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UPDATE ON SERVICE PROVISION - COVID19 – SHERIFF OFFICER SERVICES

We are very pleased to update you now on the latest guidance issued by our professional association The Society of Messengers-at-Arms & Sheriff Officers which allows us to provide some clarity and detail for the weeks and months ahead.  The guidance follows the Scottish Governments route map through and out of the crisis.  As each Phase is announced by the Government we will be able to deal with an ever increasing number of matters as you will see below:

Phase 1

As the courts and tribunals begin re-opening and increasing the volume of business they are processing,  members should resume the service of Initial Writs, Summonses, Simple Procedure Claims and other Notices that require served under statute.  With regards to enforcement of decrees; Arrestments, Inhibitions and Earnings Arrestments (where a Charge has previously been executed) and at business and commercial premises, Charges for Payment should also resume.

Phase 2

With the further scaling up of public services from phase 1 and where it is safe to do so, the service of Statutory Demands and other Demand Letters.  With regards to enforcement the service of Charges for Payment, Charges for Removing and Notices of Removal.  At business and other commercial premises Attachments and Ejections.

Phase 3

This marks a further resumption of justice system processes and services.  Enforcement should recommence of Attachments, Money Attachments, Ejections and Exceptional Attachment Orders.

Phase 4

All Public services operating fully, in line with public health advice.

 

The full guidance can be found at www.smaso.org or we can email you a copy if required.

We hope this provides much needed clarity for the immediate future.  We recognise too that there are matters which will have specific issues and as always if you have a particular matter you need to discuss please contact us.

In relation to urgent and time-bar cases the following emergency contact numbers are available; Alex Irvine – 07519096697 and Andrew Fraser – 07775852946

Posted on 3rd Jun, 20

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