date of the Case Management Conference shall not affect the right of a party to make application by motion, to the court.

Applications for summary decree in a commercial actionS

F61840.11.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Case Management ConferenceS

40.12.(1)At the Case Management Conference in a commercial action the sheriff shall seek to secure the expeditious resolution of the action.

(2)Parties shall be prepared to provide such information as the sheriff may require to determine–

(a)whether, and to what extent, further specification of the claim and defences is required; and

(b)the orders to make to ensure the expeditious resolution of the action. [F619and

(c)whether there is or is likely to be a vulnerable witness within the meaning of section 11(1) of the Act of 2004 who is to give evidence at any proof or hearing, consider any child witness notice or vulnerable witness application that has been lodged where no order has been made and consider whether any order under section 12(1) of the Act of 2004 requires to be made.]

(3)The orders the sheriff may make in terms of paragraph 2(b) may include but shall not be limited to–

(a)the lodging of written pleadings by any party to the action which may be restricted to particular issues;

(b)the lodging of a statement of facts by any party which may be restricted to particular issues;

(c)allowing an amendment by a party to his pleadings;

(d)disclosure of the identity of witnesses and the existence and nature of documents relating to the action or authority to recover documents either generally or specifically;

(e)the lodging of documents constituting, evidencing or relating to the subject matter of the action or any invoices, correspondence or similar documents;

(f)the exchanging of lists of witnesses;

(g)the lodging of reports of skilled persons or witness statements;

(h)the lodging of affidavits concerned with any of the issues in the action;

(i)the lodging of notes of arguments setting out the basis of any preliminary plea;

(j)fixing a debate or proof, with or without any further preliminary procedure, to determine the action or any particular aspect thereof;

(k)the lodging of joint minutes of admission or agreement;

(l)recording admissions made on the basis of information produced; or

(m)any order which the sheriff thinks will result in the speedy resolution of the action (including the use of alternative dispute resolution), or requiring the attendance of parties in person at any subsequent hearing.

(4)In making any order in terms of paragraph (3) the sheriff may fix a period within which such order shall be complied with.

(5)The sheriff may continue the Case Management Conference to a specified date where he considers it necessary to do so–

(a)to allow any order made in terms of paragraph (3) to be complied with; or

(b)to advance the possibility of resolution of the action.

(6)Where the sheriff makes an order in terms of paragraph (3) he may ordain the pursuer to–

(a)make up a record; and

(b)lodge that record in process,

within such period as he thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F619Sch. 1 rule 40.12(2)(c) and word inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), {art. 2(12)}

Lodging of productionsS

40.13.Prior to any proof or other hearing at which the documents listed in terms of rules 40.7(2) and 40.9(2) are to be referred to parties shall, in addition to lodging the productions in terms of rule 21.1, prepare, for the use of the sheriff, a working bundle in which the documents are arranged chronologically or in another appropriate order.

Hearing for further procedureS

40.14.At any time before final judgement, the sheriff may–

(a)of his own motion or on the motion of any party, fix a hearing for further procedure; and

(b)make such other order as he thinks fit.

Failure to comply with rule or order of sheriffS

40.15.Any failure by a party to comply timeously with a provision in this Chapter or any order made by the sheriff in a commercial action shall entitle the sheriff, of his own motion–

(a)to refuse to extend any period for compliance with a provision in these Rules or an order of the court;

(b)to dismiss the action or counterclaim, as the case may be, in whole or in part;

(c)to grant decree in respect of all or any of the craves of the initial writ or counterclaim, as the case may be; or

(d)to make an award of expenses,

as he thinks fit.

Determination of actionS

40.16.It shall be open to the sheriff, at the end of any hearing, to restrict any interlocutor to a finding.

Parts of ProcessS

40.17.All parts of process lodged in a commercial action shall be clearly marked “Commercial Action”.]

[F620CHAPTER 41S PROTECTION FROM ABUSE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2001

Textual Amendments

InterpretationS

41.1.(1)In this Chapter a section referred to by number means the section so numbered in the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001.

(2)Words and expressions used in this Chapter which are also used in the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 have the same meaning as in that Act.

Attachment of power of arrest to interdictS

41.2.(1)An application under section 1(1) (application for attachment of power of arrest to interdict)–

(a)shall be made in the crave in the initial writ, defences or counterclaim in which the interdict to which it relates is applied for, or, if made after the application for interdict, by motion in the process of the action in which the interdict was sought [F621, or by minute, with answers if appropriate, should the sheriff so order]; and

(b)shall be intimated to the person against whom the interdict is sought or was obtained.

(2)Where the sheriff attaches a power of arrest under section 1(2) [F622 or (1A) ]M82(order attaching power of arrest) the following documents shall be served along with the power of arrest in accordance with section 2(1) (documents to be served along with power of arrest):–

(a)a copy of the application for interdict;

(b)a copy of the interlocutor granting interdict; and

(c)where the application to attach the power of arrest was made after the interdict was granted, a copy of the certificate of service of the interdict.

(3)After the power of arrest has been served, the following documents shall be delivered by the person who obtained the power to the chief constable in accordance with section 3(1) (notification to police):–

(a)a copy of the application for interdict;

(b)a copy of the interlocutor granting interdict;

(c)a copy of the certificate of service of the interdict; and

(d)where the application to attach the power of arrest was made after the interdict was granted–

(i)a copy of the application for the power of arrest;

(ii)a copy of the interlocutor granting it; and

(iii)a copy of the certificate of service of the power of arrest and the documents that required to be served along with it in accordance with section 2(1).

[F623(e)where a determination has previously been made in respect of such interdict under section 3(1) of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011, a copy of the interlocutor in Form DA1.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

M82Section 1(1A) was inserted by the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp2)

Extension or recall of power of arrestS

41.3.(1)An application under either of the following provisions shall be made by minute in the process of the action in which the power of arrest was attached:–

(a)section 2(3) (extension of duration of power of arrest);

(b)section 2(7) (recall of power of arrest).

(2)Where the sheriff extends the duration of, or recalls, a power of arrest, the person who obtained the extension or recall must deliver a copy of the interlocutor granting the extension or recall in accordance with section 3(1).

Documents to be delivered to chief constable in relation to recall or variation of interdictS

41.4.Where an interdict to which a power of arrest has been attached under section 1(2) is varied or recalled, the person who obtained the variation or recall must deliver a copy of the interlocutor varying or recalling the interdict in accordance with section 3(1).

Certificate of delivery of documents to chief constableS

41.5.—Where a person is in any circumstances required to comply with section 3(1) he shall, after such compliance, lodge in process a certificate of delivery in Form PA1.]

[F624CHAPTER 41ASDOMESTIC ABUSE (SCOTLAND) ACT 2011

Textual Amendments

Interpretation and application of this ChapterS

41A.1.(1)In this Chapter—

  • “the 2011 Act” means the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011;

  • “interdict” includes interim interdict.

(2)This Chapter applies to an application for a determination under section 3(1) of the 2011 Act that an interdict is a domestic abuse interdict.

Applications for a determination that an interdict is a domestic abuse interdictS

41A.2.(1)An application made before the interdict is obtained must be made by crave in the initial writ, defences or counterclaim in which the interdict is sought.

(2)An application made after the interdict is obtained must be made by minute.

(3)Where a determination is made under section 3(1) of the 2011 Act, the interlocutor shall be in Form DA1.

(4)In pursuance of section 3(4) of the 2011 Act, the applicant must serve a copy of the interlocutor in Form DA1 on the person against whom the interdict has been granted and lodge in process a certificate of service in Form DA2.

(5)Where a determination is recalled under section 3(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, the interlocutor shall be in Form DA3.

(6)Paragraph (7) applies where, in respect of the same interdict—

(a)a power of arrest under section 1 of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001 is in effect; and

(b)a determination under section 3(1) of the 2011 Act is made.

(7)Where a determination is made or where such determination is recalled, the sheriff must appoint a person to send forthwith to [F625the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland] a copy of—

(a)the interlocutor in Form DA1 and the certificate of service in Form DA2; or

(b)the interlocutor in Form DA3,

as the case may be.

(8)Where a person is required by virtue of this Chapter to send documents to [F626the chief constable], such person must, after each such compliance, lodge in process a certificate of sending in Form DA4.]

Textual Amendments

[F627CHAPTER 42S

Textual Amendments

COMPETITION APPEAL TRIBUNALS
InterpretationS

42.1.In this Chapter–

  • “the 1998 Act” means the Competition Act 1998 F628; and

  • “the Tribunal” means the Competition Appeal Tribunal established by section 12 of the Enterprise Act 2002.

Textual Amendments

Transfer of proceedings to the TribunalS

42.2.[F629(1)Where proceedings (or any part of them) relate to an infringement issue, within the meaning of section 16(6) of the Enterprise Act 2002, the sheriff may make an order transferring those proceedings (or that part of them) to the Tribunal—

(a)of the sheriff’s own accord, or

(b)on the motion of a party.

(1A)Where the sheriff orders that such proceedings (or any part of them) are transferred to the Tribunal, the sheriff may make such orders as the sheriff thinks fit to allow the Tribunal to determine the issue.]

(2)Where the sheriff orders that such proceedings (or any part of them) are transferred to the Tribunal, the sheriff clerk shall, within 7 days from the date of such order–

(a)transmit the process (or the appropriate part) to the clerk of the Tribunal;

(b)notify each party to the proceedings in writing of the transmission under sub paragraph (a); and

(c)certify, by making an appropriate entry on the interlocutor sheet, that he has made all notifications required under sub paragraph (b).

(3)Transmission of the process under paragraph (2)(a) shall be valid notwithstanding any failure by the sheriff clerk to comply with paragraph (2)(b) and (c).]

Textual Amendments

F629Sch. 1 rule 42.2(1)(1A) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 42.2(1) (1.2.2016) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Miscellaneous) 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/424), paras. 1(2), 2(2)

[F630[F631CHAPTER 43S CAUSES RELATING TO ARTICLES 101 AND 102 OF THE TREATY ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE EUROPEAN UNION]

Textual Amendments

Intimation of actions to the Office of Fair TradingS

43.1(1)In this rule–

  • [F632“the Treaty” means the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, as referred to in section 1(2)(s) of the European Communities Act 1972;] and

  • “the OFT” means the Office of Fair Trading.

(2)In an action where an issue under [F633Article 101 or 102] of the Treaty is raised–

(a)by the pursuer in the initial writ;

(b)by the defender in the defences;

(c)by any party in the pleadings;

intimation of the action shall be given to the OFT by the party raising the issue by a notice of intimation in Form OFT1.

(3)The initial writ, defences or pleadings in which the issue under [F634Article 101 or 102] of the Treaty is raised shall include a crave for warrant for intimation to the OFT.

(4)A certified copy of an interlocutor granting a warrant under paragraph (3) shall be sufficient authority for the party to intimate by notice in Form OFT1.

(5)A notice of intimation under paragraph (2) 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.

(6)There shall be attached to the notice of intimation–

(a)a copy of the initial writ, defences or pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments), as the case may be;

(b)a copy of the interlocutor allowing intimation of the notice; and

(c)where the pleadings have not been amended in accordance with any minute of amendment, a copy of that minute.]

Textual Amendments

[F635CHAPTER 44SEQUALITY ENACTMENTS

Textual Amendments

Application and interpretationS

44.1.(1)This Chapter applies to claims under the equality enactments.

(2)In this Chapter, “claims under the equality enactments” means proceedings in reparation for breach of statutory duty under any of the following enactments:–

(a)Sex Discrimination Act 1975;

(b)Race Relations Act 1976;

(c)Disability Discrimination Act 1995;

(d)Equality Act 2006.

[F636(e)The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007.]

[F637(3)In this Chapter “the Commission” means the Commission for Equality and Human Rights.]

Textual Amendments

F636Sch. 1 rule 44. 1(2)(e) inserted (20.7.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/339), {art. 2(2)}

Intimation to CommissionS

[F63844.2.The pursuer shall send a copy of the initial writ to the Commission by registered or recorded delivery post.]

Textual Amendments

AssessorS

44.3.(1)The sheriff may, of his own motion or on the motion of any party, appoint an assessor.

(2)The assessor shall be a person who the sheriff considers has special qualifications to be of assistance in determining the cause.

Taxation of Commission expensesS

44.4.F639. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

National securityS

44.5.(1)Where, on a motion under paragraph (3) or of his own motion, the sheriff considers it expedient in the interests of national security, he may–

(a)exclude from all or part of the proceedings–

(i)the pursuer;

(ii)the pursuer's representatives;

(iii)any assessors;

(b)permit a pursuer or representative who has been excluded to make a statement to the court before the commencement of the proceedings or the part of the proceedings, from which he is excluded;

(c)take steps to keep secret all or part of the reasons for his decision in the proceedings.

(2)The sheriff clerk shall, on the making of an order under paragraph (1) excluding the pursuer or his representatives, notify the Advocate General for Scotland of that order.

(3)A party may apply by motion for an order under paragraph (1).

(4)The steps referred to in paragraph (1)(c) may include the following:–

(a)directions to the sheriff clerk; and

(b)orders requiring any person appointed to represent the interests of the pursuer in proceedings from which the pursuer or his representatives are excluded not to communicate (directly or indirectly) with any persons (including the excluded pursuer)–

(i)on any matter discussed or referred to;

(ii)with regard to any material disclosed,

during or with reference to any part of the proceedings from which the pursuer or his representatives are excluded.

(5)Where the sheriff has made an order under paragraph (4)(b), the person appointed to represent the interests of the pursuer may apply by motion for authority to seek instructions from or otherwise communicate with an excluded person.]

[F640CHAPTER 45SVULNERABLE WITNESSES (SCOTLAND) ACT 2004

Textual Amendments

F640Sch. 1 Ch. 45 inserted (1.11.2007) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause, Summary Application, Summary Cause and Small Claim Rules) Amendment (Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004) 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/463), {art. 2(13)}

InterpretationS

45.1.In this Chapter–

  • “child witness notice” has the meaning given in section 12(2) of the Act of 2004;

  • “review application” means an application for review of arrangements for vulnerable witnesses pursuant to section 13 of the Act of 2004;

  • “vulnerable witness application” has the meaning given in section 12(6) of the Act of 2004.

Child Witness NoticeS

45.2.A child witness notice lodged in accordance with section 12(2) of the Act of 2004 shall be in Form G19.

Vulnerable Witness ApplicationS

45.3.A vulnerable witness application lodged in accordance with section 12(6) of the Act of 2004 shall be in Form G20.

IntimationS

45.4.(1)The party lodging a child witness notice or vulnerable witness application shall intimate a copy of the child witness notice or vulnerable witness application to all the other parties to the proceedings and complete a certificate of intimation.

(2)A certificate of intimation referred to in paragraph (1) shall be in Form G21 and shall be lodged with the child witness notice or vulnerable witness application.

Procedure on lodging child witness notice or vulnerable witness applicationS

45.5.(1)On receipt of a child witness notice or vulnerable witness application, the sheriff may–

(a)make an order under section 12(1) or (6) of the Act of 2004 without holding a hearing;

(b)require further information from any of the parties before making any further order;

(c)fix a date for a hearing of the child witness notice or vulnerable witness application.

(2)The sheriff may, subject to any statutory time limits, make an order altering the date of the proof or other hearing at which the child or vulnerable witness is to give evidence and make such provision for intimation of such alteration to all parties concerned as he deems appropriate.

(3)An order fixing a hearing for a child witness notice or vulnerable witness application shall be intimated by the sheriff clerk–

(a)on the day the order is made; and

(b)in such manner as may be prescribed by the sheriff,

to all parties to the proceedings and such other persons as are named in the order where such parties or persons are not present at the time the order is made.

Review of arrangements for vulnerable witnessesS

45.6.(1)A review application shall be in Form G22.

(2)Where the review application is made orally, the sheriff may dispense with the requirements of paragraph (1).

Intimation of review applicationS

45.7.(1)Where a review application is lodged, the applicant shall intimate a copy of the review application to all other parties to the proceedings and complete a certificate of intimation.

(2)A certificate of intimation referred to in paragraph (1) shall be in Form G23 and shall be lodged together with the review application.

Procedure on lodging a review applicationS

45.8.(1)On receipt of a review application, the sheriff may–

(a)if he is satisfied that he may properly do so, make an order under section 13(2) of the Act of 2004 without holding a hearing or, if he is not so satisfied, make such an order after giving the parties an opportunity to be heard;

(b)require of any of the parties further information before making any further order;

(c)fix a date for a hearing of the review application.

(2)The sheriff may, subject to any statutory time limits, make an order altering the date of the proof or other hearing at which the child or vulnerable witness is to give evidence and make such provision for intimation of such alteration to all parties concerned as he deems appropriate.

(3)An order fixing a hearing for a review application shall be intimated by the sheriff clerk–

(a)on the day the order is made; and

(b)in such manner as may be prescribed by the sheriff,

to all parties to the proceedings and such other persons as are named in the order where such parties or persons are not present at the time the order is made.

Determination of special measuresS

45.9.When making an order under section 12(1) or (6) or 13(2) of the Act of 2004 the sheriff may, in light thereof, make such further orders as he deems appropriate in all the circumstances.

Intimation of an order under section 12(1) or (6) or 13(2)S

45.10.An order under section 12(1) or (6) or 13(2) of the Act of 2004 shall be intimated by the sheriff clerk–

(a)on the day the order is made; and

(b)in such manner as may be prescribed by the sheriff,

to all parties to the proceedings and such other persons as are named in the order where such parties or persons are not present at the time the order is made.

Taking of evidence by commissionerS

45.11.(1)An interlocutor authorising the special measure of taking evidence by a commissioner shall be sufficient authority for the citing the witness to appear before the commissioner.

(2)At the commission the commissioner shall–

(a)administer the oath de fideli administratione to any clerk appointed for the commission; and

(b)administer to the witness the oath in Form G14, or where the witness elects to affirm, the affirmation in Form G15.

(3)The commission shall proceed without interrogatories unless, on cause shown, the sheriff otherwise directs.

Commission on interrogatoriesS

45.12.(1)Where interrogatories have not been dispensed with, the party citing or intending to cite the vulnerable witness shall lodge draft interrogatories in process.

(2)Any other party may lodge cross-interrogatories.

(3)The interrogatories and cross-interrogatories, when adjusted, shall be extended and returned to the sheriff clerk for approval and the settlement of any dispute as to their contents by the sheriff.

(4)The party who cited the vulnerable witness shall–

(a)provide the commissioner with a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments), the approved interrogatories and any cross-interrogatories and a certified copy of the interlocutor of his appointment;

(b)instruct the clerk; and

(c)be responsible in the first instance for the fee of the commissioner and his clerk.

(5)The commissioner shall, in consultation with the parties, fix a diet for the execution of the commission to examine the witness.

Commission without interrogatoriesS

45.13.Where interrogatories have been dispensed with, the party citing or intending to cite the vulnerable witness shall–

(a)provide the commissioner with a copy of the pleadings (including any adjustments and amendments) and a certified copy of the interlocutor of his appointment;

(b)fix a diet for the execution of the commission in consultation with the commissioner and every other party;

(c)instruct the clerk; and

(d)be responsible in the first instance for the fees of the commissioner and his clerk.

Lodging of video record and documentsS

45.14.(1)Where evidence is taken on commission pursuant to an order made under section 12(1) or (6) or 13(2) of the Act of 2004 the commissioner shall lodge the video record of the commission and relevant documents with the sheriff clerk.

(2)On the video record and any documents being lodged the sheriff clerk shall–

(a)note–

(i)the documents lodged;

(ii)by whom they were lodged; and

(iii)the date on which they were lodged, and

(b)intimate what he has noted to all parties concerned.

Custody of video record and documentsS

45.15.(1)The video record and documents referred to in rule 45.14 shall, subject to paragraph (2), be kept in the custody of the sheriff clerk.

(2)Where the video record of the evidence of a witness is in the custody of the sheriff clerk under this rule and where intimation has been given to that effect under rule 45.14(2), the name and address of that witness and the record of his evidence shall be treated as being in the knowledge of the parties; and no party shall be required, notwithstanding any enactment to the contrary–

(a)to include the name of that witness in any list of witnesses; or

(b)to include the record of his evidence in any list of productions.

Application for leave for party to be present at the commissionS

45.16.An application for leave for a party to be present in the room where the commission proceedings are taking place shall be by motion.]

[F641CHAPTER 46SCOMPANIES ACT 2006

Textual Amendments

Leave to raise derivative proceedingsS

46.1.(1)Where leave of the court is required under section 266(1) (derivative proceedings: requirement for leave and notice) of the Companies Act 2006 (the “2006 Act”), the applicant must lodge, along with the initial writ, a written application in the form of a letter addressed to the sheriff clerk stating the grounds on which leave is sought.

(2)Subject to paragraph (4), an application under paragraph (1) is not to be served on, or intimated to, any party.

(3)The application is to be placed before the sheriff, who shall consider it for the purposes of section 266(3) of the 2006 Act without hearing the applicant.

(4)Service under section 266(4)(a) of the 2006 Act may be given by any of the methods provided for in Chapter 5 (citation, service and intimation) and a certificate of service must be lodged.

(5)If the company wishes to be heard it must, within 21 days after the date of service of the application, lodge written submissions setting out its position in relation to the application.

(6)Subject to section 266(4)(b) of the 2006 Act, the next stage in the proceedings is a hearing at which the applicant and the company may be heard.

(7)The sheriff clerk is to fix the hearing and intimate its date to the applicant and the company.

(8)Where an application under paragraph (1) is granted, a copy of the sheriff’s interlocutor must be served on the defender along with the warrant of citation.

Application to continue proceedings as derivative proceedingsS

46.2.An application under section 267(2) (application to continue proceedings as derivative proceedings) of the 2006 Act is to be in the form of a minute and Chapter 14 (applications by minute) applies with the necessary modifications.]

[F642CHAPTER 47SACTIONS OF DIVISION AND SALE AND ORDERS FOR DIVISION AND/OR SALE OF PROPERTY

Textual Amendments

Remit to reporter to examine heritable propertyS

47.1.(1)In an action of division and sale of heritable property, the sheriff may, in accordance with paragraph (2), remit to a reporter to examine the property and to report to the sheriff—

(a)whether the property is capable of division in a manner equitable to the interests of the pro indiviso proprietors and, if so, how such division may be effected; and

(b)in the event that the property is to be sold—

(i)whether the property should be sold as a whole or in lots and, if in lots, what those lots should be;

(ii)whether the property should be exposed for sale by public roup or private bargain;

(iii)whether the sale should be subject to any upset or minimum price and, if so, the amount;

(iv)the manner and extent to which the property should be advertised for sale; and

(v)any other matter which the reporter considers pertinent to a sale of the property.

(2)A remit under paragraph (1) shall be made—

(a)where the action is undefended, on the motion of the pursuer at any time after the expiry of the period of notice;

(b)where the action is defended—

(i)at the options hearing, on the motion of any party to the action;

(ii)on the sheriff finding, after a debate or proof, that the pursuer is entitled to bring and insist in the action of division and sale; or

(iii)at such other time as the sheriff thinks fit.

(3)On completion of a report made under paragraph (1), the reporter shall send the report, with a copy for each party, to the sheriff clerk.

(4)On receipt of such report, the sheriff clerk must—

(a)lodge the report in process; and

(b)give written intimation to each party that this has been done and that parties may uplift a copy of the report from the process.

(5)After the lodging of such a report, any party may apply by motion for further procedure or for approval of the report.

(6)At the hearing of a motion under paragraph (5), the sheriff may—

(a)in the event of a challenge to any part of the report, order parties to state their objections to the report and answers to such objections and lodge them within such period as the sheriff thinks fit; or

(b)in the absence of such challenge, order that the property be divided or sold, as the case may be, in accordance with the recommendations of the reporter, subject to such modification, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit.

(7)Where, in accordance with paragraph (6)(a), the lodging of objections and answers has been ordered, the sheriff clerk will fix a date and time for the parties to be heard by the sheriff; and the sheriff may make such order for further procedure as he or she thinks fit.

Division and/or sale of propertyS

47.2.(1)Where the sheriff orders the division and/or sale of property, heritable or otherwise, the sheriff shall direct that the division and/or sale, as the case may be, shall be conducted under the oversight and direction of the sheriff clerk or any other fit person whom the sheriff may appoint for that purpose.

(2)The sheriff clerk or person appointed under paragraph (1), as the case may be, may report any matter of difficulty arising in the course of the division and/or sale to the sheriff.

(3)At a hearing on a report made under paragraph (2), the sheriff may give such directions as the sheriff thinks fit, including authority to the sheriff clerk to sign, on behalf of any proprietor, a disposition of his or her interest in the property.

(4)On the conclusion of a sale of property—

(a)the proceeds of the sale, under deduction of the expenses of the sale, shall be consigned into court; and

(b)the sheriff clerk or the person appointed under paragraph (1), as the case may be, shall lodge in process a report of the sale and a proposed scheme of division of the proceeds of sale.

(5)At the hearing of a motion for approval of a report of the sale of property lodged under paragraph (4) and the proposed scheme of division, the sheriff may—

(a)approve the report and scheme of division, and direct that payment of the proceeds of sale be made in terms of the report;

(b)deal with any question as to the expenses of process or of sale; and

(c)make such other order as the sheriff thinks fit.]

[F643CHAPTER 48SREPORTING RESTRICTIONS

Textual Amendments

Interpretation and application of this ChapterS

48.1.(1)This Chapter applies to orders which restrict the reporting of proceedings.

(2)In this Chapter, “interested person” means a person—

(a)who has asked to see any order made by the sheriff which restricts the reporting of proceedings, including an interim order; and

(b)whose name is included on a list kept by the Lord President for the purposes of this Chapter.

Interim orders: notification to interested personsS

48.2.(1)Where the sheriff is considering making an order, the sheriff may make an interim order.

(2)Where the sheriff makes an interim order, the sheriff clerk shall immediately send a copy of the interim order to any interested person.

(3)The sheriff shall specify in the interim order why the sheriff is considering making an order.

Interim orders: representationsS

48.3.(1)Paragraph (2) applies where the sheriff has made an interim order.

(2)An interested person who would be directly affected by the making of an order shall have an opportunity to make representations to the sheriff before an order is made.

(3)Representations shall—

(a)be made by letter addressed to the sheriff clerk;

(b)where an urgent hearing is sought, include reasons explaining why an urgent hearing is necessary;

(c)be lodged no later than 2 days after the interim order is sent to interested persons in accordance with rule 48.2(2).

(4)Where the period for lodging representations expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or public or court holiday, it shall be deemed to expire on the next day on which the sheriff clerk’s office is open for civil court business.

(5)On representations being made—

(a)the sheriff shall appoint a date and time for a hearing—

(i)on the first suitable court day thereafter; or

(ii)where the sheriff is satisfied that an urgent hearing is necessary, at such earlier date and time as the sheriff may determine;

(b)the sheriff clerk shall—

(i)notify the date and time of the hearing to the parties to the proceedings and the person who has made representations; and

(ii)send a copy of the representations to the parties to the proceedings.

(6)Where no interested person makes representations in accordance with rule 48.3(2), the sheriff clerk shall put the interim order before the sheriff in chambers in order that the sheriff may resume consideration as to whether to make an order.

(7)Where the sheriff, having resumed consideration under rule 48.3(6), makes no order, the sheriff shall recall the interim order.

(8)Where the sheriff recalls an interim order, the sheriff clerk shall immediately notify any interested person.

Notification of reporting restrictionsS

48.4.Where the court makes an order, the sheriff clerk shall immediately—

(a)send a copy of the order to any interested person;

(b)arrange for the publication of the making of the order on the Scottish Court Service website.

Applications for variation or revocationS

48.5.(1)A person aggrieved by an order may apply to the sheriff for its variation or revocation.

(2)An application shall be made by letter addressed to the sheriff clerk.

(3)On an application being made—

(a)the sheriff shall appoint the application for a hearing;

(b)the sheriff clerk shall—

(i)notify the date and time of the hearing to the parties to the proceedings and the applicant;

(ii)send a copy of the application to the parties to the proceedings.

(4)The hearing shall, so far as reasonably practicable, be before the sheriff who made the order.]

[F644CHAPTER 49SADMIRALTY ACTIONS

Textual Amendments

Interpretation of this ChapterS

49.1.In this Chapter—

  • “Admiralty action” means an action having a crave appropriate for the enforcement of a claim to which section 47(2) of the Administration of Justice Act 1956 applies;

  • “ship” has the meaning assigned in section 48(f) of that Act.

Forms of actionS

49.2.(1)An Admiralty action against the owners or demise charterers of, or other parties interested in, a ship or the owners of the cargo may be brought—

(a)in rem, where the crave of the initial writ is directed to recovery in respect of a maritime lien against the ship or cargo or the proceeds of it as sold under order of the sheriff or where arrestment in rem may be made under section 47(3) of the Administration of Justice Act 1956;

(b)in personam, where the crave of the initial writ is directed to a decree against the defender; or

(c)both in rem and in personam, where sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) apply.

(2)When bringing an Admiralty action, the pursuer shall use Form G1 (initial writ) and insert the words “Admiralty Action in rem”, “Admiralty Action in personam” or “Admiralty Action in rem and in personam”, as the case may be, immediately below where the Sheriffdom and court are designed, above the instance.

Actions in remS

49.3.(1)In an Admiralty action in rem—

(a)where the owners or demise charterers of, or other parties interested in, the ship or the owners of the cargo against which the action is directed are known to the pursuer, they shall be called as defenders by name;

(b)where such owners or demise charterers or other parties are unknown to the pursuer—

(i)the pursuer may call them as defenders as “the owners of or parties interested in the ship (name and identify by its port of registry) or the owners of the cargo”; and

(ii)the master, if known, shall also be called as a defender representing the owners or demise charterers.

(2)In an Admiralty action in rem, the ship or cargo shall be arrested in rem and a warrant for such arrestment may include warrant to dismantle where craved in the initial writ.

Actions in personamS

49.4.(1)In an Admiralty action in personam directed against the owners or demise charterers, or other parties, interested in a ship, or the owners of cargo, the defenders shall, if known to the pursuer, be called as defenders by name.

(2)In such an action, where—

(a)the vessel is not a British ship, and

(b)the names of the owners or demise charterers are not known to the pursuer,

the master of the ship may be called as the defender representing the owners or demise charterers.

(3)In an action to which paragraph (2) applies, any warrant to arrest to found jurisdiction shall be executed against the master of the ship in his or her representative capacity.

(4)In an action to which paragraph (2) applies, any decree shall be pronounced against the master in his or her representative capacity.

(5)A decree in an Admiralty action in personam may be pronounced against an owner or demise charterer of, or other party interested in, the ship or the owner of the cargo only where that owner or demise charterer or other party interested, as the case may be, has been called or added as a defender.

Sale of ship or cargoS

49.5.(1)This rule shall not apply to the sale of a cargo arrested on the dependence of an Admiralty action in personam.

(2)Where, in an Admiralty action or an action of declarator and sale of a ship—

(a)the sheriff makes a finding that the pursuer has a claim which falls to be satisfied out of an arrested ship or cargo, or

(b)a decree for a sum of money has been granted in an action in which a ship has been arrested on the dependence,

the pursuer may apply by motion for an order for the sale of that ship or a share in it, or the cargo, as the case may be, by public auction or private bargain.

(3)Before making such an order, the sheriff shall remit to a reporter for the purpose of obtaining—

(a)an inventory of,

(b)a valuation and recommendation upset price for, and

(c)any recommendation as to the appropriate advertisement for the sale of, the ship, share or cargo.

(4)Where a remit is made under paragraph (3), the pursuer shall instruct the reporter within 14 days after the date of the interlocutor making the remit and be responsible, in the first instance, for payment of his or her fee.

(5)On completion of a report following a remit under paragraph (3), the reporter shall send the report and a copy for each party to the sheriff clerk.

(6)On receipt of such a report, the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)give written intimation to each party of receipt of the report;

(b)request the pursuer to show to him or her a discharge in respect of the fee for which the pursuer is responsible under paragraph (4); and

(c)after sight of such a discharge—

(i)lodge the report in process;

(ii)give written intimation to each party that this has been done and that he or she may uplift a copy of the report from process; and

(iii)cause the action to call for a procedural hearing.

(7)Where the sheriff orders the sale of a ship, share or cargo, the conduct of the sale, including any advertisement of it, shall be under the direction of the sheriff clerk.

(8)Where such a sale is the sale of a ship or a share in it, the interlocutor ordering the sale shall include a declaration that the right to transfer the ship or share to the purchaser is vested in the sheriff clerk.

(9)Where, in such a sale, no offer to purchase the ship, share or cargo, as the case may be, has reached the upset price, the pursuer may apply by motion for authority to expose such ship, share or cargo for sale at a reduced upset price.

(10)The proceeds of such a sale shall be consigned into court, under deduction of all dues to the date the sheriff adjudges the ship, share or cargo to belong to the purchaser under paragraph (11)(a), payable to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or to the port or harbour authority within the jurisdiction of which the ship or cargo lies and in respect of which such port or harbour authority has statutory power to detain the ship or cargo.

(11)On consignation being made under paragraph (10), the sheriff shall—

(a)adjudge the ship, share or cargo, as the case may be, declaring the same to belong to the purchaser, freed and disburdened of all bonds, mortgages, liens, rights of retention and other incumbrances affecting it and ordering such ship, share or cargo to be delivered to the purchaser on production of a certified copy of the interlocutor pronounced under this subparagraph; and

(b)order such intimation and advertisement, if any, for claims on the consigned fund as the sheriff thinks fit.

(12)The sheriff shall, after such hearing or inquiry as the sheriff thinks fit—

(a)determine all questions of expenses;

(b)rank and prefer any claimants in order of preference; and

(c)make such other order, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit.

Ship collisions and preliminary actsS

49.6.(1)Subject to rule 49.7 (applications to dispense with preliminary acts), this rule applies to an Admiralty action of damages arising out of a collision between ships at sea.

(2)An action to which this rule applies may be brought in rem, in personam or in rem and in personam.

(3)An initial writ in such an action shall not contain a condescendence or pleas-in-law.

(4)Where such an action is brought in personam, the crave of the initial writ shall contain sufficient detail to enable the defender to identify the date and place of and the ships involved in the collision.

(5)Where a notice of intention to defend has been lodged Rule 9.2 shall, subject to paragraph 11 of this rule, not apply.

(6)Within 7 days after the expiry of the period of notice, the pursuer shall lodge in process a sealed envelope containing—

(a)a preliminary act in Form 49.6; and

(b)a brief condescendence and appropriate pleas-in-law.

(7)Within 28 days after the preliminary act for the pursuer has been lodged under paragraph (6), the defender shall lodge in process a sealed envelope containing a preliminary act in Form 49.6.

(8)A party who lodges a preliminary act under paragraph (6) or (7) shall not send a copy of it to any other party.

(9)On the lodging of a preliminary act by the defender under paragraph (7) the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)open both sealed envelopes;

(b)mark the contents of those envelopes with appropriate numbers of process; and

(c)give written intimation to each party that subparagraphs (a) and (b) have been complied with.

(10)On receipt of the written intimation under paragraph (9)(c), the pursuer and defender shall exchange copies of the contents of their respective envelopes.

(11)Within 7 days after the sealed envelopes have been opened up under paragraph (9), the sheriff clerk shall fix a date and time for an Options Hearing and send parties Form G5 in terms of Rule 9.2.

(12)When the pursuer lodges a record in terms of Rule 9.11 he or she shall do so with a copy of each of the preliminary acts appended to it.

(13)No amendment, adjustment or alteration may be made to a preliminary act except by order of the sheriff.

Applications to dispense with preliminary actsS

49.7.(1)Within 7 days after the expiry of the period of notice, any party may apply for an order to dispense with preliminary acts in an action to which rule 49.6 applies.

(2)An application under paragraph (1) shall be made by minute craving the sheriff to dispense with preliminary acts and setting out the grounds on which the application is made.

(3)Before lodging such a minute in process, the party making the application shall intimate a copy of the minute, and the date on which it will be lodged, to every other party.

(4)Any other party may lodge in process answers to such a minute within 14 days after such a minute has been lodged.

(5)After the expiry of the period mentioned in paragraph (4), the sheriff may, on the motion of any party, after such further procedure, if any, as the sheriff thinks fit, dispense with preliminary acts.

(6)Where the sheriff dispenses with preliminary acts, the pursuer shall lodge a condescendence with appropriate pleas-in-law within such period as the sheriff thinks fit; and the action shall thereafter proceed in the same way as an ordinary action.

(7)Where the sheriff refuses to dispense with preliminary acts, the sheriff shall ordain a party or parties, as the case may be, to lodge preliminary acts under rule 49.6 within such period as the sheriff thinks fit.

(8)An interlocutor dispensing or refusing to dispense with preliminary acts shall be final and not subject to review.

Ship collision and salvage actionsS

49.8.(1)Without prejudice to rule 29.11 (lodging productions), in an Admiralty action arising out of a collision between ships at sea or salvage, the parties shall—

(a)within 4 days after the interlocutor allowing proof,

(b)within 4 days before the taking of evidence on commission, or

(c)on or before such other date as the sheriff, on special cause shown, shall determine,

lodge in process the documents, if any, mentioned in paragraph (2).

(2)The documents to be lodged under paragraph (1) are—

(a)the log books, including scrap log books, of the ships concerned;

(b)all de recenti written reports in connection with the collision or salvage, as the case may be, by the masters or mates of the vessels concerned to their respective owners; and

(c)reports of any surveys of the ship in respect of which damage or salvage is claimed.

Arrestment of ships and arrestment in rem of cargo on board shipS

49.9.(1)An arrestment of a ship in rem or on the dependence, or an arrestment in rem of cargo on board ship, may be executed on any day by a sheriff officer who shall affix the schedule of arrestment—

(a)to the mainmast of the ship;

(b)to the single mast of the ship; or

(c)where there is no mast, to some prominent part of the ship.

(2)In the execution of an arrestment of a ship on the dependence, the sheriff officer shall, in addition to complying with paragraph (1), mark the initials “ER” above the place where the schedule of arrestment is fixed.

(3)On executing an arrestment under paragraph (1), the sheriff officer shall deliver a copy of the schedule of arrestment and a copy of the certificate of execution of it to the master of the ship, or other person on board in charge of the ship or cargo, as the case may be, as representing the owners or demise charterers of, or parties interested in, the ship or the owners of the cargo, as the case may be.

(4)Where the schedule of arrestment and the copy of the certificate of execution of it cannot be delivered as required under paragraph (3)—

(a)the certificate of execution shall state that fact; and

(b)either—

(i)the arrestment shall be executed by serving it on the harbour master of the port where the ship lies; or

(ii)where there is no harbour master, or the ship is not in a harbour, the pursuer shall enrol a motion for such further order as to intimation and advertisement, if any, as may be necessary.

(5)A copy of the schedule of arrestment and a copy of the certificate of execution of it shall be delivered by the sheriff officer to the harbour master, if any, of any port where the ship lies.

Arrestment of cargoS

49.10.(1)An arrestment of cargo on board a ship shall be executed by a sheriff officer who shall serve the schedule of arrestment on—

(a)the master of the ship;

(b)any other person in charge of the ship or cargo; or

(c)other proper arrestee.

(2)Where the schedule of arrestment cannot be executed in accordance with paragraph (1), the arrestment may be executed as provided for in rule 49.9(4) and (5).

Forms for diligence in admiralty actionsS

49.11.(1)In the execution of diligence in an Admiralty action, the following forms shall be used—

(a)in the case of—

(i)an arrestment to found jurisdiction (other than the arrestment of a ship), a schedule in Form 49.11-A and a certificate of execution in Form 49.11-E;

(ii)an arrestment of a ship to found jurisdiction, a schedule in Form 49.11-AA and a certificate of execution in Form 49.11-F;

(b)subject to subparagraph (e), in the case of an arrestment on the dependence, a schedule in Form G4B and a certificate of execution in Form 49.11-E;

(c)in the case of an arrestment in rem of a ship, cargo or other maritime res to enforce a maritime hypothec or lien, a schedule in Form 49.11-B and a certificate of execution in Form 49.11-G;

(d)in the case of an arrestment in rem of a ship to enforce a non-pecuniary claim, a schedule in Form 49.11-C and a certificate of execution in Form 49.11-G;

(e)in the case of an arrestment on the dependence of—

(i)a cargo on board a ship, a schedule in Form G4B;

(ii)a ship, a schedule in Form 49.11-D,

and a certificate of execution in Form 49.11-H.

(2)Where two or more of the arrestments mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), (b) and (c) are to be executed, they may be combined in one schedule of arrestment.

Movement of arrested propertyS

49.12.(1)Any person who has an interest in a ship or cargo which is the subject of an arrestment under this Chapter may apply by motion for a warrant authorising the movement of the ship or cargo.

(2)Where the sheriff grants a warrant sought under paragraph (1), the sheriff may make such further order as the sheriff thinks fit to give effect to that warrant.

Arrestment before serviceS

49.13.Before the service of an Admiralty action, where it is craved in the initial writ, the pursuer may apply by motion for warrant for arrestment of any of the types of arrestment mentioned in this Chapter.]

[F645CHAPTER 50SLODGING AUDIO OR AUDIO-VISUAL RECORDINGS OF CHILDREN

Textual Amendments

InterpretationS

50.1.In this Chapter “child” is a person under the age of 16 on the date of commencement of the proceedings and “children” shall be construed accordingly.

Lodging an audio or audio-visual recording of a childS

50.2.(1)Where a party seeks to lodge an audio or audio-visual recording of a child as a production, such party must—

(a)ensure that the recording is in a format that can be heard or viewed by means of equipment available in court;

(b)place the recording together with a copy of the relevant inventory of productions in a sealed envelope marked with—

(i)the names of the parties to the court action;

(ii)the case reference number;

(iii)(where available) the date and time of commencement and of termination of the recording; and

(iv)“recording of a child – confidential”.

(2)The sealed envelope must be lodged with the sheriff clerk.

(3)In the remainder of this Chapter a “recording of a child” means any such recording lodged under this rule.

Separate inventory of productionsS

50.3.(1)On each occasion that a recording of a child is lodged, a separate inventory of productions shall be lodged in process.

(2)The sheriff clerk will mark the date of receipt and the number of process on the sealed envelope containing a recording of a child.

Custody of a recording of a childS

50.4.(1)A recording of a child—

(a)must be kept in the safe custody of the sheriff clerk;

(b)subject to rule 50.5, will not form a borrowable part of the process.

(2)The seal of the envelope containing a recording of a child shall be broken only with the authority of the sheriff and on such conditions as the sheriff thinks fit (which conditions may relate to listening to or viewing the recording).

Access to a recording of a childS

50.5.(1)A party may lodge a written motion to gain access to and listen to or view a recording of a child.

(2)The sheriff may refuse a motion or grant it on such conditions as the sheriff thinks fit, including—

(a)allowing only such persons as the sheriff may specify to listen to or view the recording;

(b)specifying the location where such listening or viewing is to take place;

(c)specifying the date and time when such listening or viewing is to take place;

(d)allowing a copy of the recording to be made (in the same or different format) and arrangements for the safe-keeping and disposal of such copy;

(e)arrangements for the return of the recording and re-sealing the envelope.

[F646(3)An application for leave to appeal against the decision of the sheriff on that motion must be made immediately.]

Textual Amendments

Incidental appeal against rulings on access to a recording of a childS

F64750.6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

ExceptionsS

50.7.(1)The sheriff may, on the application of a party and on cause shown, disapply the provisions of this Chapter.

(2)An application under paragraph (1) shall be made—

(a)at the time of presenting the recording for lodging;

(b)by letter addressed to the sheriff clerk stating the grounds on which the application is made.

Application of other rulesS

50.8.(1)The following rules do not apply to a recording of a child—

(a)rule 9A.2(2) (inspection of documents);

(b)rule 11.6(1) (intimation of parts of process and adjustments), in so far as it would otherwise require a party to deliver a copy of a recording of a child to every other party;

(c)rule 29.12(1) (copy productions).]

[F648CHAPTER 51SLAND REGISTRATION ETC.

Textual Amendments

Interpretation of this ChapterS

51.1.In this Chapter—

  • “the 2012 Act” means the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012;

  • “plot of land” has the meaning given by section 3(4) and (5) of the 2012 Act;

  • “proprietor” has the meaning given by section 113(1) of the 2012 Act.

Applications under Part 6 of the 2012 ActS

51.2.(1)An application under section 67(2) (warrant to place a caveat) of the 2012 Act shall be made by motion.

(2)The motion shall—

(a)identify, by reference to section 67(1) of the 2012 Act, the type of civil proceedings constituted by the action;

(b)in respect of each plot of land, contain—

(i)a description of the registered plot of land;

(ii)the title number; and

(iii)the name and address of the proprietor;

(c)where the caveat is to apply only to part of a plot of land, be accompanied by a plan indicating the part so affected.

(3)An application under the following provisions of the 2012 Act shall be made by motion—

(a)section 69(1) (renewal of caveat);

(b)section 70(1) (restriction of caveat);

(c)section 71(1) (recall of caveat).

Form of orders under Part 6 of the 2012 ActS

51.3.(1)An order under section 67(3) or 69(2) of the 2012 Act shall be in Form 51.3-A.

(2)An order under section 70(2) of the 2012 Act shall be in Form 51.3-B.

(3)An order under section 71(2) of the 2012 Act shall be in Form 51.3-C.

Effect of warrant to place or renew caveatS

51.4.A certified copy of an order in Form 51.3-A may be registered in the Register of Inhibitions and Adjudications.

Form of order for rectification of a documentS

51.5.An order for rectification under section 8 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 in respect of a document which has been registered in the Land Register of Scotland shall be in Form 51.5.]

[F649CHAPTER 52SMUTUAL RECOGNITION OF PROTECTION MEASURES IN CIVIL MATTERS

Textual Amendments

InterpretationS

52.1.In this Chapter—

  • “Article 5 certificate” means a certificate issued under Article 5 of the Regulation;

  • “Article 14 certificate” means a certificate issued under Article14 of the Regulation;

  • “person causing the risk” has the meaning given by Article 3(3) of the Regulation;

  • “protected person” has the meaning given by Article 3(2) of the Regulation;

  • “protection measure” has the meaning given by Article 3(1) of the Regulation;

  • “registered post service” has the meaning given by section 125(1) of the Postal Services Act 2000;

  • “the Regulation” means Regulation (EU) No. 606/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters.

Form of application for Article 5 certificateS

52.2.An application for the issue of an Article 5 certificate shall be made by lodging Form 52.2 in process.

Issue of Article 5 certificateS

52.3.The sheriff shall issue an Article 5 certificate where—

(a)the order in respect of which the certificate is sought is a protection measure;

(b)the person applying for the certificate is a protected person in respect of the protection measure;

(c)the first condition specified in rule 52.4 is satisfied; and

(d)the second condition specified in rule 52.4 is satisfied, if the protection measure is an interim interdict.

Conditions for issue of Article 5 certificateS

52.4.(1)The first condition is that—

(a)at the hearing when the interlocutor granting the protection measure was pronounced, the person causing the risk was—

(i)personally present in court; or

(ii)represented by a solicitor or an advocate; or

(b)the interlocutor granting the protection measure has been intimated to the person causing the risk.

(2)The second condition is that either paragraph (3) or (4) applies.

(3)This paragraph applies where—

(a)the writ seeking interdict was intimated to the person causing the risk before interim interdict was granted;

(b)interim interdict was granted pursuant to a motion intimated on the person causing the risk; and

(c)the person causing the risk had a sufficient opportunity to oppose the motion, whether or not he or she did so.

(4)This paragraph applies where the sheriff is satisfied that the person causing the risk has had a sufficient opportunity to apply for recall of the interim interdict.

(5)Where the sheriff requires to be satisfied that any writ, motion or interlocutor has been intimated for the purposes of this rule, it is for the person on whose behalf intimation has been given to lodge in process a certificate of intimation if such a certificate is not already in process.

Notice of issue of Article 5 certificateS

52.5.(1)Where the sheriff issues an Article 5 certificate, the sheriff clerk shall—

(a)give the protected person—

(i)the certificate, and

(ii)a certified copy of the interlocutor granting the protection measure; and

(b)give the person causing the risk notice of the issue of the certificate in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (4).

(2)Where the address of the person causing the risk is known, notice shall be given by sending that person—

(a)a notice in Form 52.5‒A,

(b)a copy of the certificate; and

(c)a copy of the interlocutor granting the protection measure.

(3)Where the address of the person causing the risk is outwith the United Kingdom, the sheriff clerk shall send the documents mentioned in paragraph (2) by a registered post service.

(4)Where the address of the person causing the risk is not known, notice shall be given by displaying on the walls of court a notice in Form 52.5‒B.

(5)In this rule, “Article 5 certificate” includes a rectified Article 5 certificate issued under Article 9(1)(a) of the Regulation.

Effect of variation of orderS

52.6.Where the order in respect of which a certificate under Article 5 of the Regulation is sought has been varied prior to the issue of the certificate—

(a)the reference to the order in rule 52.3(a) is to the order as so varied; and

(b)the references to the interlocutor in rule 52.5 include a reference to any interlocutor varying the order.

Application for rectification or withdrawal of Article 5 certificateS

52.7.(1)An application to the sheriff under Article 9 of the Regulation for rectification or withdrawal of an Article 5 certificate shall be made by lodging Form 52.7 in process.

(2)The sheriff may determine an application without a hearing unless the sheriff considers that a hearing is required.

Issue of Article 14 certificateS

52.8.(1)An application for the issue of an Article 14 certificate shall be made by letter addressed to the sheriff clerk.

(2)Where the sheriff issues an Article 14 certificate, the sheriff clerk shall send the certificate to the party on whose application the certificate was issued.]

[F650CHAPTER 53SPROVING THE TENOR

Textual Amendments

Application of this ChapterS

53.1.This Chapter applies to an action of proving the tenor.

PartiesS

53.2.(1)The pursuer must call as a defender every person who (so far as known to the pursuer) has an interest in the document to be proved.

(2)Where only the pursuer has such an interest, the pursuer must call the Lord Advocate as a defender, as representing the public interest.

Supporting evidenceS

53.3.When lodging an initial writ, the pursuer must lodge in process supporting documentary evidence of the tenor of the document to be proved, so far as in the possession or control of the pursuer.

Undefended actionsS

53.4.(1)This rule applies where no notice of intention to defend has been lodged.

(2)Evidence is to be given by affidavit unless the sheriff otherwise directs.

(3)The pursuer may apply for decree by minute in Form 53.4.

(4)The sheriff may, on consideration of that minute, supporting documentary evidence and affidavits, without requiring appearance—

(a)grant decree in terms of the minute; or

(b)remit the cause for further procedure (including proof by parole evidence).

CHAPTER 54SREDUCTION

Application of this ChapterS

54.1.This Chapter applies to an action of reduction.

Craves for suspension and interdictS

54.2.(1)This rule applies to an action that seeks to reduce a document upon which real or personal diligence may proceed.

(2)The pursuer may include in the initial writ, in relation to that diligence, craves for suspension and interdict.

Production: objection by defenderS

54.3.(1)This rule applies where a defender objects to satisfying a crave for production of a document sought to be reduced.

(2)The defender must state in the defences—

(a)the grounds of objection; and

(b)any defence on the merits of the action.

(3)The defender is not required to satisfy a crave for production at the time of lodging defences.

(4)Where the sheriff repels or reserves an objection to satisfying a crave for production, the defender must be ordered to satisfy that crave within such period as the sheriff thinks fit.

(5)Where the defender, following that order, lodges in process any document, a motion to hold production satisfied (or satisfied in respect of the document lodged) must also be made.

(6)Where the defender does not comply with that order, the pursuer may make a motion for decree by default.

Production: no objection by defenderS

54.4.(1)This rule applies where a defender does not state an objection to satisfying a crave for production of a document sought to be reduced.

(2)The defender must, when lodging defences—

(a)lodge in process any such document in the defender’s possession or control; and

(b)make a motion to hold production satisfied (or satisfied in respect of the document lodged).

(3)If the defender does not do so, the pursuer may make a motion for decree by default.

Production: pursuer to satisfyS

54.5.(1)This rule applies where the pursuer has possession or control of a document in respect of which reduction is craved.

(2)The pursuer must lodge that document in process with the initial writ.

(3)The sheriff may, at any stage, order the pursuer to satisfy a crave for production of a document sought to be reduced.

(4)Where the pursuer does not comply with that order, the defender may make a motion for dismissal.

(5)When lodging a document under subparagraph (2) or (3), the pursuer must make a motion to hold production satisfied (or satisfied in respect of the document lodged).

Production: joint minute for reductionS

54.6.(1)This rule applies where—

(a)a crave for production has not been satisfied, and

(b)parties enter into a joint minute in terms of which the decree of reduction is to be pronounced.

(2)The document to be reduced must be lodged in process with the joint minute.

(3)The terms of the joint minute must be sufficient to enable the sheriff to hold the crave for production satisfied.

Production: satisfaction by a copyS

54.7.The sheriff may, with the consent of the parties, hold production to be satisfied by a copy of the document sought to be reduced.]

Rule 1.4

F651APPENDIX 1 S FORMS

Textual Amendments

F651Sch. 1 (with Appendices 1, 2) substituted (1.1.1994) for Sch. 1 (with Appendix) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Ordinary Cause Rules) 1993 (S.I. 1993/1956), para. 2, Sch. 1

[F652Form 1A.2]

Textual Amendments

[F653Form G1]

Textual Amendments

F654 Form G1A

Textual Amendments

F655Form G2

. . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F655Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form G2 omitted (28.4.2006) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Caveat Rules) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/198), para. 4(2) (with para. 5)

Form G3 and Form G4

F656 Form G4A

Textual Amendments

F657 Form G4B

Textual Amendments

F657 Form G4C

F658 Form G5

Textual Amendments

Form G6

[F659Form G6A]

Textual Amendments

F660 Form G7

Textual Amendments

F661 Form G7A

Textual Amendments

F661 Form G7B

F661 Form G7C

F662 Form G8

Textual Amendments

F663 Form G9

Textual Amendments

[F664Form G9A]

Textual Amendments

F665Form G10

Textual Amendments

[F666Form G11

Textual Amendments

F666Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Forms G11, G11A, G11B, G11C, G11D substituted for Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form G11 (7.7.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session, Ordinary Cause Rules and Summary Cause Rules Amendment) (Miscellaneous) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/152), paras. 1(2), 3(6), sch.

Form G11A

Form G11B

Form G11C

Form G11D]

F667Form G12

Textual Amendments

F668Form G13

Textual Amendments

[F669Form G13A]

Textual Amendments

Form G14 and Form G15

F670Form G16

Textual Amendments

Form G17

F671Form G18

Textual Amendments

F672Form G19

Textual Amendments

F672Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form G19 in para. 3 the word “eighteen" is substituted for "sixteen" (1.9.2015) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (No. 3) (Miscellaneous) 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/283), paras. 1(2), 3(2)

Form G20

Form G21

Form G22

Form G23

F673Form O1 and Form O2

Textual Amendments

F674Form O2A

...

Textual Amendments

F675F676F677F678Form O3

Textual Amendments

F675Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Forms O3, O3A substituted (1.12.2009) for Form O3 by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/294), paras. 1(2), 2(4), Sch. 1 (with para. 6)

F677Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form O3 Pt. B s. 5 heading: words “(Please attach a copy of the agreement if you have retained it and insert details of the agreement where known)” inserted (4.4.2011) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/193), paras. 1(1), 9(2)(a) (with para. 20)

F678Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form O3 words “(Please attach a copy of the agreement)” after s. 5(b) omitted (4.4.2011) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/193), paras. 1(1), 9(2)(b) (with para. 20)

F675Form O3A

F679F680Form O4

Textual Amendments

F681F682F683Form O5

Textual Amendments

F684Form O5A

...

Textual Amendments

F685F686F687Form O6

Textual Amendments

F687Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form O6: words “(In actions to which rule 3.2(3) applies, state whether Form O2A was sent in accordance with rule 3.3)” omitted (30.9.2010) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Enforcement of Securities over Heritable Property) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/324), paras. 1(1), 2(11)(b) (with para. 2(12), (13))

F688Form O7

Textual Amendments

F689Form O7A

Textual Amendments

F689Form O7B

F689Form O7C

F690Form O8

Textual Amendments

Form O9

F691Form O10

Textual Amendments

F692...

Textual Amendments

Form F1

Form F2

Form F3

Form F4

F693Form F5

Textual Amendments

F694Form F6

Textual Amendments

F695Form F7

Textual Amendments

F696F697F698Form F8

Textual Amendments

F697 Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F8 heading substituted to become “Form of notice to local authority” (1.1.2011) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/416), paras. 1(1), 7(4)(a)(ii) (with para. 7(5))

F699F700Form F9

Textual Amendments

Form F10

Form F11

F701Form F12

Textual Amendments

F702F703Form F12A

Textual Amendments

F704Form F12B

Textual Amendments

F705Form F12C

Textual Amendments

F706Form F12D

Textual Amendments

F707 [F708Form F12E] F709F710

Textual Amendments

F708Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form CO1 renumbered as Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F12E (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 8(2)(a) (with para. 15)

F709Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F12E moved to position following Form F12D (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 8(3) (with para. 15)

F710 Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form 12E: the words “Rule 33.7(1)(p)” substituted for “Rule 33B.2(2)(b)” (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 8(2)(b) (with para. 15)

Form F13

[F711Form F13A]

Textual Amendments

Form F14

Form F15

Form F16

F712Form F17

Textual Amendments

Form F18

F713F714Form F19

Textual Amendments

Form F20

F715F716F717Form F21

Textual Amendments

F717Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F21 in paragraph 1(b) the word “spouse” is substituted for “wife [or husband]” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(2)

Form F22

F718F719Form F23

Textual Amendments

F720F721F722Form F24

Textual Amendments

F722Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F24 in paragraph 2 the word “spouse” is substituted for “wife [or husband]” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(3)

F723F724Form F24A

Textual Amendments

F724Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F24A para. 1 substituted (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(4)

F725Form F25

.....

Textual Amendments

F725Sch. 1 Appendix 1: forms F25 omitted (1.11.1996) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Family Proceedings in the Sheriff Court) 1996 (S.I. 1996/2167), para. 2, Sch. {para. 35(b)}

F726Form F26

Textual Amendments

Form F27

Form F28 and Form 29

F727F728F729F730F731 F732 F733 Form F31

Textual Amendments

F729Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F31 amended (4.5.2006) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 etc.) 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/207), para. 2(60)

F731Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F31 in Part 3 in the applicant’s affidavit the word “spouse” is substituted for “husband/wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(5)(c)

F732Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F31 in Part 2 in the notice to consenting spouse the word “spouse” is substituted for “husband or wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(5)(b)

F733Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F31 in each of the heading of the form and the heading of Part 2 the word “spouses” is substituted for “husband and wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(5)(a)

F734F735F736F737 F738Form F33

Textual Amendments

F737Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F33 Part 1 para. 12 the word “spouse” is substituted for “husband or wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(6)(b)

F738Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F33 in the heading of the form the word “spouses” is substituted for “husband and wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(6)(a)

F739F740F741 F742Form F33A

Textual Amendments

F741Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F33A s. 7(iii)(iv) is inserted (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(7)(a)

F742Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F33A para. 11 the word “spouse” is substituted for “husband or wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(7)(b)

F743F744Form F34

Textual Amendments

F744Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F34 in the heading of the form the word “spouses” is substituted for “husband and wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(8)

F745F746F747Form F35

Textual Amendments

F747Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form F35 in the heading of the form the word “spouses” is substituted for “husband and wife” (16.12.2014) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment No. 2) (Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014) 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/302), paras. 1(2), 6(9)

F748F749Form F35A

Textual Amendments

Form F36

Form F37

Form F38

Form F39 and F40

F750Form F41

Textual Amendments

F751...

Textual Amendments

F751...

[F752Form F44]

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP1

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP2

F753Form CP3

F753Form CP4

F753Form CP5

F753F754F755Form CP6

Textual Amendments

F754 Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form CP6 heading substituted to become “Form of notice to local authority” (1.1.2011) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/416), paras. 1(1), 7(4)(b)(ii) (with para. 7(5))

F753Form CP7

F753Form CP8

F753Form CP9

F753Form CP10

F753Form CP11

F753Form CP12

F756Form CP12A

Textual Amendments

F757Form CP12B

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP13

[F758Form CP13A]

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP14

F753Form CP15

F753Form CP16

F753Form CP17

F753Form CP18

F753Form CP19

F753F759Form CP20

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP21

F753F760Form CP22

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP23

F753F761Form CP24

Textual Amendments

F753F762Form CP25

Textual Amendments

F753F763Form CP25A

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP26

F753Form CP27

F753F764Form CP29

Textual Amendments

F753F765Form CP30

Textual Amendments

F753F766Form CP31

Textual Amendments

F753F767Form CP32

Textual Amendments

F753F768Form CP33

Textual Amendments

F753Form CP34

F753Form CP35

F753Form CP36

F753Form CP37

[F769Form CP38]

Textual Amendments

Form H2 and Form H3 and Form H4

F770Form H5

Textual Amendments

Form M1

Form M2

Form M3

Form M4

Form M5

Form M6

F771[F772Form PI1]

Textual Amendments

F771Form PI2

F771F773Form PI3

Textual Amendments

F773Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form PI3: words “Court ref. no ( )” inserted below the title (29.7.2010) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/279), paras. 1(2), 4(6)(a) (with para. 4(8))

F771[F774Form PI4]

Textual Amendments

F771F775Form PI5

Textual Amendments

F775Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form PI5 the words “pre-trial minute” substituted for “pre-proof minute” (22.9.2015) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (No. 2) (Personal Injury and Remits) 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/227), paras. 1(2), 8(16)(g) (with para. 11(2)(3))

F771F776F777Form PI6

Textual Amendments

F776Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form PI6: words “Court ref. no ( )” inserted below the title (29.7.2010) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/279), paras. 1(2), 4(6)(a) (with para. 4(8))

F771[F778Form PI7 ]

Textual Amendments

[F779Form PI8

Textual Amendments

Form PI9]

Form D1

Form D2

F780Form P1

Textual Amendments

Form P2

F781Form E1

Textual Amendments

F782F783Form PA1

Textual Amendments

F782Sch. 1 Appendix 1: Form PA1 inserted (8.3.2002) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules) Amendment (Applications under the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001) 2002 (S.S.I. 2002/128), para. 2(3), Sch.

F783Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form PA1: the words “the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland” substituted for “(insert name and address) chief constable of (insert name of constabulary)” (27.5.2013) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/135), paras. 1(1), 4(3)(a)

F784F785Form DA1

Textual Amendments

F785Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form DA1: the words “the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland” substituted for “(insert name(s) and address(es) of chief constable(s))*” (27.5.2013) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/135), paras. 1(1), 4(3)(b)(i)

F786Form DA2

Textual Amendments

F787F788Form DA3

Textual Amendments

F788Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form DA3: the words “the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland” substituted for “(insert name(s) and address(es) of chief constable(s))*” (27.5.2013) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/135), paras. 1(1), 4(3)(b)(ii)

F789F790F791Form DA4

Textual Amendments

F790Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form DA4: the words "the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland” substituted for “(insert name and address) of chief constable(s)) chief constable(s) of (insert name(s) of constabulary)" (27.5.2013) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/135), paras. 1(1), 4(3)(c)(i)

F791Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form DA4: the title of the Form becomes “Form of certificate of sending documents to the chief constable" (27.5.2013) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/135), paras. 1(1), 4(3)(c)(ii)

F792

F793Form OFT1

Textual Amendments

F792Sch. 1 Appendix 1 Form OFT1: the words "Article 101 or 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union” substituted for "Article 81 or 82 of the Treaty establishing the European Community” (1.11.2012) by the Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 3) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/271), para. 6(5)

[F794Form 49.6]

Textual Amendments

[F794Form 49.11A]

[F794Form 49.11AA]

[F794Form 49.11B]

[F794Form 49.11C]

[F794Form 49.11D]

[F794Form 49.11E]

[F794Form 49.11F]

[F794Form 49.11G]

[F794Form 49.11H]

[F795Form 51.3-A

Textual Amendments

Form 51.3-B

Form 51.3-C]

[F796Form 51.5]

Textual Amendments

[F797Form 52.2

Textual Amendments

Form 52.5-A

Form 52.5-B

Form 52.7]

[F798Form 53.4]

Textual Amendments

Rule 30.6(1)

F799APPENDIX 2 SFORMS FOR EXTRACT DECREES

Textual Amendments

F799Sch. 1 (with appendices 1 and 2) substituted (1.1.1994) for Sch. 1 (with appendix) by S.I. 1993/1956, para. 2, Sch. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12Sch. 1 Appendix 2: form 8 omitted (1.1.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1996/2445, para. 3(66)

Sch. 1 Appendix 2: forms 10, 11, 12 substituted, form 13 omitted (2.10.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/239, para. 3(26)(a)(b), Sch. 2

[F800Appendix 3SSCHEDULE OF TIMETABLE UNDER PERSONAL INJURIES PROCEDURE

Textual Amendments

Rule 36.G1(1B)

Steps referred to under rule 36.G1(1A)

Period of time within which action must be carried out*

Application for a third party notice under rule 20.1 (rule 36.G1(1A)(a))Not later than 28 days after defences have been lodged
Pursuer [F801serving] a commission for recovery of documents under rule 36.D1 (rule 36.G1(1A)(b))Not later than 28 days after defences have been lodged
Parties adjusting their pleadings (rule 36.G1(1A)(c))Not later than 8 weeks after defences have been lodged
Pursuer lodging a statement of valuation of claim in process (rule 36.G1(1A)(d))Not later than 8 weeks after defences have been lodged
Pursuer lodging a record (rule 36.G1(1A)(e))Not later than 10 weeks after defences have been lodged
Defender (and any third party to the action) lodging a statement of valuation of claim in process (rule 36.G1(1A)(f))Not later than 12 weeks after defences have been lodged
Parties lodging in process a list of witnesses together with any productions upon which they wish to rely (rule 36.G1(1A)(g))Not later than 8 weeks before the date assigned for the proof
Pursuer lodging in process the minute of the pre-proof conference (rule 36.G1(1A)(h))Not later than 21 days before the date assigned for the proof
*NOTE: Where there is more than one defender in an action, references in the above table to defences having been lodged should be read as references to the first lodging of defences.]

Textual Amendments

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