News and Insights

The Wedding season is upon us once again with couples across Scotland ‘tying the knot’ but what legally changes when you say “I do”?

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

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

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?

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

There are many considerations when welcoming a new baby into the world, here we highlight Parental Responsibilities and Rights.

Sharon Murray outlines the law around child support, setting out the three stages of a child’s life and what is required during each stage.

Summer holidays can be an anxious time for separated parents. Sharon Murray provides guidance on if your child does not return from holiday as planned.

If you are planning a summer holiday with your child but you are separated from your child’s other parent, there are some things to think about in advance.

We have prepared a helpful factsheet on the legal differences between becoming marital spouses or civil partners.

For some the festive period can be difficult, particularly if it is the first Christmas since the separation - here are our co-parenting tips at Christmas.

One of the most common practical changes following a separation or divorce/dissolution of civil partnership is to change your surname or your child’s surname.

What is “matrimonial property”?

In November 2021, the Court of Session in Edinburgh issued a judgment in a divorce case involving a family farm.

Many of us made changes to our living arrangements during the Covid pandemic and some may be considering a permanent move abroad as the world begins to open up.

Most people know that it is possible to divorce a spouse on the ground of their “unreasonable behaviour”.

In Scotland the vast majority (over 90%) of divorce applications are made on the basis that the couple have been separated for more than one year.

If you are planning a wedding in 2022 or are just curious about what some of the lesser known “benefits” of being married are, then read on.

Now is the time to be aware on how marriage or civil partnership can affect your tax position.

The Family Law Language Project launched with the aim of helping to improve the understanding and use of language where family legal matters are discussed.

Changes in income due to the Covid-19 pandemic may have left separated parents wondering about the implications for child maintenance payments.

Parents’ separation has the potential to be a particularly challenging time for teenagers but handled properly many cope very well.

We have put together some answers to the most frequently asked questions about separating in lockdown.

To celebrate LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering week 2021 we have answered some frequently asked questions in relation to the adoption process in Scotland.

Cohabitation: increasing awareness of the current regime to ensure couples are aware of the risks it presents.

Some key considerations for newly separated parents.

Self-building gives you the opportunity to design a one-off family home that ticks all the boxes: design, living requirements and, most importantly, location.

All parents should think about is the arrangements for their child (or children) if something was to happen to them.

This article explores step-parent adoption in Scotland, and also looks at the other options that are available.

There are many benefits to working with a partner or spouse, but there is also an increased risk of the business suffering if the relationship fails.

It’s important for couples to know if a foreign marriage is recognised in Scotland automatically, or if anything needs to be done here.

Our family law expert Ashley McCann provides her top tips for separated parents when considering their holiday plans.