What is a caveat?
A caveat is an early warning system that is exclusive to Scotland. It’s an electronic document that we can file with any of Scotland’s courts. If someone tries to obtain certain types of orders against you or your business—without telling you first—the court must let us know before anything happens.
Who should consider lodging a caveat?
Any business operating in Scotland should consider using caveats to help manage risks. But caveats aren’t just for businesses—individuals, charities, partnerships, and other organisations are able to use them too.
Why lodge a caveat?
A caveat helps make sure you’re not caught off guard by certain types of court orders. If we lodge a caveat for you, we will be notified if someone:
- Presents a petition to put your company into liquidation
- Starts the process to have you declared bankrupt (sequestrated)
- Seeks a temporary court order to stop you doing something (interim interdict)
Without a caveat, the first time you may hear that action has been taken—and court orders granted—could be when sheriff officers serve court papers on you.
Where should you lodge a caveat?
We can advise you on which courts you may wish to lodge caveats. We would normally recommend the Sheriff Court covering the area where you are based or do business. We may also advise lodging at the Court of Session, Scotland’s supreme court.
How does a caveat work in practice?
If your caveat is ‘triggered’, the court will contact us—even if it is an urgent matter being dealt with outside normal business hours. That allows you to respond and try to resolve matters before they become expensive and risk reputational damage. In short, a caveat gives you an opportunity to stop some types of court proceedings before they get started.
What does it cost?
Caveats are relatively inexpensive. In addition to our modest fee, court lodging dues are currently £58 per caveat in the Sheriff Court and £53 in the Court of Session.
Caveats need to be reviewed annually. If we lodge a caveat for you, we will contact you when it is due for renewal.
Published 19 November 2025.
