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Lawyers in Edinburgh
Solicitors in Edinburgh
Family Solicitors/Lawyers in Edinburgh

Latest news and insights

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new partner and promotes 11 others

Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team.

Strike Action, but not as we know it

In February, takeaway drivers at a variety of “gig economy” delivery platforms took part in “strike” action to demand better pay and working conditions.

Changes in law for Trusters to be aware of in 2024

Trusts & Succession Act: what are the changes for Trusters to be aware of before they become law in 2024.

Latest news and insights

Gillespie Macandrew appoints new partner and promotes 11 others

Gillespie Macandrew announces the promotion of Lorna Balfour to partner in its industry-leading Land & Rural Business team.

Strike Action, but not as we know it

In February, takeaway drivers at a variety of “gig economy” delivery platforms took part in “strike” action to demand better pay and working conditions.

Changes in law for Trusters to be aware of in 2024

Trusts & Succession Act: what are the changes for Trusters to be aware of before they become law in 2024.

Divorce and Family Law

closeup of two separated pieces of a puzzle which together form a heart on a white rustic wooden surface, depicting the idea of rupture or cooperation

We combine specialist, practical advice with a responsive, supportive and discrete service.  We also offer a Family Law Mediation and Arbitration service. We work with clients all over the UK and overseas, including expatriates.

Separation and divorce

All relationships or marriages can breakdown for a variety of reasons and we’re here to support and guide you through the process. We can provide advice on the dissolution of a marriage or civil partnership as well as advise in relation to cohabitation rights.  We’ll help you arrange your finances, share or retain your assets and, if required, help you decide how you’ll care for your children after separation.

It might be that you’re able to reach agreement with your spouse or partner directly and only need some direction and a light touch from us. If agreement isn’t immediately possible then there are different ways to help you come to a resolution, including:

  • Negotiation between solicitors
  • Mediation
  • Collaborative law
  • Family law arbitration

Whatever your circumstances, we can provide you with information and guidance about the options that may be suitable for you.

If your spouse or partner has raised a court action, or if you need to ask the court to assist, we can work with you and represent you in court.

Support with arrangements involving children

Clients come to us with important and challenging questions relating to child law and parenting issues.

We can provide legal advice and support with:

  • Arrangements for children following separation/divorce.
  • Temporary/short term child care/contact arrangements e.g. summer/Christmas holidays.
  • Disputes about a child’s name, what school they’ll attend, religious upbringing or what medical treatment they receive.
  • Moving or relocating children within Scotland, to England and abroad.
  • Helping parents, grandparents or others secure contact (access) with a child.
  • Surrogacy, both in the UK and abroad.
  • Adoption, including adoption by a step parent.
  • International child abduction.
  • Child support and maintenance.

Pre and postnuptial agreements

Scotland has a long history of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. It’s common for one or both partners to ask to protect an asset or assets in the event of a future separation. Whether you’ve been married before and want to protect your assets for your children, have built up assets before meeting your partner or have been gifted money or assets from your family, we can prepare a contract that suits your circumstances.

We also prepare cohabitation agreements for those moving in together setting out how their finances are to be dealt with ongoing or if the relationship breaks down.

Mediation and Arbitration

Many people want to avoid the inevitable stress and expense of going to court around family law matters and we can offer some alternatives:

We offer Family Mediation where a trained and accredited mediator will help guide you towards your own mutually acceptable solution to a family law  matter. Mediators are non-judgemental and do not act as decision makers in the way a Court would.

We also offer Family Law Arbitration where a trained Arbitrator is appointed as the decision maker in the family law dispute. The Arbitration process is similar to a Court process in that there are “hearings” and procedures for putting across your side of the case, and you agree to be bound by the Arbitrator’s decision.

News and insights

Is court the only option for reaching a financial agreement in a divorce?

Most people want to avoid the inevitable stress and expense of going to court to sort out the financial aspects of their separation, so what is the alternative?

Pride 2021: LGBTQ+ Role Models in the Scottish Legal Profession

Amanda Millar, the first openly LGBTQ+ President of the Law Society of Scotland, hosted an “in conversation with” event at which she shared her own story.

Love is a Co-Purchase Agreement

Rachael Burke discusses why it is a good idea for any couple to consider a co-purchase agreement before buying a property.

Five questions to consider when thinking about a divorce or separation

If you are considering divorce or separation, at any time of the year, here are five fundamental questions you should ask yourself.

The essence of family protection

John Stirling discusses the essence of family protection and the importance of being aware of the differences between trusts, nuptials and cohab agreements.

Key contacts

We understand that your circumstances maybe complex and sensitive and you may feel apprehensive about speaking to a lawyer – we can help. Discretion is central to our approach, as is providing reassurance at what can be an emotional and distressing time. Get in touch with one of our team to find out how we can help you.

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REQUEST A FREE CALLBACK

We understand the need for discretion and that you may not be clear on your options or indeed the process of instructing a lawyer. If you would like to arrange for someone in our family law team to get in touch at a time that suits you, please provide a few details.

Lawyers in Edinburgh
Solicitors in Edinburgh
Family Solicitors/Lawyers in Edinburgh

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