In Scotland family work covers dissolution of marriage and civil partnership, financial claims on relationship breakdown, arrangements for children, adoption and surrogacy, protection from harassment and public child protection work involving social work and the children’s hearings system. A solicitor will raise a divorce or dissolution action in the sheriff court or Court of Session, prepare minutes of agreement recording financial settlements, apply for interdicts and orders about contact and residence, instruct welfare and valuation experts, and represent pursuers or defenders at sheriff court hearings or in related hearings where required. Matters follow Scottish family procedure and the welfare-focused approach to children’s cases.
Where a solicitor protects your position
Decisive acts include obtaining a contact or residence order, securing an interdict to prevent harassment or a court‑recorded minute of agreement that fixes financial division; these decisions determine parental responsibility, property rights and enforceable obligations. A solicitor drafts and lodges the necessary court papers, arranges expert reports and seeks the civil orders or recorded agreements that create enforceable rights in Scottish courts.