OUR TEAM
I have practised in family law since the beginning of my career, having completed a specialised traineeship in the field – one of only a select few solicitors to do so in Scotland. As such, I am able to work independently on cases ranging from financial provision to residence and contact. But, equally, I greatly enjoy working with senior colleagues on more complex cases so as to ensure that matters are dealt with as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
I have a breadth of experience in all aspects of family law, including financial provision on divorce and separation, contact and residence disputes and cohabitation. I am particularly knowledgeable in financial provision and Hague Abduction cases (for both the Petitioner and Respondent) having been the instructing solicitor in the reported case of NN v HN [2018] CSOH 56 (link to Judgment) whilst still just a trainee solicitor.
I am very able and willing to raise Court proceedings when in the best interests of my clients to do so. I am also very confident in appearing at the Sheriff Court on behalf of my clients and arguing their case, whilst also ensuring that they understand the Scottish Court system – a vital aspect of clients feeling comfortable during the litigation process. I am also happy instructing Counsel to appear in the Court of Session on behalf of my clients and am comfortable navigating the procedure of this higher Court.
I also have significant experience in cases where there is a cross-border element, be that intra-UK or internationally. I have a good working relationship with solicitors both in England & Wales, and internationally, and this can be utilised when cases have a jurisdictional element, which are becoming ever more common.
I believe I am both warm and approachable and this helps clients feel at ease in instructing me. I am diligent and practical in my approach to cases and can always be relied upon to reduce the stress and uncertainty that many clients feel in going through a difficult process that comes with a great deal of family cases.
I have recently qualified with the High Conflict Institute as a coach for the “New Ways for Families Coaching” method, which recently launched in Scotland in conjunction with Shared Parenting Scotland. The course was originally developed in the USA and is now being rolled out in Australia, Canada, China and Scotland in order to assist parents who are separating. It is intended to be delivered to such parents to reduce the negative impact of conflict on children in family breakups and stress levels of the individual in order to calm potentially high-conflict separation and avoid taking cases to court where it may be unnecessary. These aims are highly applicable to any family law case, particularly those involving children.
I am a supervising solicitor at the Free Legal Advice Clinic run by the University of Edinburgh, as well as assisting Shared Parenting in their monthly sessions to provide legal advice to those requiring assistance.
I am primarily based out of the Edinburgh office, but having lived in both Glasgow and Inverness, I am capable of assisting clients across Scotland.
"I really appreciated how I was listened to and understood in my separation/divorce by your solicitors. It was very important to me that the focus was not on financial settlements, what I wanted was to ensure the best arrangements for my daughter and that was achieved through the minute of agreement and divorce proceedings. I felt understood that the relationship as a co-parent was more important than point scoring or "winning" in the court arena. Your team have helped me secure the best arrangements for my daughter and keeping this out of the court arena, which I am so grateful for. I am also thankful for the emotional support and understanding from your solicitors, I have felt supported from the first first phone call, up to the last emails confirming the divorce had been agreed by the Sherriff Court. Thank you again, I hope that I won't have the need to do any of this again, but if I did, then I would definitely want the same team supporting me. Thank you!"
"It was a pleasure to talk to you. A very human face that talked common sense and always had the best approach."
"Thanks so much for everything, I really appreciate how you have supported me, you made a difficult situation much more bearable. You have a lovely way about you and it has been nice to know you!"
"My solicitor was Brittany Thomas, she understood my situation and was able to give me the exact help I needed to sort the matter in question. She was very clear in her communications, fast in responses and communications and very pleasant and friendly to deal with. It was a situation I found very stressful and was very anxious about and the whole time Brittany was really lovely and helpful and super to deal with. I would highly recommend Brittany and Harper Macleod."
"We cannot thank Lynsey and Brittany enough! Their understanding of our situation and incredible professionalism gave us the upmost confidence in them. We really appreciated their kindness and compassion, and their brilliant work ethic in ticking every single box to get the job done, in exactly the way we needed. They've gone above and beyond, and made all of our dreams come true! Eternally grateful. Thank you."
"Brittany was fantastic - very personable and kept me updated at every step in the process. Most importantly, the adoption is now through and we couldn't be happier!"
INSIGHTS
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National Divorce Day
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New Year, new guidance on taking a children's human rights approach published
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Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Scotland?
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New case law conceived in respect of parental orders
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To vary, or not to vary?
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A New Way for Families?
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Did your Easter holidays not go quite to plan?
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