Paper Filing a Simple Procedure Claim in Scotland Without Internet

Civil Online Is the Default — But Not the Only Way

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) mandates that all Simple Procedure claims be filed digitally through the Civil Online portal. But they also recognise that not everyone can use it. If you have legitimate grounds for being unable to access Civil Online, you can apply to file your claim on paper using a physical Form 3A — but you need the Sheriff's permission first.

Paper filing isn't just printing the form and posting it. Sending a paper claim form without the required application for approval results in immediate rejection without registration.

Who Qualifies for Paper Filing

The Sheriff decides on a case-by-case basis, but the SCTS guidance and court practice accept several categories of justification:

• No computer hardware: you don't own a computer, tablet, or smartphone capable of accessing the portal
• Inadequate internet access: unreliable or no broadband connection, particularly common in rural and island areas of Scotland
• Physical or cognitive disability: a condition that makes using the digital portal inaccessible, even with assistive technology
• Inability to navigate digital forms: lack of digital literacy that prevents meaningful use of the portal, despite having hardware and internet access

Each of these needs to be stated clearly in your application. Convenience or preference is not sufficient — the Sheriff expects a genuine barrier to digital access.

How to Apply

You need to submit two documents together by post to the Sheriff Clerk at the correct Sheriff Court:

1. The completed paper Form 3A: download it from the SCTS website (scotcourts.gov.uk) or obtain a copy from the Sheriff Clerk's office. Fill in every section exactly as you would on Civil Online — parties, jurisdiction, claim amount, background facts, interest, and pre-filing resolution efforts.

2. A written application explaining why you cannot use Civil Online: this is a separate letter addressed to the Sheriff. It must include:

• Your full name and address
• The respondent's full name and address
• A clear, specific explanation of why you cannot access or use the digital portal

Keep the explanation straightforward and honest. One or two paragraphs is enough. Something like: "I do not have a computer or internet access at my home address. The nearest public library with internet terminals is 28 miles from my home and operates limited hours. I am unable to complete the Civil Online registration and submission process." The Sheriff is looking for a genuine barrier, not a legal argument.

What Happens Next

The Sheriff Clerk receives your paper Form 3A and application letter. The Sheriff reviews the application and either:

• Grants permission: the paper claim is registered, and the case proceeds exactly like a digital filing. You'll receive Form 3D (the timetable) by post.
• Refuses permission: you'll need to find a way to use Civil Online. Some options include asking a friend or family member to help, visiting a local Citizens Advice Bureau (they can assist with form completion), or using a public computer at a library.

If permission is granted, the court fee (£23 or £127 depending on claim value) must still be paid. Confirm the accepted payment method with the Sheriff Clerk. Fee exemption forms can be submitted alongside the paper application if you're on qualifying benefits.

Practical Tips for Paper Filers

Attach copies of your evidence with the claim form — contracts, invoices, demand letters, photographs. On Civil Online, you'd upload these digitally. On paper, include clear photocopies.

Keep copies of everything you send to the court. Paper filing means there's no digital record on your side unless you make one.

Use recorded delivery for all postal submissions to the court. You need proof that the court received your documents, and the court's receipt date matters for timetable calculations.

Ask about service arrangements early. The Sheriff Clerk can assist individual (non-business) claimants with postal service of the claim papers on the respondent, for a £15 fee. This is particularly helpful for paper filers who may have difficulty arranging service themselves.

If you're filing on paper because of access barriers, the Scotland Simple Procedure Guide is designed to be printed and worked through offline — the worksheets and checklists help you prepare your claim before you need to interact with the court at all.

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