Divorce Solicitors in Edinburgh

No matter the circumstances, going through a divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. Even if the separation is amicable, important decisions will need to be made at a time when both parties are likely to be feeling particularly vulnerable.

At Anderson Strathern, our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh have the expertise and experience to help you make the best decisions for both you and your family at such a difficult time.

Our team can guide you through every aspect of getting a divorce, from the general process of making a divorce application, through to childcare arrangements and financial settlements.

We make sure to carefully tailor our advice to your personal situation, providing guidance which is clear, straightforward and practical. With our support, you will have a clear understanding of what steps need to be taken and what you will be able to achieve from your separation.

Speak to our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh

To speak with our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh or to book an appointment, please get in touch today.

Contact us on 0131 270 7700, visit our office in central Edinburgh or fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of the page to request a call back.

Our expertise with divorce

Divorce applications

While the process of applying for a divorce in Scotland is relatively straightforward, certain criteria need to be fulfilled. This is where the guidance of experienced solicitors can prove invaluable.

When instructed, our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh can support you in making an initial application, filing the necessary documents to court.

It is also important to note that, while there were significant changes to the way divorce works in England and Wales as of April 2022, these new laws do not apply in Scotland. There have been no reforms to divorce law in Scotland since 2006.

This means that, when making a divorce application, proof of the ‘irretrievable breakdown’ of the marriage will be required. This must be either:

• Adultery
• Unreasonable behaviour
• 2 years’ separation without content
• 1 year’s separation with consent

Most couples attempt to resolve any issues concerning their finances or arrangements for children prior to making an application for divorce, which our solicitors can also guide you through.

Financial separation agreements

The division of assets in Scotland is set out in Section 9(a)-(e) of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 as amended. This legislation details that assets should be divided fairly, with a 50/50 split being the initial starting point for negotiations.

Our divorce settlement solicitors in Edinburgh can sit down with you to discuss your financial circumstances and what you would likely to achieve from the separation. From here, we can engage in negotiation proceedings with your former partner, with the aim being to reach a divorce financial settlement that is in everyone’s best interests and allows you to move on with the next chapter in your life with confidence.

If it is not possible to come to a voluntary divorce settlement agreement, it may be necessary to apply for a court order. This will take into consideration all of the financial circumstances of both partners, including pension arrangements.

Child arrangements

Making arrangements for your children is often one of the most contentious and emotionally charged aspects of any divorce. Our expertise includes making arrangements for child residence and contact on a voluntary basis, as well as Child Arrangements Orders where this is not possible.

In many instances, child residence, contact arrangements and parenting plans can be made on a voluntary basis between both parents prior to divorce proceedings being launched. This, of course, helps to reduce any animosity between you and your former partner, but also has the benefit of reducing the amount of stress your children may be facing.

Our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh can work alongside you to explore the various options available to you for reaching voluntary child arrangements, using methods of alternative dispute resolution to come to an agreement in a calm and effective way. This includes methods such as mediation and constructive negotiation. Following this, we can support you in applying for a Court Order to make any agreements legally binding.

Where required, we can also advise you on making a Child Arrangements Order. These are used to specify certain elements of your child’s upbringing, including how much time they will spend with you and your former partner, where they will live and general decisions about their life and wellbeing.

Divorce litigation

Unlike in England and Wales, it is possible for the defender (the person responding to a divorce application) to contest proceedings. When doing so, the defender will submit a Notice of Intention to Defend to the court.

In these scenarios, our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh can step in to lend their support. We can advise you on the steps required to reach an agreement so that the divorce can proceed, providing robust representation to ensure your interests remain protected.

Why choose our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh?

At Anderson Strathern, our Family Law solicitors in Edinburgh have a wide range of expertise, which we use to support our clients on a variety of matters, including those related to divorce and separation. We are particularly skilled in financial settlements on divorce for High Net Worth individuals and their spouses.

Our skills and experience are reflected by the accreditations and professional memberships possessed by our team. Many members are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as specialists in Family Law and are recognised by Chambers & Partners as leading individuals, as well as being members of the Family Law Association and the Law Society’s Civil Legal Aid Committee.

Speak to our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh

To speak with our divorce solicitors in Edinburgh or to arrange an appointment, please get in touch today.

Contact us on 0131 270 7700, visit our office in central Edinburgh or fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of the page to request a call back.