Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907

PART I S GENERAL PROVISIONS

Interpretation of this Chapter S

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;

[F1 (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 M1 ;

• “the Act of 1995” means the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 M2 ;

• “the Act of 2004” means the Civil Partnership Act 2004 M3 ;

• “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 M4 ;

• [F2 “incapable” means incapable, by reason of mental disorder, of—

  (a)

  acting;

  (b)

  making decisions;

  (c)

  communicating decisions;

  (d)

  understanding decisions; or

  (e)

  retaining the memory of decisions,

  but a person is not incapable by reason only of a lack of deficiency in a faculty of communication where that lack or deficiency can be made good by human or mechanical aid (whether of an interpretative nature or otherwise);]

• “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 M5 ;

• “mental disorder” has the meaning assigned in section 328 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 M6 ;

• “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 M7 .

(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

F1 Sch. 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)}

F2 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.1(2) inserted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(4) (with para. 4)

Marginal Citations

M1 1985 c. 37.

M2 1995 c. 36.

M3 2004 c. 33.

M4 2004 c. 7.

M5 1994 c. 39; section 2(2) was amended by the Environment Act 1995 (c. 25), Schedule 22, paragraph 232(1).

M6 2003 asp 13.

M7 Section 11 was amended by S.S.I. 2005/42.

[F3 Averments in certain civil partnership actions about other proceedings] S

33A.2. (1) This rule applies to an action of dissolution [F4 or 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

F3 Sch. 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)}

F4 Words 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 sought S

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 [F5 or 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.

[F6 (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

F5 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.3(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), para. 2(43)

F6 Sch. 1 rule 33A.3(1)(c) inserted (28.9.2009) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007) 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/284), paras. 1(1), 3(3)

Averments where identity or address of person not known S

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 orders S

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 F7 ) 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

F7 1987 c. 18; section 106 wad amended by the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000 (c. 19), Schedule 3, paragraph 7(3).

Averments where aliment or financial provision sought S

33A.6. (1) In this rule–

• “the Act of 1991” means the Child Support Act 1991 F8 ;

• “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 F9 (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

F8 1991 c. 48.

F9 Section 8 was amended by S.I. 2003/192.

Warrants and forms for intimation S

33A.7. (1) Subject to [F10 paragraph (5) and rule 33A.7A (warrants and forms for intimation to a child and for seeking a child’s views)], 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 M8 ,

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 [F11 or 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;

F12 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(g) in an action where the pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(aa) of the Act of 1985 M9 (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 M10 (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; F14 ...

(k) in an action where a pursuer makes an application for an order under section 8(1)(baa) of the Act of 1985 M11 (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.

[F15 (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.

F16 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) Where the address of a person mentioned in paragraph (1)(c), (d), F17 ... (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) [F18 or a child mentioned in rule 33A.7A(1)] 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.

F19 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F10 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(1) substituted (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(11)(a)(i) (with para. 4)

F11 Words 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)

F12 Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(1)(e) omitted (1.1.2011) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/416), paras. 1(1), 7(3)(a)(i) (with para. 7(5))

F13 Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(1)(f) omitted (24.6.2019) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(11)(a)(ii) (with para. 4)

F14 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33A.07(1)(j) omitted (6.4.2011) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/193), paras. 1(2), 15(4)(a) (with para. 20)

F15 Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(1)(l)(m) inserted (6.4.2011) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/193), paras. 1(2), 15(4)(b) (with para. 20)

F16 Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(4) omitted (1.1.2011) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/416), paras. 1(1), 7(3)(a)(ii) (with para. 7(5))

F17 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(5) omitted (24.6.2019) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(11)(b)(i) (with para. 4)

F18 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(5) inserted (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(11)(b)(ii) (with para. 4)

F19 Sch. 1 rule 33A.7(7) omitted (24.6.2019) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(11)(c) (with para. 4)

Marginal Citations

M8 2000 asp 4.

M9 Section 8(1)(aa) was inserted by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40), section 74 and Schedule 8, paragraph 34(b).

M10 Section 8(1)(ba) was inserted by the Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), section 167(1).

M11 Section 8(1)(baa) was inserted by the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), section 20(1).

Warrants and forms for intimation to a child and for seeking a child’s views S

[F20 33A.7A. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in an action which includes a crave for a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action, the pursuer must—

(a) include in the initial writ a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9;

(b) when presenting the initial writ for warranting, submit a draft Form F9, showing the details that the pursuer proposes to include when the form is sent to the child.

(2) Where the pursuer considers that it would be inappropriate to send Form F9 to the child (for example, where the child is under 5 years of age), the pursuer must include in the initial writ—

(a) a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9;

(b) averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form F9 to the child.

(3) The sheriff must be satisfied that the draft Form F9 submitted under paragraph (1)(b) has been drafted appropriately.

(4) The sheriff may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form F9 or make any other order that the sheriff considers appropriate.

(5) An order granting warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9 under this rule must—

(a) state that the Form F9 must be sent in accordance with rule 33A.7A(6);

(b) be signed by the sheriff.

(6) The Form F9 must be sent in accordance with—

(a) rule 33A.19 (views of the child – undefended actions), where the action is undefended;

(b) rule 33A.19A (views of the child – section 11 order sought by pursuer only), where the action is defended and a section 11 order is sought by the pursuer only;

(c) rule 33A.19B (views of the child – section 11 order sought by defender only), where a section 11 order is sought by the defender only; or

(d) rule 33A.19C (views of the child – section 11 orders sought by both pursuer and defender), where a section 11 order is sought by both parties.]

Textual Amendments

F20 Sch. 1 rule 33A.7A inserted (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(12) (with para. 4)

Intimation where alleged association S

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.

[F21 Productions 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 [F22 or 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.

[F23 (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

F21 Sch. 1 rule 33A.9 heading substituted (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 4(4)(b) (with para. 15)

F22 Words 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)

F23 Sch. 1 rule 33A.9(5) inserted (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 4(4)(a) (with para. 15)

Warrant of citation S

33A.10. The warrant of citation in a civil partnership action shall be in Form CP14.

Form of citation and certificate S

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 authority S

[F24 33A.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

F24 Sch. 1 rule 33A.12 substituted (1.1.2011) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/416), paras. 1(1), 7(3)(b) (with para. 7(5))

Service in cases of mental disorder of defender S

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 partners S

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 [F25 one 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 [F26 two] 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.

[F27 (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

F25 Words 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)}

F26 Word 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)}

F27 Sch. 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 intimation S

33A.15. (1) [F28 Except in relation to intimation to a child in Form F9, in any] civil partnership action, the sheriff may, at any time–

(a) F29 ... 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.

F30 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(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.

Textual Amendments

F28 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.15(1) substituted (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(13)(a)(i) (with para. 4)

F29 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.15(1)(a) omitted (24.6.2019) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(13)(a)(ii) (with para. 4)

F30 Sch. 1 rule 33A.15(2) omitted (24.6.2019) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(13)(b) (with para. 4)

Appointment of curators ad litem to defenders S

33A.16. (1) [F31 This rule applies to a civil partnership action] where it appears to the court that the defender [F32 has] a mental disorder.

(2) In an action to which this rule applies, the sheriff shall [F33 , after the expiry of the period for lodging a notice of intention to defend]–

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

[F34 (b) make an order requiring the curator ad litem to lodge in process a report, based on medical evidence, stating whether or not, in the opinion of a suitably qualified medical practitioner, the defender is incapable of instructing a solicitor to represent the defender’s interests.]

(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 [F35 Form G5A sent to the curator ad litem] by the sheriff clerk.

[F36 (4) On lodging a report under paragraph (2)(b), the curator ad litem must intimate that this has been done to—

(a) the pursuer; and

(b) the solicitor for the defender, if known.]

[F37 (5) Within 14 days after the report required under paragraph (2)(b) has been lodged, the curator ad litem must lodge in process one of the writs mentioned in paragraph (6).]

(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.

[F38 (8) At such intervals as the curator ad litem considers reasonable having regard to the nature of the defender’s mental disorder, the curator ad litem must review the defender’s capacity to instruct a solicitor, in order to ascertain whether it is appropriate for the appointment to continue.

(8A) If it appears to the curator ad litem that the defender may no longer be incapable, the curator ad litem must by motion seek the sheriff’s permission to obtain an opinion on the matter from a suitably qualified medical practitioner.

(8B) If the motion under paragraph (8A) is granted, the curator ad litem must lodge in process a copy of the opinion as soon as possible.

(8C) Where the opinion concludes that the defender is not incapable of instructing a solicitor, the curator ad litem must seek discharge from appointment by minute.]

(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 [F39 is not incapable of instructing a solicitor], he is discharged.

Textual Amendments

F31 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.16 substituted (1.8.2012) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Court Rules) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/188), paras. 1(1), 6(2) (with para. 15)

F32 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(1) substituted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(a) (with para. 4)

F33 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(2) inserted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(b)(i) (with para. 4)

F34 Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(2)(b) substituted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(b)(ii) (with para. 4)

F35 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(3)(b) substituted (25.9.2023) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Case Management of Defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions) 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/289), paras. 1(2), 2(18) (with para. 3)

F36 Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(4) substituted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(c) (with para. 4)

F37 Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(5) substituted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(d) (with para. 4)

F38 Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(8)-(8C) substituted for Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(8) (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(e) (with para. 4)

F39 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.16(9)(c) substituted (1.6.2017) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Curators ad litem) 2017 (S.S.I. 2017/132), paras. 1(2), 2(5)(f) (with para. 4)

Applications for sist S

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 partners S

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 [F40 one 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

F40 Words 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)}

Views of the child – undefended actions S

[F41 33A.19. (1) This rule applies to undefended actions in which a section 11 order is sought and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9.

(2) The pursuer must—

(a) following the expiry of the period of notice, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.7A (warrants and forms for intimation to a child and for seeking a child’s views);

(b) lodge with the minute for decree a certificate of intimation in Form F9A;

(c) not send the child a copy of the initial writ.

(3) Except on cause shown, the sheriff must not grant decree in the period of 28 days following the date on which the Form F9 was sent to the child.

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rules 33A.19-33A.19D substituted for Sch. 1 rule 33A.19 (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(14) (with para. 4)

Views of the child – section 11 order sought by pursuer only S

33A.19A. (1) This rule applies to defended actions in which only the pursuer seeks a section 11 order and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9.

(2) The pursuer must—

(a) no later than 14 days after the notice of intention to defend is lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.7A (warrants and forms for intimation to a child and for seeking a child’s views);

(b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in Form F9A;

(c) not send the child a copy of the initial writ, the notice of intention to defend or the defences.

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rules 33A.19-33A.19D substituted for Sch. 1 rule 33A.19 (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(14) (with para. 4)

Views of the child – section 11 order sought by defender only S

33A.19B. (1) This rule applies to defended actions in which only the defender seeks a section 11 order and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9.

(2) The defender must—

(a) no later than 14 days after the notice of intention to defend is lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.34 (notice of intention to defend and defences);

(b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in Form F9A;

(c) not send the child a copy of the initial writ, the notice of intention to defend or the defences.

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rules 33A.19-33A.19D substituted for Sch. 1 rule 33A.19 (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(14) (with para. 4)

Views of the child – section 11 orders sought by both pursuer and defender S

33A.19C. (1) This rule applies to defended actions in which section 11 orders are sought by both the pursuer and the defender and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9.

(2) The pursuer must—

(a) no later than 14 days after the notice of intention to defend is lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.7A (warrants and forms for intimation to a child and for seeking a child’s views), amended so as also to narrate the section 11 order sought by the defender;

(b) on the same day—

(i) lodge a certificate of intimation in Form F9A;

(ii) send the defender a copy of the Form F9 that was sent to the child;

(c) not send the child a copy of the initial writ, the notice of intention to defend or the defences.

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rules 33A.19-33A.19D substituted for Sch. 1 rule 33A.19 (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(14) (with para. 4)

Views of the child – the sheriff’s role S

33A.19D. (1) In a civil partnership action, in relation to any matter affecting a child, where that child has—

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

(b) otherwise indicated to the court a wish to express views,

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

(2) Where the sheriff is considering making an interim section 11 order before the views of the child have been obtained or heard, the sheriff must consider whether, and if so how, to seek the child’s views in advance of making the order.

(3) Where a child has indicated a wish to express views, the sheriff must order any steps to be taken that the sheriff considers appropriate to obtain or hear the views of that child.

(4) The sheriff must not grant an order in a civil partnership action, in relation to any matter affecting a child who has expressed views, unless the sheriff has given due weight to the views expressed by that child, having regard to the child’s age and maturity.

(5) In any action in which a section 11 order is sought, where Form F9 has not been sent to the child concerned or where it has been sent but the sheriff considers that the passage of time requires it to be sent again, the sheriff may at any time order either party to—

(a) send the Form F9 to that child within a specified timescale;

(b) on the same day, lodge—

(i) a copy of the Form F9 that was sent to the child;

(ii) a certificate of intimation in Form F9B.]

Textual Amendments

F41 Sch. 1 rules 33A.19-33A.19D substituted for Sch. 1 rule 33A.19 (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(14) (with para. 4)

Recording of views of the child S

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 reporters S

[F42 33A.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 [F43 and include a direction as to whether a copy of the report is to be provided to the parties under paragraph (9)(d)]; F44 ...

(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 [F45 ; and

(e) where the appointment is under paragraph (1)(b) and seeking the views of the child forms part of the enquiries to be undertaken, include a direction as to whether the views of the child should be recorded in a separate report and, if so, whether a copy of that report is to be provided to the parties under paragraph (9)(d).]

(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 [F46 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

F42 Sch. 1 rules 33A.21, 33A.21A substituted for rule 33A.21 (21.3.2016) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Miscellaneous) 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/102), paras. 1(2), 3(2) (with para. 5)

F43 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.21(3)(c) inserted (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(15)(a) (with para. 4)

F44 Word in Sch. 1 rule 33A.21(3) omitted (24.6.2019) by virtue of Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(15)(b) (with para. 4)

F45 Sch. 1 rule 33A.21(3)(e) and word inserted (24.6.2019) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019 (S.S.I. 2019/123), paras. 1(2), 3(15)(c) (with para. 4)

F46 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.21(6) substituted (7.7.2016) by Act of Sederunt (Sheriff Appeal Court Rules 2015 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Miscellaneous) 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/194), paras. 1(2), 3(3)

Appointment of local authority to report on a child S

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

F42 Sch. 1 rules 33A.21, 33A.21A substituted for rule 33A.21 (21.3.2016) by Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Sheriff Court Rules Amendment) (Miscellaneous) 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/102), paras. 1(2), 3(2) (with para. 5)

Referral to family mediation S

[F47 33A.22. (1) In any civil partnership action, where the sheriff considers it appropriate to do so the sheriff may, at any stage of the action, refer the action, or part thereof, to a mediator accredited to a specified family mediation organisation.

(2) The sheriff must have particular regard to any averments of domestic abuse when considering the appropriateness of referring the action, or part thereof, to a mediator under paragraph (1).

(3) In this rule any civil partnership action means an action to which the Civil Evidence (Family Mediation) (Scotland) Act 1995 applies.]

Textual Amendments

F47 Sch. 1 rule 33A.22 substituted (25.9.2023) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Case Management of Defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions) 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/289), paras. 1(2), 2(19) (with para. 3)

Child Welfare Hearing S

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 [F48 to be heard either at the same time as the Initial Case Management Hearing or] on the first suitable court date occurring not sooner than [F49 21 days and not later than 49 days after the last date for lodging of the notice of intention to defend], unless the sheriff directs the hearing to be held on an earlier date.

[F50 (2) On fixing the date for the Child Welfare Hearing the sheriff clerk must—

(a) if the Child Welfare Hearing is to be heard at the same time as the Initial Case Management Hearing, intimate the date on which both hearings will take place to parties in Form G5A; or

(b) if the Child Welfare Hearing is to be heard at a different time from the Initial Case Management Hearing, intimate the date of the Child Welfare Hearing to 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.

[F51 (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

F48 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.23(1) inserted (25.9.2023) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Case Management of Defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions) 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/289), paras. 1(2), 2(20)(a)(i) (with para. 3)

F49 Words in Sch. 1 rule 33A.23(1) substituted (25.9.2023) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Case Management of Defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions) 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/289), paras. 1(2), 2(20)(a)(ii) (with para. 3)

F50 Sch. 1 rule 33A.23(2) substituted (25.9.2023) by Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Case Management of Defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions) 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/289), paras. 1(2), 2(20)(b) (with para. 3)

F51 Sch. 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 children S

33A.24. (1) An application in a civil partnership action for an order under section 33(1) of the Family Law Act 1986 F52 (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

F52 1986 c. 55.

Applications in relation to removal of children S

33A.25. (1) An application in a civil partnership action for leave under section 51(1) of the Children Act 1975 F53 (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 F54 (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

F53 1975 c. 72.

F54 1985 c. 60.

Intimation to local authority before supervised contact order S

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 minutes S

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.

Affidavits S

33A.28. The sheriff in a civil partnership action may accept evidence by affidavit at any hearing for an order or interim order.