2018 No. 81

Sheriff Court

The Sheriff Court Fees Order 2018

Made23rd February 2018

Laid before the Scottish Parliament27th February 2018

Coming into force in accordance with article 1

The Scottish Ministers make the following Order in exercise of the powers conferred by section 107(1) and (2) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 20141 and all other powers enabling them to do so.

Citation, commencement and effect1.

(1)

This Order may be cited as the Sheriff Court Fees Order 2018 and, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), comes into force on 25th April 2018.

(2)

Article 3(1)(b) and schedule 2 come into force, and article 3(1)(a) and schedule 1 cease to have effect, on 1st April 2019.

(3)

Article 3(1)(c) and schedule 3 come into force, and article 3(1)(b) and schedule 2 cease to have effect, on 1st April 2020.

Interpretation2.

In this Order—

“extract decree” includes any duly authenticated extract of an order made by the sheriff in respect of any licence, appointment, discharge or like matter;

“minute” means a minute in terms of rule 14.2 of the Ordinary Cause Rules;

“motion” means—

(a)

a written motion to which Chapter 15 of the Ordinary Cause Rules applies;

(b)

a written motion to which Chapter 15A of those Rules applies; or

(c)

a written motion made in an undefended family action in terms of Chapter 33 of those Rules in which no notice of intention to defend has been lodged;

“Ordinary Cause Rules” means the Ordinary Cause Rules 19932;

“partner” means a person to whom a person is married or with whom the person is in a civil partnership;

“sheriff clerk” includes the Sheriff Clerk of Chancery, the Commissary Clerk of Edinburgh and sheriff clerk depute;

“summary cause” has the meaning assigned to it by section 35(1) of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 19713; and

“writ” means any document containing written pleadings relating to proceedings in the sheriff court and includes an inventory of estate, a precept of arrestment on a liquid document of debt, a notice of intention to defend and a notice of appearance lodged in an action of multiplepoinding under rule 35.8 of the Ordinary Cause Rules.

Fees payable in sheriff courts3.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (3) and articles 4 to 13—

(a)

the fees payable in a sheriff court—

(i)

in respect of the matters specified in column 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1 (table of fees payable from 25th April 2018) are the fees specified in relation to those matters in column 2 of that Table; and

(ii)

in respect of the matters specified in column 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 2 of that schedule (table of fees payable from 25th April 2018) are the fees specified in relation to those matters in column 2 of that Table;

(b)

the fees payable in a sheriff court—

(i)

in respect of the matters specified in column 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 2 (table of fees payable from 1st April 2019) are the fees specified in relation to those matters in column 2 of that Table; and

(ii)

in respect of the matters specified in column 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 2 (table of fees payable from 1st April 2019) of that schedule are the fees specified in relation to those matters in column 2 of that Table; and

(c)

the fees payable in a sheriff court—

(i)

in respect of the matters specified in column 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 3 (table of fees payable from 1st April 2020) are the fees specified in relation to those matters in column 2 of that Table; and

(ii)

in respect of the matters specified in column 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 2 of that schedule (table of fees payable from 1st April 2020) are the fees specified in relation to those matters in column 2 of that Table.

(2)

The fees payable under this Order are to be paid to the sheriff clerk or the auditor of court.

(3)

The fees provided for by this Order are not payable by the Crown in the enforcement of the criminal law or in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties arising out of or relating to that enforcement.

(4)

No act is required of the sheriff clerk or the auditor of court in connection with a matter specified in relation to any fee prior to—

(a)

the payment of that fee; or

(b)

an arrangement being entered into for payment of that fee.

Certain fees payable only once4.

The fees payable in respect of the following matters are payable on one occasion only in respect of a cause—

(a)

the matters specified in paragraphs 5, 24, 25 and 28 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3; and

(b)

the matters specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Table of Fees in Part 2 of schedule 1, 2 or 3.

Matters included in certain fees5.

(1)

The following matters include, where appropriate, issue of an extract decree—

(a)

the matters specified in paragraphs 1, 5 to 8, 16 and 23 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3; and

(b)

the matters specified in paragraphs 5 and 6 of the Table of Fees in Part 2 of schedule 1, 2 or 3.

(2)

The matter specified in paragraph 13 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 includes, where appropriate, the issue of extracts and the issue of an abbreviate.

(3)

The matter specified in paragraph 5 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 does not include, in the case of an application for registration or renewal of registration of a club or miners’ welfare institute under the Gambling Act 20054, the registration or renewal of registration upon such application.

Fees payable in the Sheriff Personal Injury Court6.

(1)

The fees specified in the Table of Fees in Part 2 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 apply only in relation to proceedings in the Sheriff Personal Injury Court5.

(2)

Paragraph (3) applies where a matter is specified both in the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 (sheriff court) and in the Table of Fees in Part 2 of that schedule (Sheriff Personal Injury Court).

(3)

The fee specified in the Table of Fees in Part 2 shall apply, and the corresponding fee in Part 1 shall not be payable in relation to proceedings in the Sheriff Personal Injury Court.

Cases in which an extra fee is payable7.

(1)

When a summary cause or simple procedure case6 is remitted to the ordinary cause roll, the fees payable in paragraphs 5 and 23 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 become payable in respect of the cause by the persons who would have been required to pay them if the cause had been from its commencement an ordinary cause, less the amount of any fee previously paid by the person concerned in respect of the cause.

(2)

When any commissary proceedings, bankruptcy proceedings or proceedings under section 4 of the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 19957 are opposed, the fees specified in paragraphs 5 and 23 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 become payable in respect of the proceedings by the persons who would have been required to pay them if the proceedings had been from their commencement proceedings to which those paragraphs applied, less the amount of any fee previously paid by the person concerned in respect of the proceedings.

Exemption of certain persons from fees: legal aid8.

A fee specified by this Order is not payable by a person if—

(a)

the person is in receipt of civil legal aid within the meaning of section 13(2) of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 19868 in respect of the matter in the Table of Fees in Part 1 or Part 2 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 in connection with which the fee is payable;

(b)

the fee is payable in connection with a simplified divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership application and the person is in receipt of advice and assistance from a solicitor under the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 in respect of that application; or

(c)

the person’s solicitor is undertaking work in relation to the matter in the Table of Fees in Part 1 or Part 2 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 in connection with which the fee is payable on the basis of any regulations made under section 36(1) of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 providing for legal aid in a matter of special urgency.

Exemption of certain persons from fees: social security9.

(1)

A fee specified by this Order is not payable by a person if—

(a)

the person or the person’s partner is in receipt of income support under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 19929;

(b)

the person is in receipt of an income-based jobseeker’s allowance under the Jobseekers Act 199510;

(c)

the person or the person’s partner is in receipt of guarantee credit under the State Pension Credit Act 200211;

(d)

the person or the person’s partner is in receipt of working tax credit, provided that—

(i)

child tax credit is being paid to the party, or otherwise following a claim for child tax credit made jointly by the members of a couple (as defined in section 3(5A) of the Tax Credits Act 200212) which includes the party; or

(ii)

there is a disability element or severe disability element (or both) to the tax credit received by the party;

and that the gross annual income taken into account for the calculation of the working tax credit is £18,000 or less;

(e)

the person or the person’s partner is in receipt of income-related employment and support allowance under the Welfare Reform Act 200713;

(f)

the person is in receipt of universal credit under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 201214; or

(g)

the person or the person’s partner has, within the period of 3 months prior to the date the specified fee would be payable but for this exemption, received financial or other assistance under the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Act 201515.

Exemption in connection with estate exempt from inheritance tax10.

Where the estate of a deceased person is exempt from inheritance tax by virtue of section 153A (death of emergency service personnel etc.), 154 (death on active service etc.) or 155A (death of constables and service personnel targeted because of their status) of the Inheritance Tax Act 198416, there will be no fee payable in respect of the inventory of that estate under paragraph 3(a), (b) or (c) of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3.

Exemptions relating to particular proceedings11.

(1)

The fees provided for by this Order do not apply to—

(a)

any application under—

(i)

section 129 of the Consumer Credit Act 197417 (time orders);

(ii)

the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 200318; or

(iii)

any enactment relating to registration of births, marriages or civil partnerships; or

(b)

any application or appeal under the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 201119.

(2)

Except in relation to the fee specified in paragraph 34 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3, the fees otherwise payable by a debtor or creditor in terms of this Order do not apply to any proceedings under the Debtors (Scotland) Act 198738 or the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 200220.

Exemptions for applicants for certain interdicts and orders12.

(1)

The fees provided for by this Order are not payable by a person applying for a specified interdict or for an exclusion order.

(2)

In this article—

(a)

“specified interdict” means an interdict or interim interdict that is—

(i)

a matrimonial interdict within the meaning of section 14(2) of the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 198121 (interdict competent where spouses live together);

(ii)

a domestic interdict within the meaning of section 18A of that Act22 (meaning of “domestic interdict”);

(iii)

a relevant interdict under section 113(2) of the Civil Partnership Act 200423 (civil partners: competency of interdict); or

(iv)

otherwise an interdict in respect of which there is an application for a power of arrest to be attached under section 1 of the Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 200124 (attachment of power of arrest to interdict); and

(b)

“exclusion order” means an exclusion order under—

(i)

section 4 of the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 198125 (exclusion orders);

(ii)

section 76 of the Children (Scotland) Act 199526 (exclusion orders etc.); or

(iii)

section 104 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (exclusion orders).

(3)

The exemption in paragraph (1) does not apply to a person applying for a principal remedy other than a specified interdict or exclusion order.

Exemption of certain motions from fees: jury trials in the Sheriff Personal Injury Court13.

The fees specified in paragraph 29 of the Table of Fees in Part 1 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 and in paragraph 1 of the Table of Fees in Part 2 of schedule 1, 2 or 3 are not payable in respect of motions under the following rules of the Ordinary Cause Rules—

(a)

rule 36B.2(2)(b) (motion for a proof);

(b)

rule 36B.2(6) (motion for approval of proposed issue);

(c)

rule 36B.2(7) (motion for approval of proposed counter-issue); and

(d)

rule 36B.10 (motion for application of verdict).

Revocation14.

The Sheriff Court Fees Order 201527 is revoked.

ANNABELLE EWING

Authorised to sign by the Scottish Ministers

St Andrew’s House,

Edinburgh

23rd February 2018

SCHEDULE 1TABLES OF FEES

Article 3(1)(a)

PART 1Sheriff court

Payable from 25th April 2018

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
(Matters)	(Fee Payable)	(Fee Formerly Payable)28
	£	£
PART I — COMMISSARY PROCEEDINGS
1. Petition for—
(a) appointment of executor;	19	18
(a) restriction of caution;	19	18
(a) special warrant;	19	18
(a) sealing up of repositories or the like;	19	18
(a) appointment of Commissary factor.	19	18
(NOTE: the fee for all petitions in paragraph 1 includes issue of extract decree).	19	18
2. Sealing up repositories or the like, per hour.	31	30
3.
(a) Receiving and examining inventory of estate, except where sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this paragraph applies—
(i) where the amount of the estate vested in or belonging beneficially to the deceased, of which confirmation is required, or for which resealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892 is required does not exceed—
£50,000;	No fee	No fee
£250,000;	256	250
(i) where the amount of the estate exceeds £250,000;	512	500
(a) receiving and examining additional or corrective inventory of estate or inventory of estate ad non executa—
(i) where the amount of the estate vested in or belonging beneficially to the deceased, of which confirmation is required, or for which resealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892 is required does not exceed—
£50,000;	No fee	No fee
£250,000;	256	250
(i) where the amount of the estate exceeds £250,000;	512	500
(a) Receiving and examining inventory of estate where it is declared that confirmation is not required.	The fees payable are 50% of those specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph. If confirmation is subsequently required the remaining 50% of the fees specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) are payable	The fees payable are 50% of those specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph. If confirmation is subsequently required the remaining 50% of the fees specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) are payable
4. Commissary copying and extracting.
(1) Issuing certificate of confirmation—
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory, each certificate;	8	7
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	8	7
(i) first certificate, including search fee;	19	18
(i) each subsequent certificate.	8	7
(2) Copy or duplicate confirmation—	13	12
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	13	12
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—
(i) duplicate confirmation, including search fee;	25	24
(i) each subsequent duplicate confirmation if ordered at the same time as the duplicate confirmation in head (i).	13	12
(3) Certified extract confirmation and will (if any)—	25	24
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	25	24
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	37	36
(i) certified extract, including search fee;	37	36
(i) each subsequent certified extract if ordered at the same time as the certified extract in head (i).	25	24
(4) Copy will—	8	7
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	8	7
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	19	18
(i) copy will, including search fee;	19	18
(i) each subsequent copy will if ordered at the same time as the copy will in head (i).	8	7
PART II — SHERIFF COURT PROCEEDINGS
Initial Writ
5. Initial writ in any proceedings not being proceedings for which any other paragraph of this Table specifies a fee. (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	127	120
6. European Order for payment in terms of EU Regulation 1896/2006 – application for European Order for payment.	127	120
Divorce and dissolution of civil partners
7. Initial writ in an action of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership (other than a simplified divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership application). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	153	150
Application for simplified divorce and simplified dissolution of civil partnership	123	120
8. Any application (inclusive of all procedures other than those specified at paragraphs 9 and 38). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	123	120
9. Subsequent application upon change of circumstances by party.	31	30
Summary warrant	73	71
10. Application for summary warrant.	73	71
Bankruptcy	116	113
11. Petition for sequestration of estates or petition for recall of award of sequestration.	116	113
12. Miscellaneous applications, including appeals under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 or the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 201629.	60	59
13. No fee.	-	3630
Declarator and petitions for completion of title for the Sheriff of Chancery
14. Application for declarator and petition for completion of title to the Sheriff of Chancery.	232	227
15. Issue of chancery extract.	109	107
Summary cause/simple procedure
16. Summons for summary cause or claim form for simple procedure case (NOTE: includes European small claim procedure and fee covers issue of extract decree or issue of decision)—
(a) actions for payment of money of £200 or less (or 250 euros for European small claims);	19	18
(a) other actions;	102	100
(a) on the marking of an appeal or the sending of an appeal form to the sheriff court.	60	59
Criminal procedure	37	36
17. Complaint.	37	36
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988	91	89
18. Petition for removal of disqualification.	91	89
Miscellaneous	19	18
19. Application under section 4 of the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995.	19	18
20. Caveat.	43	36
21. Any proceedings under section 12 or 18 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982.	25	24
22. Note in a liquidation or judicial factory.	37	36
Defender’s responses
23. First writ, reponing note, application for recall of decree or attendance to state a defence or oppose an interim order (fee payable by each defender or compearer) (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree)—
(a) in proceedings to which paragraph 5 of this Table applies;	127	120
(a) in an action of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership (other than a simplified divorce or dissolution of civil partnership).	153	150
Civil court procedure
Payable by pursuer
24. Lodging of a certified copy record under the Ordinary Cause Rules (NOTE: fee payable only once in respect of a cause).	116	113
25. Lodging of a certified closed record under the additional procedure of the Ordinary Cause Rules.	116	113
26. Fixing, allocating or assigning of a proof, a debate or a hearing in a summary or miscellaneous application on the merits of the cause.	55	54
27. For each day or part thereof of proof, debate or hearing in a summary or miscellaneous application on the merits of the cause (NOTE: not payable if the proof, debate or hearing does not proceed on that day).	232	227
28. Initial lodging of affidavits in a family action where proof by affidavit evidence has been allowed.	68	66
Payable by any party (including pursuer)
29. Lodging of a written motion or minute and the lodging of any written opposition to any such motion or minute (NOTE: where a minute is accompanied by a relevant written motion no fee is payable in respect of lodging the motion).	49	48
30. Marking an appeal to the sheriff principal in any proceedings (other than as provided for in paragraph 16(c) of this Table).	116	113
Sheriff court books	25	24
31. Recording protest of a bill or promissory note (NOTE: Extracts to be charged as in paragraph 36 of this Table).	25	24
32. Preservation of deeds, each deed (NOTE: This includes recording and engrossing. If extracts are required, a separate fee is to be charged as in paragraph 36 of this Table).	13	12
Miscellaneous office procedures	73	71
33. Lodging each set of plans or other Parliamentary deposit.	73	71
34. Inspection of report of auction and the auditor of court’s report.	19	18
35. Search and report service as instructed by a trade protection society, licensed credit reference agency or trade publication of protests of relevant court records as appropriately included in the Ordinary Cause Rules, with the fees below payable in advance—	354	346
weekly for 12 months.	354	346
36. Recording, engrossing, extracting, printing or copying of all documents, except as provided for at paragraph 4 of this Table (exclusive of search fee)—
(a) by photocopying or otherwise producing a printed or typed copy—
(i) up to 10 pages;	7	6
(i) each page or part thereof in excess of 10 pages;	0.50	0.50
(a) for a copy of each document in electronic form.	7	6
(NOTE: Recording in Sheriff Court Register of Deeds to be charged as in paragraph 31.)	7	6
37. Any search of records or archives, except as provided for at paragraph 4 of this Table, per 30 minutes or part thereof.—	13	12
In addition, correspondence fee where applicable.	13	12
38. Citation of, or intimation to, any person or persons by sheriff officer as instructed by the sheriff clerk.	13 plus sheriff officer’s fee	12 plus sheriff officer’s fee
PART III — AUDITOR OF COURT
39. Taxing accounts of expenses incurred in judicial proceedings remitted to the auditor of court for taxation—
(a) lodging account for taxation;	44	43
(a) taxing accounts of expenses etc.—	21	20
(i) up to £400;	21	20
(i) for every additional £100 or part thereof.	5	5
(NOTE: Fee to be determined by auditor of court on amount of account as submitted.)
(a) cancellation of diet of taxation—	50% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph	50% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph
(i) where written notice of cancellation received from receiving party after 4.00 pm on the fourth working day before the day of diet of taxation;
(i) where written notice of cancellation received from receiving party after 4.00 pm on the second working day before the day of the diet of taxation.	75% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph	75% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph

PART 2Sheriff Personal Injury Court

Payable from 25th April 2018

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
(Matters)	(Fee Payable)	(Fee Formerly Payable)31
	£	£
1. Lodging of a written motion or minute and the lodging of any written opposition to any such motion or minute. (NOTE: where a minute is accompanied by a relevant written motion no fee is payable in respect of lodging the motion.)	55	54
2. Fixing, allocating or assigning of a proof or trial, a debate or a hearing on the merits of the cause.	60	59
3. Hearing fee: per 30 minutes or part thereof.	79	77
4. Lodging a certified copy closed record. (NOTE: fee payable only once in respect of a cause).	109	107
5. Initial writ. (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	219	214
6. Lodging defences (fee payable by each defender or compearer). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	219	214
7. Citation of a civil jury. (NOTE: includes outlays incurred in citing and countermanding, and is payable on the lodging of a proposed issue for jury trial.)	305	298
8. Certified copy of a document.	19	18

SCHEDULE 2TABLES OF FEES

Article 3(1)(b)

PART 1Sheriff court

Payable from 1st April 2019

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
(Matters)	(Fee Payable)	(Fee Formerly Payable)32
	£	£
PART I — COMMISSARY PROCEEDINGS
1. Petition for—
(a) appointment of executor;	19	19
(a) restriction of caution;	19	19
(a) special warrant;	19	19
(a) sealing up of repositories or the like;	19	19
(a) appointment of Commissary factor.	19	19
(NOTE: the fee for all petitions in paragraph 1 includes issue of extract decree).	19	19
2. Sealing up repositories or the like, per hour.	32	31
3.
(a) Receiving and examining inventory of estate, except where sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this paragraph applies—
(i) where the amount of the estate vested in or belonging beneficially to the deceased, of which confirmation is required, or for which resealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892 is required does not exceed—
£50,000;	No fee	No fee
£250,000;	261	256
(i) where the amount of the estate exceeds £250,000;	522	512
(a) receiving and examining additional or corrective inventory of estate or inventory of estate ad non executa—
(i) where the amount of the estate vested in or belonging beneficially to the deceased, of which confirmation is required, or for which resealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892 is required does not exceed—
£50,000;	No fee	No fee
£250,000;	261	256
(i) where the amount of the estate exceeds £250,000;	522	512
(a) Receiving and examining inventory of estate where it is declared that confirmation is not required.	The fees payable are 50% of those specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph. If confirmation is subsequently required the remaining 50% of the fees specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) are payable	The fees payable are 50% of those specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph. If confirmation is subsequently required the remaining 50% of the fees specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) are payable
4. Commissary copying and extracting.
(1) Issuing certificate of confirmation—
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory, each certificate;	8	8
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	8	8
(i) first certificate, including search fee;	19	19
(i) each subsequent certificate.	8	8
(2) Copy or duplicate confirmation—	13	13
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	13	13
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—
(i) duplicate confirmation, including search fee;	26	25
(i) each subsequent duplicate confirmation if ordered at the same time as the duplicate confirmation in head (i).	13	13
(3) Certified extract confirmation and will (if any)—	26	25
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	26	25
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	38	37
(i) certified extract, including search fee;	38	37
(i) each subsequent certified extract if ordered at the same time as the certified extract in head (i).	26	25
(4) Copy will—	8	8
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	8	8
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	19	19
(i) copy will, including search fee;	19	19
(i) each subsequent copy will if ordered at the same time as the copy will in head (i).	8	8
PART II — SHERIFF COURT PROCEEDINGS
Initial Writ
5. Initial writ in any proceedings not being proceedings for which any other paragraph of this Table specifies a fee. (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	129	127
6. European Order for payment in terms of EU Regulation 1896/2006 – application for European Order for payment.	129	127
Divorce and dissolution of civil partners
7. Initial writ in an action of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership (other than a simplified divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership application). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	156	153
Application for simplified divorce and simplified dissolution of civil partnership	125	123
8. Any application (inclusive of all procedures other than those specified at paragraphs 9 and 38). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	125	123
9. Subsequent application upon change of circumstances by party.	32	31
Summary warrant	74	73
10. Application for summary warrant.	74	73
Bankruptcy	118	116
11. Petition for sequestration of estates or petition for recall of award of sequestration.	118	116
12. Miscellaneous applications, including appeals under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 or the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 201633.	61	60
13. No fee.	-	-
Declarator and petitions for completion of title for the Sheriff of Chancery
14. Application for declarator and petition for completion of title to the Sheriff of Chancery.	237	232
15. Issue of chancery extract.	111	109
Summary cause/simple procedure
16. Summons for summary cause or claim form for simple procedure case (NOTE: includes European small claim procedure and fee covers issue of extract decree or issue of decision)—
(a) actions for payment of money of £300 or less (or 250 euros for European small claims);	19	19
(a) other actions;	104	102
(a) on the marking of an appeal or the sending of an appeal form to the sheriff court.	61	60
Criminal procedure	38	37
17. Complaint.	38	37
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988	93	91
18. Petition for removal of disqualification.	93	91
Miscellaneous	19	19
19. Application under section 4 of the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995.	19	19
20. Caveat.	44	43
21. Any proceedings under section 12 or 18 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982.	26	25
22. Note in a liquidation or judicial factory.	38	37
Defender’s responses
23. First writ, reponing note, application for recall of decree or attendance to state a defence or oppose an interim order (fee payable by each defender or compearer) (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree)—
(a) in proceedings to which paragraph 5 of this Table applies;	129	127
(a) in an action of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership (other than a simplified divorce or dissolution of civil partnership).	156	153
Civil court procedure
Payable by pursuer
24. Lodging of a certified copy record under the Ordinary Cause Rules (NOTE: fee payable only once in respect of a cause).	118	116
25. Lodging of a certified closed record under the additional procedure of the Ordinary Cause Rules.	118	116
26. Fixing, allocating or assigning of a proof, a debate or a hearing in a summary or miscellaneous application on the merits of the cause.	56	55
27. For each day or part thereof of proof, debate or hearing in a summary or miscellaneous application on the merits of the cause (NOTE: not payable if the proof, debate or hearing does not proceed on that day).	237	232
28. Initial lodging of affidavits in a family action where proof by affidavit evidence has been allowed.	69	68
Payable by any party (including pursuer)
29. Lodging of a written motion or minute and the lodging of any written opposition to any such motion or minute (NOTE: where a minute is accompanied by a relevant written motion no fee is payable in respect of lodging the motion).	50	49
30. Marking an appeal to the sheriff principal in any proceedings (other than as provided for in paragraph 16(c) of this Table).	118	116
Sheriff court books	26	25
31. Recording protest of a bill or promissory note (NOTE: Extracts to be charged as in paragraph 36 of this Table).	26	25
32. Preservation of deeds, each deed (NOTE: This includes recording and engrossing. If extracts are required, a separate fee is to be charged as in paragraph 36 of this Table).	13	13
Miscellaneous office procedures	74	73
33. Lodging each set of plans or other Parliamentary deposit.	74	73
34. Inspection of report of auction and the auditor of court’s report.	19	19
35. Search and report service as instructed by a trade protection society, licensed credit reference agency or trade publication of protests of relevant court records as appropriately included in the Ordinary Cause Rules, with the fees below payable in advance—	361	354
weekly for 12 months.	361	354
36. Recording, engrossing, extracting, printing or copying of all documents, except as provided for at paragraph 4 of this Table (exclusive of search fee)—
(a) by photocopying or otherwise producing a printed or typed copy—
(i) up to 10 pages;	7	7
(i) each page or part thereof in excess of 10 pages;	0.50	0.50
(a) for a copy of each document in electronic form.	7	7
(NOTE: Recording in Sheriff Court Register of Deeds to be charged as in paragraph 31.)	7	7
37. Any search of records or archives, except as provided for at paragraph 4 of this Table, per 30 minutes or part thereof.—	13	13
In addition, correspondence fee where applicable.	13	13
38. Citation of, or intimation to, any person or persons by sheriff officer as instructed by the sheriff clerk.	13 plus sheriff officer’s fee	13 plus sheriff officer’s fee
PART III — AUDITOR OF COURT
39. Taxing accounts of expenses incurred in judicial proceedings remitted to the auditor of court for taxation—
(a) lodging account for taxation;	45	44
(a) taxing accounts of expenses etc.—	21	21
(i) up to £400;	21	21
(i) for every additional £100 or part thereof.	5	5
(NOTE: Fee to be determined by auditor of court on amount of account as submitted.)
(a) cancellation of diet of taxation—	50% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph	50% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph
(i) where written notice of cancellation received from receiving party after 4.00 pm on the fourth working day before the day of diet of taxation;
(i) where written notice of cancellation received from receiving party after 4.00 pm on the second working day before the day of the diet of taxation.	75% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph	75% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph

PART 2Sheriff Personal Injury Court

Payable from 1st April 2019

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
(Matters)	(Fee Payable)	(Fee Formerly Payable)34
	£	£
1. Lodging of a written motion or minute and the lodging of any written opposition to any such motion or minute. (NOTE: where a minute is accompanied by a relevant written motion no fee is payable in respect of lodging the motion.)	56	55
2. Fixing, allocating or assigning of a proof or trial, a debate or a hearing on the merits of the cause.	61	60
3. Hearing fee: per 30 minutes or part thereof.	81	79
4. Lodging a certified copy closed record. (NOTE: fee payable only once in respect of a cause).	111	109
5. Initial writ. (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	223	219
6. Lodging defences (fee payable by each defender or compearer). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	223	219
7. Citation of a civil jury. (NOTE: includes outlays incurred in citing and countermanding, and is payable on the lodging of a proposed issue for jury trial.)	311	305
8. Certified copy of a document.	19	19

SCHEDULE 3TABLES OF FEES

Article 3(1)(c)

PART 1Sheriff court

Payable from 1st April 2020

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
(Matters)	(Fee Payable)	(Fee Formerly Payable)35
	£	£
PART I — COMMISSARY PROCEEDINGS
1. Petition for—
(a) appointment of executor;	19	19
(a) restriction of caution;	19	19
(a) special warrant;	19	19
(a) sealing up of repositories or the like;	19	19
(a) appointment of Commissary factor.	19	19
(NOTE: the fee for all petitions in paragraph 1 includes issue of extract decree).	19	19
2. Sealing up repositories or the like, per hour.	33	32
3.
(a) Receiving and examining inventory of estate, except where sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this paragraph applies—
(i) where the amount of the estate vested in or belonging beneficially to the deceased, of which confirmation is required, or for which resealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892 is required does not exceed—
£50,000;	No fee	No fee
£250,000;	266	261
(i) where the amount of the estate exceeds £250,000;	532	522
(a) receiving and examining additional or corrective inventory of estate or inventory of estate ad non executa—
(i) where the amount of the estate vested in or belonging beneficially to the deceased, of which confirmation is required, or for which resealing under the Colonial Probates Act 1892 is required does not exceed—
£50,000;	No fee	No fee
£250,000;	266	261
(i) where the amount of the estate exceeds £250,000;	532	522
(a) Receiving and examining inventory of estate where it is declared that confirmation is not required.	The fees payable are 50% of those specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph. If confirmation is subsequently required the remaining 50% of the fees specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) are payable	The fees payable are 50% of those specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of this paragraph. If confirmation is subsequently required the remaining 50% of the fees specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) are payable
4. Commissary copying and extracting.
(1) Issuing certificate of confirmation—
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory, each certificate;	8	8
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	8	8
(i) first certificate, including search fee;	19	19
(i) each subsequent certificate.	8	8
(2) Copy or duplicate confirmation—	13	13
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	13	13
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—
(i) duplicate confirmation, including search fee;	27	26
(i) each subsequent duplicate confirmation if ordered at the same time as the duplicate confirmation in head (i).	13	13
(3) Certified extract confirmation and will (if any)—	27	26
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	27	26
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	39	38
(i) certified extract, including search fee;	39	38
(i) each subsequent certified extract if ordered at the same time as the certified extract in head (i).	27	26
(4) Copy will—	8	8
(a) if ordered when lodging inventory;	8	8
(a) if ordered subsequent to lodging inventory—	19	19
(i) copy will, including search fee;	19	19
(i) each subsequent copy will if ordered at the same time as the copy will in head (i).	8	8
PART II — SHERIFF COURT PROCEEDINGS
Initial Writ
5. Initial writ in any proceedings not being proceedings for which any other paragraph of this Table specifies a fee. (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	132	129
6. European Order for payment in terms of EU Regulation 1896/2006 – application for European Order for payment.	132	129
Divorce and dissolution of civil partners
7. Initial writ in an action of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership (other than a simplified divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership application). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	159	156
Application for simplified divorce and simplified dissolution of civil partnership	128	125
8. Any application (inclusive of all procedures other than those specified at paragraphs 9 and 38). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	128	125
9. Subsequent application upon change of circumstances by party.	33	32
Summary warrant	75	74
10. Application for summary warrant.	75	74
Bankruptcy	120	118
11. Petition for sequestration of estates or petition for recall of award of sequestration.	120	118
12. Miscellaneous applications, including appeals under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 or the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 201636.	62	61
13. No fee.	-	-
Declarator and petitions for completion of title for the Sheriff of Chancery
14. Application for declarator and petition for completion of title to the Sheriff of Chancery.	242	237
15. Issue of chancery extract.	113	111
Summary cause/simple procedure
16. Summons for summary cause or claim form for simple procedure case (NOTE: includes European small claim procedure and fee covers issue of extract decree or issue of decision)—
(a) actions for payment of money of £300 or less (or 250 euros for European small claims);	19	19
(a) other actions;	106	104
(a) on the marking of an appeal or the sending of an appeal form to the sheriff court.	62	61
Criminal procedure	39	38
17. Complaint.	39	38
Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988	95	93
18. Petition for removal of disqualification.	95	93
Miscellaneous	19	19
19. Application under section 4 of the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995.	19	19
20. Caveat.	45	44
21. Any proceedings under section 12 or 18 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982.	27	26
22. Note in a liquidation or judicial factory.	39	38
Defender’s responses
23. First writ, reponing note, application for recall of decree or attendance to state a defence or oppose an interim order (fee payable by each defender or compearer) (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree)—
(a) in proceedings to which paragraph 5 of this Table applies;	132	129
(a) in an action of divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership (other than a simplified divorce or dissolution of civil partnership).	159	156
Civil court procedure
Payable by pursuer
24. Lodging of a certified copy record under the Ordinary Cause Rules (NOTE: fee payable only once in respect of a cause).	120	118
25. Lodging of a certified closed record under the additional procedure of the Ordinary Cause Rules.	120	118
26. Fixing, allocating or assigning of a proof, a debate or a hearing in a summary or miscellaneous application on the merits of the cause.	57	56
27. For each day or part thereof of proof, debate or hearing in a summary or miscellaneous application on the merits of the cause (NOTE: not payable if the proof, debate or hearing does not proceed on that day).	242	237
28. Initial lodging of affidavits in a family action where proof by affidavit evidence has been allowed.	70	69
Payable by any party (including pursuer)
29. Lodging of a written motion or minute and the lodging of any written opposition to any such motion or minute (NOTE: where a minute is accompanied by a relevant written motion no fee is payable in respect of lodging the motion).	51	50
30. Marking an appeal to the sheriff principal in any proceedings (other than as provided for in paragraph 16(c) of this Table).	120	118
Sheriff court books	27	26
31. Recording protest of a bill or promissory note (NOTE: Extracts to be charged as in paragraph 36 of this Table).	27	26
32. Preservation of deeds, each deed (NOTE: This includes recording and engrossing. If extracts are required, a separate fee is to be charged as in paragraph 36 of this Table).	13	13
Miscellaneous office procedures	75	74
33. Lodging each set of plans or other Parliamentary deposit.	75	74
34. Inspection of report of auction and the auditor of court’s report.	19	19
35. Search and report service as instructed by a trade protection society, licensed credit reference agency or trade publication of protests of relevant court records as appropriately included in the Ordinary Cause Rules, with the fees below payable in advance—	368	361
weekly for 12 months.	368	361
36. Recording, engrossing, extracting, printing or copying of all documents, except as provided for at paragraph 4 of this Table (exclusive of search fee)—
(a) by photocopying or otherwise producing a printed or typed copy—
(i) up to 10 pages;	7	7
(i) each page or part thereof in excess of 10 pages;	0.50	0.50
(a) for a copy of each document in electronic form.	7	7
(NOTE: Recording in Sheriff Court Register of Deeds to be charged as in paragraph 31.)	7	7
37. Any search of records or archives, except as provided for at paragraph 4 of this Table, per 30 minutes or part thereof.—	13	13
In addition, correspondence fee where applicable.	13	13
38. Citation of, or intimation to, any person or persons by sheriff officer as instructed by the sheriff clerk.	13 plus sheriff officer’s fee	13 plus sheriff officer’s fee
PART III — AUDITOR OF COURT
39. Taxing accounts of expenses incurred in judicial proceedings remitted to the auditor of court for taxation—
(a) lodging account for taxation;	46	45
(a) taxing accounts of expenses etc.—	21	21
(i) up to £400;	21	21
(i) for every additional £100 or part thereof.	5	5
(NOTE: Fee to be determined by auditor of court on amount of account as submitted.)
(a) cancellation of diet of taxation—	50% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph	50% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph
(i) where written notice of cancellation received from receiving party after 4.00 pm on the fourth working day before the day of diet of taxation;
(i) where written notice of cancellation received from receiving party after 4.00 pm on the second working day before the day of the diet of taxation.	75% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph	75% of fee that would have been payable under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph

PART 2Sheriff Personal Injury Court

Payable from 1st April 2020

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
(Matters)	(Fee Payable)	(Fee Formerly Payable)37
	£	£
1. Lodging of a written motion or minute and the lodging of any written opposition to any such motion or minute. (NOTE: where a minute is accompanied by a relevant written motion no fee is payable in respect of lodging the motion.)	57	56
2. Fixing, allocating or assigning of a proof or trial, a debate or a hearing on the merits of the cause.	62	61
3. Hearing fee: per 30 minutes or part thereof.	83	81
4. Lodging a certified copy closed record. (NOTE: fee payable only once in respect of a cause).	113	111
5. Initial writ. (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	227	223
6. Lodging defences (fee payable by each defender or compearer). (NOTE: fee covers issue of extract decree).	227	223
7. Citation of a civil jury. (NOTE: includes outlays incurred in citing and countermanding, and is payable on the lodging of a proposed issue for jury trial.)	317	311
8. Certified copy of a document.	19	19

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order makes provision for the fees payable in the sheriff court, to the sheriff clerk or the auditor of court (as appropriate).

Article 3 and schedules 1 to 3 specify fee levels payable in a sheriff court in respect of certain matters.

The fee levels for the period from 25th April 2018 until 31st March 2019 are given effect by the Tables of Fees in schedule 1.
The fee levels for the period from 1st April 2019 until 31st March 2020 are given effect by substituting the Tables of Fees in schedule 1 with the Tables of Fees in schedule 2.
The fee levels from 1st April 2020 onwards are given effect by substituting the Tables of Fees in schedule 2 with the Tables of Fees in schedule 3.

Article 3(3) provides that fees are not to be payable by the Crown in the enforcement of the criminal law or in the exercise of powers or the performance of duties arising out of or relating to that enforcement.

Article 3(4) provides that the relevant office holders are not required to do any act in connection with the matter specified in relation to that fee without either prior payment of the fee or entering into an arrangement for payment of the fee.

Article 4 provides that certain fees are payable only once.

Article 5 provides for matters included in certain fees.

Article 6 provides for fees payable in the Sheriff Personal Injury Court.

Article 7 provides for cases in which an extra fee is payable

Articles 8 and 9 provide exemption for certain persons from fees.

Article 10 provides exemption in connection with estates exempt from inheritance tax.

Articles 11 and 12 provides exemption relating to particular proceedings.

Article 13 provides for certain motions in the Sheriff Personal Injury Court to be exempted from fees.

Article 14 revokes the Sheriff Court Fees Order 2015.

A Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared for this Order and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies can be obtained from the Scottish Government Justice Directorate, St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.