Decision in absence

If the respondent did not attend and was not represented at the hearing, the sheriff can grant a ‘decision in absence’. If the respondent wants to admit the claim and ask for time to pay or deny the claim (or part of the claim) and has a defence, then before any diligence (eg, bank arrestment and wages arrestment) is fully implemented, they can apply to recall the decision (see above). If the respondent has already had diligence fully implemented, they cannot recall the decision.