Call us now: 0141 429 8166
Call us now: 0141 429 8166
We fully recognise that the breakdown of a marriage or other long-term relationship can be a very distressing experience and that clear and concise legal advice is crucial. Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards, our dedicated team of experienced, award-winning family lawyers led by Julia Donnelly & Nicola Watson can provide excellent legal advice to assist and provide support to our clients at such times.
Call us on 0141 429 8166 or complete our online contact form.
We have over 30 years’ experience in this field of the law and can advise on all aspects of family law matters. Our Family Law Partner Julia Donnelly is accredited as a family mediator by the Law Society of Scotland and we can offer legal and fixed price private work in relation to all the key areas below. We are happy to deal with our clients by telephone – email or Skype where required and will fit our service around the needs of our clients. We are able to assist in a collaborative approach to dispute resolution and are adept at negotiating Agreements on behalf of clients. We regularly conduct litigation in Sheriff Courts across Scotland and the Court of Session.
Family matters can be deeply personal and emotionally challenging. At Livingstone Brown, our experienced family law solicitors in Glasgow are here to provide clear, practical, and compassionate legal advice. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or require assistance with financial settlements, we offer expert guidance to help you navigate these difficult times. Contact us today through our online enquiry form to discuss your case confidentially.
Family law in Scotland governs a wide range of issues affecting families, couples, and children. The key legislation includes the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006, which modernised many aspects of family law. This Act addresses areas such as divorce, financial provision upon separation, cohabitation rights, and the protection of children from harm. It also introduced significant reforms to simplify divorce procedures and strengthen protections for children in cases involving domestic abuse.
The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 is another cornerstone of family law, focusing on parental rights and responsibilities. Courts must prioritise the welfare of the child in all decisions, considering factors such as the child’s views (where appropriate) and their safety.
Family law also recognises the evolving nature of relationships and families. For example, cohabiting couples now have specific rights under Scottish law, including the ability to make financial claims if the relationship ends or one partner passes away. Similarly, grandparents can apply for contact rights with their grandchildren if it is in the child’s best interests.
In cases involving international disputes, such as child abduction or relocation, Scotland adheres to international conventions like the Hague Convention. This ensures that cross-border family issues are handled with consistency and fairness.
When it comes to financial settlements on divorce or separation, Scottish law applies a principle of fairness. This includes considering factors such as contributions made by each party during the marriage, both financial and non-financial. Courts can make orders for property transfers, pension sharing arrangements, or ongoing financial support to ensure equitable outcomes.
At Livingstone Brown, we understand that every family is unique. Our solicitors take the time to explain how these laws apply to your situation and work tirelessly to protect your interests.
We offer a comprehensive range of family law services designed to meet your specific needs:
Cohabitation Agreements: Protecting your interests when living with a partner without being married.
Cohabitation Claims on Separation/Death: Ensuring fair outcomes when relationships end or partners pass away.
Our team of Glasgow-based family law solicitors has extensive experience handling even the most complex cases.
Family Law Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to a non-resident parent exercising contact with their children. What may work for one family will not necessarily work for yours. When deciding on what level of contact you should be awarded the Sheriff will consider the best interests of the specific children and will have their welfare as their paramount consideration. Each case is, therefore, fact-specific.
We can use our wealth of experience to consider your own individual circumstances and provide advice as to what you may reasonably expect. We will be there to guide you through each stage of the process. Contact one of our family law solicitors to discuss matters further.
In Scotland, you can apply for divorce if your marriage has irretrievably broken down due to one of four reasons: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, one-year separation with consent, or two-year separation without consent. The process can be simplified if both parties agree on key issues such as finances and child arrangements.
Cohabitants have limited rights compared to married couples but can make claims for financial provision if the relationship ends. This includes compensation for economic disadvantage suffered during the relationship.
Courts prioritise the welfare of the child above all else. They consider factors such as the child’s views (if they are old enough), each parent’s ability to care for the child, and any history of abuse or neglect.
Under Scots law, you will require to wait a period of one year to obtain a divorce in these circumstances. Depending on whether there are children of the marriage under 16 years, this will determine the procedure you will require to follow. If there are no children under 16 and all financial matters have been resolved then you can utilise the simplified divorce procedure.
If there are children under 16 years then you will require to raise an ordinary court action. Our family solicitors routinely assist clients in both instances. Please contact our office to discuss further.
At Livingstone Brown, we are dedicated to supporting you through life’s most challenging moments. Our family law solicitors in Glasgow are ready to provide expert advice tailored to your needs. Whether you need assistance with divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, or cohabitation agreements, we are here to help.
Take control of your situation today by contacting us on 0141 429 8166 or by completing our online contact form. . Let us help you find clarity and resolution during this difficult time.
Livingstone Brown is a leading firm of Scottish solicitors. Based in Glasgow, but dealing with cases around the country, the firm has been at the forefront of legal service provision for over thirty years.
If you have a legal problem, getting good quality legal information at the earliest stage can be invaluable. The firm offers a free initial enquiry service; all you have to do is call in, telephone, or e-mail. You won't be charged for your enquiry; we'll let you know by return whether we can help, what we can do, and how much it's likely to cost. We can also offer legal aid where available.
Led by former senior partner Gerard Brown CBE, who continues as a consultant, the firm has built up an enviable reputation for quality of service and client care.
The firm has won various awards over the years. In the 2019 edition of the prestigious Legal 500 rankings Livingstone Brown was ranked as a 'top-tier' firm for general criminal work, and is also recommended for fraud cases. Stuart Munro and Gerard Brown were named as 'Recommended Lawyers'. In the Chambers directory the firm has a Band 1 ranking for criminal work, and Stuart Munro is a ranked financial crime lawyer. The firm was named Criminal Defence Firm of the Year and Family Law Team of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards 2019.
Reliable, expert advice you can trust. Get in touch today
AWARD WINNING, SCOTTISH SOLICITORS
