Letter of Intention to Start Simple Procedure (Scotland)

What is a letter of intention to start the Simple Procedure?

A letter of intention to start the Simple Procedure (a letter before claim) can be used by an individual or a business to notify another party that they intend to initiate a claim at the Sherrif Court using the Simple Procedure in Scotland.

A different kind of letter before claim can be used in England and Wales.

What is the difference between a letter of intention to start the Simple Procedure and a letter of complaint?

A letter of complaint is a more informal letter. Usually, it will invite the recipient to resolve matters informally and the letter will not make detailed reference to any potential future claim, in way that a letter before claim does.

A letter before claim will serve as a final warning and will provide one final opportunity for the recipient to resolve matters. The letter before claim will include particular information about the future claim. It will provide a specific deadline within which court proceedings will be issued, in the absence of any resolution.

Is it mandatory to send a letter of intention to start the Simple Procedure?

No. It is however best practice to do so, to illustrate to the Court that all steps have been taken to resolve matters before issuing a claim.

What is the Simple Procedure?

The Simple Procedure is a court process which is designed to resolve small disputes. Usually, the value of the claim of any sum of money should be £5000 or less for a claim under the Simple Procedure. Further information about the Simple Procedure is available on the Scottish Courts website.

What has to be done after signing a letter of intention to commence the Simple Procedure?

Once this document has been completed with all the relevant information and signed, it should be sent to the other party. It may be printed, signed and posted to the other party. It may be helpful to have the letter sent by recorded/tracked delivery. It is also acceptable to send the letter electronically via email. It may be helpful in this instance to request a read receipt on the letter.

The other party will be provided with a timeframe within which they must respond to the letter. Where no response is received, or where no satisfactory solution is reached, the claim may be issued.

What documents should be attached to a letter of intention to commence the Simple Procedure?

The sender may wish to include any relevant evidence to support their future claim. This will help to explain the basis of their claim. Evidence may include:

• text messages
• emails
• photographs
• screenshots
• audio and video recordings on a disc

What must a letter of intention to commence the Simple Procedure contain?

The letter should contain concise details about the claim. The letter should always include the following key information:

• the basis of the claim
• a summary of the facts
• the remedy/outcome sought

What laws apply to a letter of intention to commence the Simple Procedure?

The specific laws that will govern the case will depend upon the nature of the intended claim.

The key legal provisions that are relevant to the Simple Procedure are:

• The Simple Procedure Rules
• The Act of Sederunt (Simple Procedure) 2016

The potential claimant should also consider any time limits which may apply to their claim:

The Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973

Help from a lawyer

You can choose to consult a lawyer if you need help.

The lawyer can answer your questions or help you through the process. You will be offered this option when you complete the document.

How to modify the template?

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.