The Act of Sederunt (Ordinary Cause Rules 1993 Amendment) (Case Management of Defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions) 2022 (S.S.I 2022/289) was laid before the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 29 September 2022.

This Act of Sederunt provides new rules to Chapters 33 and 33A in relation to defended Family and Civil Partnership Actions in the Sheriff Court. These rules introduce Initial Case Management Hearings and Full Case Management Hearings to these chapters.

The overall policy intention of the rule changes is to improve the operation of Sheriff Court family rules of court, enhancing Case Management more generally by ensuring consistent and effective case management of family and civil partnership actions. Particular regard is paid to preventing undue delay in proceedings relating to the welfare of children. 

More information can be found here.