The law never stands still, and the way it applies to you and your organisation is constantly evolving. Our people are on top of these developments and can keep you up to date with some of the most interestings aspects of these changes. Check out our articles and updates for our perspective on issues that might affect you.
This article will explore the Scottish position on anonymity in court, insofar as it relates to family law, exploring how and to what extent litigants in family actions are protected from possible media attention.
Whilst I am sure most of the nation probably shares my sense of "Brexit fatigue", one aspect of the current debate has parallels with the process clients face upon separation with a view to divorce. Sometimes clients of the family law team know that the separation is something that needs to happen, whether they wished it to happen or not, but there is little or no guidance available to them to enable informed choices to be made.
Congratulations to Tom Daley and his husband, Dustan Lance Black on the birth of their son, Robert Ray. Robert Ray was born on 27 June, via a surrogate. The news of the birth prompted us here on the family law team to think about how notions of parenthood are changing, with assisted reproduction methods widening the scope of family law.
A recent decision at Edinburgh Sheriff Court considers issues about legal parenthood which will become more common as alternative family structures evolve. The case involved twins who were born via artificial insemination, whose mother asked the court to declare that her ex-partner was not a legal parent.
Under Scottish law, cohabitants are not on the same footing as married couples are on the death of their partner. This legislation has given rise to legally complex and emotionally difficult cases which are unpredictable and impossible to quantify in terms of value. One recent case which reached courts highlighted the difficulties this situation can cause for grieving partners.