2023 Laws not yet authenticated through a Commencement Order

Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2023)

68.6   Failure to file acknowledgment of service

  1.  

    (1)   Part 12 does not apply to probate proceedings.

  1.  

    (2)   If any of several defendants to probate proceedings fails to file an acknowledgment of service or to file and serve a defence, the claimant may —

    1.  

      (a)     after the time for entering an acknowledgment of service or filing a defence has expired; and

    1.  

      (b)     upon filing an affidavit proving due service of the claim form and statement of claim on that defendant,

  1.  

    proceed with the claim as if that defendant had entered an acknowledgment of service.

  1.  

    (3)   If the defendant, or all the defendants, to probate proceedings, fails or fail to file an acknowledgment of service or file and serve a defence, then, unless on the application of the claimant the court orders the claim to be dismissed or discontinued, the claimant may apply to the court at the first hearing —

    1.  

      (a)     for the claim to be dealt with summarily at that hearing; or

    1.  

      (b)     for a trial date to be fixed and any necessary directions to be given.

  1.  

    (4)   Before applying for an order under paragraph (3) the claimant must file an affidavit proving due service of the claim form and statement of claim on the defendant.

  1.  

    (5)   If the court grants an order under paragraph (3), it may direct the proceedings to be tried on affidavit evidence.