Act of Sederunt (Child Care and Maintenance Rules) 1997

Hearing

2.54—(1) On receipt of the reports referred to in rule 2.53, the sheriff shall fix a hearing.

(2) The sheriff may–

(a) order any person whose agreement is required to be given to attend the hearing;

(b) order intimation of the date of the hearing to any person not mentioned in paragraph (3)(a), (b) or (c); and

(c) order the reporting officer or curator ad litem to perform additional duties to assist him in determining the petition.

(3) The petitioners shall intimate the date of the hearing in Form 24 by registered post or recorded delivery letter to–

(a) every person whose whereabouts are known to them and whose agreement is required to be given;

(b) the reporting officer appointed under rule 2.51(1);

(c) the curator ad litem appointed under rule 2.51(1); and

(d) any person on whom intimation has been ordered under paragraph (2)(b).

(4) At the hearing–

(a) the petitioners, the reporting officer and the curator ad litem shall, if required by the sheriff, appear and may be represented;

(b) any other person required by the sheriff to attend the hearing shall appear and may be represented;

(c) any other person to whom intimation was made under paragraph (3)(a) or (d) may appear or be represented.