Civil Online was launched in 2018 and enabled users to manage Simple Procedure claims via the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website. SCTS is committed to the development of Civil Online to enable a wider range of services to be delivered through this facility.
In October 2020, we implemented new functionality that enabled the upload of documents for almost all types of civil business. These new functions were trialled in several locations with the help of a small group of solicitors.
Feedback from participating firms and court staff has been positive.
We would like to extend our thanks to all firms who participated in the trial. Their co-operation and feedback has been invaluable in identifying the issues users may face and refining our online facility to deliver a better service.
We are confident that online submission offers improved data security and will enable quicker, more accurate processing of documents by the court.
From Monday 17th May, the new facility will be available at all sheriff courts and for use by any solicitor.
Using the document upload facility
Civil Online is accessible on the SCTS website. A video demonstration including the new document upload facility, is also available.
Solicitors must register their firm for access to Civil Online before they can submit documents – unless already using Civil Online for Simple Procedure. To request access, complete the Civil Online Registration form and email it to civilonlinelab@scotcourts.gov.uk.
Technical queries should be directed to civilonlinehelp@scotcourts.gov.uk
Uploading a document is quick and easy. Users select the relevant case, specify the type of document and then upload their document file. It can then be submitted to the court with the click of a button.
Please also note:
- The document upload function is currently limited to non-initiating documents and it is not possible to submit an Initial Writ or a Notice of Intention to Defend.
- Submission has been enabled for cases managed by any Sheriff Court, by the Sheriff Appeal Court and by the All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court. It is not possible for any case managed at the Court of Session.
- Solicitors without a credit account will be unable to submit any document that attracts a lodgement fee. Details of how to apply for credit facilities can be found in the Finance Unit section of the SCTS website.
- Submission is not possible for cases relating to adoptions, permanence orders or human fertilisation & embryology
Future Enhancements
The document upload change is the first in a series of enhancements we plan to make to Civil Online. Subsequent developments will enable the submission of an Initial Writ or a Notice of Intention to Defend and extend the case tracking facility, already available for Simple Procedure claims, to all types of civil business. This facility allows users to check hearing details, view case documents online and download these documents.