Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 and Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Views of the Child) 2019

Type Scottish-Statutory-Instrument
Publication 2019-03-28
State In force
Jurisdiction Scotland
Department Queen's Printer for Scotland
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Made: 28th March 2019

Laid before the Scottish Parliament: 29th March 2019

Coming into force: 24th June 2019

The Court of Session therefore makes this Act of Sederunt under the powers conferred by sections103(1) and 104(1) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014[^f00002] and all other powers enabling it to do so.

Citation and commencement, etc.

1

Amendment of the Rules of the Court of Session 1994

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(49.8A) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in an action which includes a conclusion for a section11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action, the pursuer must— (a) include in the condescendence of the summons averments setting out the reasons why it is appropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child; (b) when the summons is presented for signeting— (i) apply by motion for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A, specifying the articles of condescendence in the summons which contain the reasons for the request; (ii) submit a draft Form49.8A, 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 49.8A to the child (for example, where the child is under 5 years of age), the pursuer must— (a) when the summons is presented for signeting, apply by motion for the court to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A, specifying the articles of condescendence in the summons which contain the reasons for the request; (b) include in the condescendence of the summons averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child. (3) The court must be satisfied that the draft Form 49.8A submitted under paragraph(1)(b) has been drafted appropriately[^f00005]. (4) The court may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form49.8A or make any other order it considers appropriate. (5) An order granting warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A under this rule must— (a) state that the Form 49.8A must be sent in accordance with rule 49.8A(6); (b) be signed by the Lord Ordinary. (6) The Form 49.8A must be sent in accordance with— (a) rule 49.20 (views of the child – undefended actions), where the action is undefended; (b) rule 49.20A (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 49.20B (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 49.20C (views of the child – section 11 orders sought by both pursuer and defender), where a section 11 order is sought by both parties.

(49.20) (1) This rule applies to undefended actions in which a section11 order is sought and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A. (2) The pursuer must— (a) following the expiry of the period for lodging defences, send the child the Form49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule 49.8A (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 49.8B; (c) not send the child a copy of the summons. (3) Except on cause shown, the court must not grant decree in the period of 28 days following the date on which the Form 49.8A was sent to the child. (49.20A) (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 Form49.8A. (2) The pursuer must— (a) no later than 14 days after defences are lodged, send the child the Form49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule 49.8A (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 49.8B; (c) not send the child a copy of the summons or the defences. (49.20B) (1) This rule applies to defended actions in which only the defender seeks a section11 order and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A. (2) The defender must— (a) no later than 14 days after warrant to intimate to the child is granted under rule49.31(7) (defences in family actions), send the child the Form 49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule49.31; (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8B; (c) not send the child a copy of the summons or the defences. (49.20C) (1) This rule applies to defended actions in which section11 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 49.8A. (2) The pursuer must— (a) no later than 14 days after defences are lodged, send the child the Form 49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule 49.8A (warrants and forms for intimation to a child and for seeking a child’s views), amended so as also to narrate the section11 order sought by the defender; (b) on the same day— (i) lodge a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8B; (ii) send the defender a copy of the Form 49.8A that was sent to the child; (c) not send the child a copy of the summons or the defences. (49.20D) (1) In a family action, in relation to any matter affecting a child, where that child has— (a) returned a Form 49.8A to the court; or (b) otherwise indicated to the court a wish to express views, the court 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 court is considering making an interim section 11 order before the views of the child have been obtained or heard, the court 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 court must order any steps to be taken that it considers appropriate to obtain or hear the views of that child. (4) The court must not grant an order in a family action, in relation to any matter affecting a child who has expressed views, unless the court 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 49.8A has not been sent to the child concerned or where it has been sent but the court considers that the passage of time requires it to be sent again, the court may at any time order any party to— (a) send the Form 49.8A to that child within a specified timescale; (b) on the same day, lodge— (i) a copy of the Form 49.8A that was sent to the child; (ii) a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8C.

; 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).

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), where the defences include a conclusion for a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action and where the summons does not include a conclusion for a section 11 order, the defender must, when the defences are lodged— (a) apply by motion for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A; (b) submit a draft Form 49.8A, showing the details that the defender proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (4) Where the defender considers that it would be inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child (for example, where the child is under 5 years of age), the defender must— (a) when the defences are lodged, apply by motion for the court to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A, specifying which numbered paragraphs of the defences contain the reasons for the request; (b) include in the defences averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child. (5) The court must be satisfied that the draft Form 49.8A submitted under paragraph(3)(b) has been drafted appropriately[^f00010]. (6) The court may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form 49.8A or make any other order that it considers appropriate. (7) An order granting warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8Aunder this rule must— (a) state that the Form 49.8A must be sent to the child in accordance with rule 49.20B (views of the child – section 11 order sought by defender only); (b) be signed by the Lord Ordinary.

(3) Where the court makes an order under paragraph (1)(a), it must order any steps to be taken that it considers appropriate to obtain or hear the views of the child in relation to any section 11 order that may be sought by the defender.

(49.42) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), when lodging a minute under rule 49.41 (applications after decree relating to a section 11 order) which includes a crave after final decree for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action, the minuter must— (a) include in the minute a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A; (b) when lodging the minute, submit a draft Form 49.8A, showing the details that the minuter proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (2) Where the minuter considers that it would be inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child (for example, where the child is under 5 years of age), the minuter must include in the minute— (a) a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A; (b) averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child. (3) The court must be satisfied that the draft Form 49.8A submitted under paragraph(1)(b) has been drafted appropriately[^f00014]. (4) The court may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form 49.8A or make any other order that it considers appropriate. (5) An order granting warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A under this rule must— (a) state that the Form 49.8A must be sent in accordance with rule 49.42(6); (b) be signed by the Lord Ordinary. (6) The Form 49.8A must be sent in accordance with— (a) rule 49.42A (views of the child – unopposed minutes relating to a section 11 order), where the minute is unopposed; (b) rule 49.42B (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by minuter only), where the minute is opposed and a section11 order is sought by the minuter only; or (c) rule49.42C (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by both minuter and respondent), where a section11 order is sought by both the minuter and the respondent. (49.42A) (1) This rule applies to minutes which include a crave after final decree for, or the variation or recall of, a section11 order in respect of which no answers are lodged and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A. (2) The minuter must— (a) send the child the Form 49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule 49.42 (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views relating to section11 order); (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8B; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute. (3) Except on cause shown, the court must not determine the minute in the period of 28days following the date on which the Form 49.8A was sent to the child. (49.42B) (1) This rule applies where answers have been lodged in respect of a minute after final decree and a crave for, or the variation or recall of, a section11 order is sought by the minuter only and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A. (2) The minuter must— (a) no later than 14 days after answers are lodged, send the child the Form 49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule 49.42 (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views relating to section 11 order); (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8B; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute or answers. (49.42C) (1) This rule applies where answers have been lodged in respect of a minute after final decree and craves for, or the variation or recall of, a section11 order are sought by both the minuter and the respondent and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A. (2) The minuter must— (a) no later than 14 days after answers are lodged, send the child the Form 49.8A that was submitted and approved under rule 49.42 (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views relating to section 11 order), amended so as also to narrate the section11 order sought by the respondent; (b) on the same day— (i) lodge a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8B; (ii) send the respondent a copy of the Form 49.8A that was sent to the child; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute or answers.

(3) Rules 49.42 (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views relating to section 11 order) to 49.42C (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by both minuter and respondent) apply (with the necessary modifications) to the seeking of the child’s views in relation to a minute lodged in accordance with this rule.

(70.16) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in a petition under rule 70.5(1) (form of applications under this Part)[^f00017] where the Council Regulation applies, the petitioner must— (a) include in the prayer of the petition a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A; (b) include in the statement of facts in the petition averments setting out the reasons why it is appropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child; (c) when presenting the petition for first orders, submit a draft Form 49.8A, showing the details that the petitioner proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (2) Where the petitioner considers that it would be inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child (for example, where the child is under 5 years of age), the petitioner must — (a) include in the prayer of the petition a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A; (b) include in the statement of facts in the petition averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child. (3) The court must be satisfied that the draft Form 49.8A submitted under paragraph(1)(c) has been drafted appropriately[^f00018]. (4) The court may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form 49.8A or make any other order that it considers appropriate. (5) An order granting warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form49.8A under this rule must be signed by the Lord Ordinary. (6) Where the court orders intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A, the petitioner must— (a) send Form 49.8A to the child as soon as possible; (b) on the same day, lodge— (i) a copy of the Form 49.8A that was sent to the child; (ii) a certificate of intimation in Form 49.8B; (c) not send the child a copy of the petition.

Amendment of the Ordinary Cause Rules 1993

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(33.7A) (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 FormF9; (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 FormF9; (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[^f00025]. (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 FormF9 under this rule must— (a) state that the Form F9 must be sent in accordance with rule 33.7A(6); (b) be signed by the sheriff. (6) The Form F9 must be sent in accordance with— (a) rule 33.19 (views of the child – undefended actions), where the action is undefended; (b) rule 33.19A (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 33.19B (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 33.19C (views of the child – section 11 orders sought by both pursuer and defender), where a section 11 order is sought by both parties.

(33.19) (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 FormF9. (2) The pursuer must— (a) following the expiry of the period of notice, send the child the FormF9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33.7A (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. (33.19A) (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 33.7A (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. (33.19B) (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 33.34 (notice of intention to defend and defences etc.); (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. (33.19C) (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 33.7A (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. (33.19D) (1) In a family 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 family 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.

; 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).

(4A) Where the sheriff makes an order under paragraph (1) or (3), the sheriff must order any steps to be taken that the sheriff considers appropriate to obtain or hear the views of the child in relation to any section 11 order sought by the defender.

(4A) Subject to paragraph (4B), where a defender intends to make an application for a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action and where the initial writ does not include a crave for a section 11 order, the defender must— (a) include in the notice of intention to defend a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9; (b) when lodging the notice of intention to defend, submit a draft FormF9, showing the details that the defender proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (4B) Where the defender 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 defender must include in the notice of intention to defend— (a) a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in FormF9; (b) averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form F9 to the child. (4C) The sheriff must be satisfied that the draft Form F9 submitted under paragraph(4A)(b) has been drafted appropriately[^f00030]. (4D) The sheriff may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form F9 or make any other order that the sheriff considers appropriate. (4E) 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 to the child in accordance with rule 33.19B (views of the child – section 11 order sought by defender only); (b) be signed by the sheriff.

(33.44A) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), when lodging a minute under rule 14.3 (lodging of minutes)[^f00032] which includes a crave after final decree for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action, the minuter must— (a) include in the minute a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9; (b) when lodging the minute, submit a draft Form F9, showing the details that the minuter proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (2) Where the minuter 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 minuter must include in the minute— (a) a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in FormF9; (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[^f00033]. (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 33.44A(6); (b) be signed by the sheriff. (6) The Form F9 must be sent in accordance with— (a) rule 33.44B (views of the child – unopposed minutes relating to a section 11 order), where the minute is unopposed; (b) rule 33.44C (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by minuter only), where the minute is opposed and a section 11 order is sought by the minuter only; or (c) rule33.44D (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by both minuter and respondent), where a section 11 order is sought by both the minuter and the respondent. (33.44B) (1) This rule applies to minutes which include a crave after final decree for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order in respect of which no notice of opposition or answers are lodged and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9. (2) The minuter must— (a) send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33.44A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views); (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in FormF9A; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute. (3) Except on cause shown, the sheriff must not determine the minute in the period of 28days following the date on which the Form F9 was sent to the child. (33.44C) (1) This rule applies where a notice of opposition or answers have been lodged in respect of a minute after final decree and a crave for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order is sought by the minuter only and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9. (2) The minuter must— (a) no later than 14 days after the notice of opposition or answers are lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33.44A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views); (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in FormF9A; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute, the notice of opposition or answers. (33.44D) (1) This rule applies where a notice of opposition or answers have been lodged in respect of a minute after final decree and craves for, or the variation or recall of, a section11 order are sought by both the minuter and the respondent and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9. (2) The minuter must— (a) no later than 14 days after the notice of opposition or answers are lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33.44A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views), amended so as also to narrate the section 11 order sought by the respondent; (b) on the same day— (i) lodge a certificate of intimation in Form F9A; (ii) send the respondent a copy of the Form F9 that was sent to the child; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute, the notice of opposition or answers.

(3) Rules 33.44A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views) to 33.44D (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by both minuter and respondent) apply (with the necessary modifications) to the seeking of the child’s views in relation to a minute lodged in accordance with this rule.

(33A.7A) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), in an action which includes a crave for a section11 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 FormF9; (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 FormF9; (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[^f00035]. (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 FormF9 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.

(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 FormF9. (2) The pursuer must— (a) following the expiry of the period of notice, send the child the FormF9 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. (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. (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. (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. (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.

; 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).

(4A) Where the sheriff makes an order under paragraph (1) or (3), the sheriff must order any steps to be taken that the sheriff considers appropriate to obtain or hear the views of the child in relation to any section 11 order sought by the defender.

(4A) Subject to paragraph (4B), where a defender intends to make an application for a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action and where the initial writ does not include a crave for a section 11 order, the defender must— (a) include in the notice of intention to defend a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9; (b) when lodging the notice of intention to defend, submit a draft FormF9, showing the details that the defender proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (4B) Where the defender 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 defender must include in the notice of intention to defend— (a) a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in FormF9; (b) averments setting out the reasons why it is inappropriate to send Form F9 to the child. (4C) The sheriff must be satisfied that the draft Form F9 submitted under paragraph(4A)(b) has been drafted appropriately[^f00039]. (4D) The sheriff may dispense with intimation and the seeking of views in Form F9 or make any other order that the sheriff considers appropriate. (4E) 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 to the child in accordance with rule 33A.19B (views of the child – section 11 order sought by defender only); (b) be signed by the sheriff.

(33A.41A) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), when lodging a minute under rule 14.3 (lodging of minutes) which includes a crave after final decree for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order in respect of a child who is not a party to the action, the minuter must— (a) include in the minute a crave for a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9; (b) when lodging the minute, submit a draft Form F9, showing the details that the minuter proposes to include when the form is sent to the child. (2) Where the minuter 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 minuter must include in the minute— (a) a crave to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in FormF9; (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[^f00040]. (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.41A(6); (b) be signed by the sheriff. (6) The Form F9 must be sent in accordance with— (a) rule 33A.41B (views of the child – unopposed minutes relating to a section 11 order), where the minute is unopposed; (b) rule 33A.41C (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by minuter only), where the minute is opposed and a section 11 order is sought by the minuter only; or (c) rule33A.41D (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by both minuter and respondent), where a section 11 order is sought by both the minuter and the respondent. (33A.41B) (1) This rule applies to minutes which include a crave after final decree for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order in respect of which no notice of opposition or answers are lodged and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9. (2) The minuter must— (a) send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.41A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views); (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in FormF9A; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute. (3) Except on cause shown, the sheriff must not determine the minute in the period of 28days following the date on which the Form F9 was sent to the child. (33A.41C) (1) This rule applies where a notice of opposition or answers have been lodged in respect of a minute after final decree and a crave for, or the variation or recall of, a section 11 order is sought by the minuter only and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9. (2) The minuter must— (a) no later than 14 days after the notice of opposition or answers are lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.41A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views); (b) on the same day, lodge a certificate of intimation in FormF9A; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute, the notice of opposition or answers. (33A.41D) (1) This rule applies where a notice of opposition or answers have been lodged in respect of a minute after final decree and craves for, or the variation or recall of, a section11 order are sought by both the minuter and the respondent and warrant has been granted for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form F9. (2) The minuter must— (a) no later than 14 days after the notice of opposition or answers are lodged, send the child the Form F9 that was submitted and approved under rule 33A.41A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views), amended so as also to narrate the section 11 order sought by the respondent; (b) on the same day— (i) lodge a certificate of intimation in Form F9A; (ii) send the respondent a copy of the Form F9 that was sent to the child; (c) not send the child a copy of the minute, the notice of opposition or answers.

(3) Rules 33A.41A (warrants for intimation to child and permission to seek views) to 33A.41D (views of the child – craves relating to a section 11 order sought by both minuter and respondent) apply (with the necessary modifications) to the seeking of the child’s views in relation to a minute lodged in accordance with this rule.

Application

4

The amendments made by this Act of Sederunt—

SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE 2

SCHEDULE 3

SCHEDULE 4

SCHEDULE 5

SCHEDULE 6

SCHEDULE 7

SCHEDULE 8

Signed

CJM SUTHERLAND — Lord President — I.P.D. — 28th March 2019

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Act of Sederunt)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In this Note—

This Act of Sederunt amends and supplements the court rules that apply to intimation to the child and seeking the views of the child by way of a court form in family actions where a section 11 order is sought. This Act of Sederunt inserts into the rules a new form to be used for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views (Form 49.8A in the RCS and Form F9 in the OCR). It also sets out the procedure to be followed when making use of these forms. Paragraph 2 amends Chapters 49 (family actions) and 70 (applications under the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985) and the Appendix (forms) of the RCS. Paragraph 3 amends Chapters 33 (family actions), 33A (civil partnership actions) and Appendix 1 (forms) of the OCR.

Application of this Act of Sederunt Paragraph 4 provides that the amendments made by this Act of Sederunt– a subject to sub-paragraph (b), do not apply to family actions or civil partnership actions commenced before 24th June 2019; b apply to family actions and civil partnership actions in which a minute after final decree is lodged on or after 24th June 2019 seeking a section 11 order or the variation or recall of a section 11 order, regardless of when the action was commenced; c do not apply to child welfare reporters appointed before 24th June 2019.

Amendments to the RCS Paragraph 2(3) inserts a new rule 49.8A into the RCS. This requires the pursuer to set out in the summons the reasons why it is either appropriate or inappropriate to send Form 49.8A to the child and to apply by motion for either (i) a warrant for intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A; or (ii) the court to dispense with intimation and the seeking of the child’s views in Form 49.8A. In the former scenario, the pursuer must submit a draft Form 49.8A along with the summons and the court must be satisfied that this has been drafted appropriately. Rule 49.8A(6) specifies the particular rules that apply to the issuing of the Form 49.8A in the circumstances narrated. Paragraph 2(5) inserts new rules 49.20 to 49.20D, which set out the particular procedure to be followed, depending on whether (i) the action is undefended (rule 49.20); (ii) the action is defended and a section 11 order is sought by the pursuer only (rule 49.20A); (iii) the action is defended and a section 11 order is sought by the defender only (rule 49.20B); (iv) the action is defended and a section 11 order is sought by both parties (rule 49.20C); or (v) the court orders a Form 49.8A to be sent to the child at any other time (rule 49.20D). Rule 49.20D retains the existing statement, in similar terms, of the court’s duty not to grant any order unless an opportunity has been given for the views of the child to be obtained or heard. It also clarifies that where the court is considering making an interim section 11 order before the views of the child have been obtained, the court must consider whether, and if so how, to seek the child’s views before making the order. Paragraphs 2(6) and (15)(e) make changes to rules that apply to an interlocutor appointing a child welfare reporter (rule 49.22(3) and Form 49.22). Paragraph 2(7) amends rule 49.28 to remove actions for a section 11 order from the list of undefended family actions to which the rule does not apply. This makes it clear that rule 49.28 applies to undefended actions in which a section 11 order is sought. The change reflects current Court of Session practice, which is for affidavit evidence to be required. Paragraph 2(8) amends rule 49.31 to make provision about cases where only the defender seeks a section 11 order. The amendments mirror the terms of new rule 49.8A. Paragraph 2(9) amends rule 49.34 to provide for the views of the child to be obtained or heard in cases where the defender has entered appearance late. Paragraphs 2(10) and (11) amend rule 49.41, and for rule 49.42 substitutes new rules, which apply to applications after decree in actions of divorce, dissolution, separation and declarator of nullity of marriage or civil partnership. The new rules remove the existing procedural distinction between contact orders and other types of section 11 orders, with the effect that all post-decree applications relating to section 11 orders will now be dealt with by minute. New rule 49.42 outlines the procedure for seeking the views of the child. This closely aligns with the procedure followed in principal proceedings. Paragraph 2(12) amends rule 49.63, which applies to applications after decree in non-divorce and non-dissolution cases. Rule 49.63(3) provides that new rules 49.42 to 49.42C apply (with the necessary modifications) to the seeking of the child’s views in relation to a minute lodged in accordance with rule 49.63. Paragraph 2(13) substitutes a new rule 70.16, which makes provision about intimation to a child and seeking the child’s views in respect of petitions for the return of a child under the Hague Convention where the Council Regulation applies. Paragraph 2(15) omits Form 49.8-N, inserts new forms (Forms 49.8A, 49.8B and 49.8C) and amends Form 49.22. Paragraph 2(14) makes a consequential amendment to rule 70.17.

Amendments to the OCR Paragraph 3 amends Chapters 33 and 33A of the OCR. As far as possible, this replicates the changes described above. The terminology and detail of certain provisions have been adapted where appropriate in order to align the new rules with sheriff court procedure.

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 2013 asp 3. Section4 was amended by the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), schedule5, paragraph31(3) and by the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 2), schedule 1, paragraph1(4).

[^f00002]: 2014 asp 18.

[^f00003]: The Rules of the Court of Session 1994 are in schedule 2 of the Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994) 1994 (S.I. 1994/1443, last amended by S.S.I. 2019/97).

[^f00004]: Rule 49.8 was last amended by S.S.I. 2006/206.

[^f00005]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form 49.8A in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00006]: Rule 49.15 was last amended by S.S.I. 2005/632.

[^f00007]: Rule 49.20 was substituted by S.I. 1996/2587.

[^f00008]: Rule 49.22 was substituted by S.S.I. 2015/312.

[^f00009]: Rule 49.28 was last amended by S.S.I. 2014/302.

[^f00010]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form 49.8A in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00011]: Rule 49.34 was amended by S.S.I. 2007/548.

[^f00012]: Rule 49.41 was amended by S.I. 1996/2587.

[^f00013]: Rule 49.42 was amended by S.I. 1996/2587.

[^f00014]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form 49.8A in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00015]: Rule 49.63 was amended by S.I. 1996/2587.

[^f00016]: Rule 70.16 was inserted by S.S.I. 2005/135.

[^f00017]: Rule 70.5(1) was last amended by S.S.I. 2005/135.

[^f00018]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form 49.8A in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00019]: Rule 70.17 was inserted by S.S.I. 2005/135.

[^f00020]: Form 49.8–N was substituted by S.S.I. 2005/135.

[^f00021]: Form 49.8–P was inserted by S.S.I. 2006/206.

[^f00022]: Form 49.22 was inserted by S.S.I. 2015/312.

[^f00023]: The Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 are in schedule 1 of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907 (c.51). Schedule 1 was substituted by S.I. 1993/1956 and was last amended by S.S.I. 2019/74.

[^f00024]: Rule 33.7 was last amended by S.S.I. 2016/242.

[^f00025]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form F9 in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00026]: Rule 33.15 was substituted by S.I. 1996/2167.

[^f00027]: Rule 33.19 was substituted by S.I. 1996/2167.

[^f00028]: Rule 33.33A was inserted by S.S.I. 2008/223 and amended by S.S.I. 2012/188.

[^f00029]: Rule 33.34 was last amended by S.S.I. 2012/221.

[^f00030]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form F9 in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00031]: Rule 33.44 was last amended by S.S.I. 2000/239.

[^f00032]: Rule 14.3 was substituted by S.I. 1996/2445.

[^f00033]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form F9 in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00034]: Rule 33.65 was amended by S.I. 1996/2167.

[^f00035]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form F9 in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00036]: Rule 33A.21 was substituted by S.S.I. 2016/102.

[^f00037]: Rule 33A.33A was inserted by S.S.I. 2008/223.

[^f00038]: Rule 33A.34 was amended by S.S.I. 2012/221.

[^f00039]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form F9 in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00040]: The Scottish Civil Justice Council has published guidance on the preparation of Form F9 in child-friendly language. This document can be viewed online at the “Publications” page of its website (www.scottishciviljusticecouncil.gov.uk). Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk.

[^f00041]: Form F9 was substituted by S.I. 1996/2167 and amended by S.S.I. 2003/26.

[^f00042]: Form F26 was substituted by S.S.I. 2005/648.

[^f00043]: Form F44 was inserted by S.S.I. 2015/312.

[^f00044]: Form CP7 was inserted by S.S.I. 2005/638.

[^f00045]: Form CP16 was inserted by S.S.I. 2005/638.

[^f00046]: Form CP38 was inserted by S.S.I. 2016/102.

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