Divorce & Separation Lawyers in Shetland
The end of a marriage or civil partnership can be a very difficult time, not only for the separating parties but also for any children. There are often many matters that require being resolved before it is possible to secure the outcome of a divorce or dissolution.
Helping to make the process as straightforward as possible
We specialise in all types of divorce, dissolution and separation so whatever your situation, we are here to assist you. This may include financial, property and child welfare-related issues. We will discuss your circumstances with complete discretion and understanding before exploring the best options for you, helping to make the process as straightforward and painless as possible.
In any separation or divorce, the division of finances can be a complicated and difficult task. This may be due to there being several assets or debts/liabilities owned jointly, or in your sole names which will require to be untangled and divided on divorce or dissolution. We will help you to work through the complex legalities of these matters to make the process as smooth as possible. Our team of divorce and separation lawyers, based throughout Scotland with offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Highlands and Shetland.
We're here to help you plan for the future
For more information on our divorce and separation services in Shetland, please phone our accredited Family Law specialists, or complete our simple online form below, for an initial discussion or to request a callback.
Our Family Law Team is recognised in the UK's leading independent legal directories, Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession and The Legal 500, where our Team is recognised as having "Recommended Lawyers" and "Leaders in the Field" in the area of Family Law.
Key Family Law Contact in Shetland
Jenni has practised primarily in family law since qualification and advises clients on a full range of family law matters including separation, divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, cohabitation, child contact and residence disputes and pre-nuptial agreements.
Jenni is based in our Shetland office and has a wide breadth of sheriff court experience, having previously worked in Edinburgh and Perth, undertaking family actions as well as undertaking guardianships and debt recovery matters. Given her experience, she is well placed to advise clients honestly and efficiently about the factors to consider when considering litigation.
Jenni also deals with private client and advises on wills, executries and powers of attorney.
Jenni is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce and Separation
A divorce is the legal termination or end of a marriage otherwise than by death by the granting of a Decree of Divorce. Dissolution is the term given to describe the legal termination of a Civil Partnership. A divorce or dissolution will be granted by the Sheriff Court or the Court of Session.
In Scotland, a divorce of marriage can be established on four separation grounds. A dissolution of a civil partnership can be granted on any of the below grounds other than adultery.
- Adultery – whereby one party has engaged an affair or relationship with another individual of the opposite sex
- Unreasonable Behaviour
- Where the parties have been separated for a period in excess of one year and the other spouse provides their consent
- Where the parties have been separated for a period in excess of two years
Prior to a divorce being granted, a Court will need to be satisfied:
- The financial aspects of the separation have either been agreed or determined by the Court.
- The long term care arrangements for any children under the age of sixteen have been agreed, failing which determined by a Court.
There are two separate procedures in Scotland for obtaining a divorce which are available depending upon the circumstances of the case.
1. Simplified Divorce or Simplified Dissolution Procedure
The Simplified Procedure is only available where:
- There are no children of the marriage or partnership under the age of sixteen years
- There are no financial matters to be resolved
- The parties have been separated for a period in excess of one year
- Both parties agree to the Divorce or Dissolution proceeding
The Simplified Procedure is cheaper and quicker than the Ordinary Cause Procedure which is described below.
2. Ordinary Cause Divorce or Dissolution Procedure
The Ordinary Cause Procedure is required whereby one party wishes to divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, and one or more of the following apply:
- The divorce is proceeding on the grounds of adultery (only available to marriage and not Civil Partnership)
- The divorce is proceeding on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour
- There are financial matters at dispute between the parties
- The arrangements for the children are not agreed
- A Divorce under this procedure can however also be raised on the grounds of one year's non cohabitation with consent of the other spouse, or whereby the parties have been separated for a period of two years.
- This option of divorce is necessary where there are children of the marriage or partnership under the age of sixteen years.
In the first instance it is important to try and work through and resolve matters by discussing or negotiating matters with your spouse or partner. In the first instance, it is important to seek independent legal advice so that you understand your legal rights. Family Mediation may be an option which may assist in addressing immediate concerns. Alternatively, negotiations involving the parties solicitors may assist in both parties reaching an amicable settlement on the matters which are not agreed. Where such methods of resolving matters prove unsuccessful, it is possible for either party to seek certain financial orders under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 on divorce or dissolution.
In such situations, it is important that parents focus on what is in their children's best interests. A separation is often a difficult transition for children. Family Mediation offers a range of services to assist parents effectively co-parent their children after a separation. The use of such services can help the parties reach an agreement or make progress in improving lines of communication. Where an agreement does not look likely to be achieved, solicitors can assist in negotiating matters on behalf of both parties with a view to reaching an agreement. In the event that negotiations prove unsuccessful, it is possible to seek the assistance of the Court to determine what would be in the child's best interests. In Divorces involving children, either party may seek also a court order in terms of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 in respect of the children. It is possible to ask the Court to make a Residence/Custody Order, a Contact/Access Order, an Order for Parental Rights and Responsibilities or a Specific Issue Order.
For further information on orders relating to children, please our Child Law page.
In cases of a simplified divorce, no attendance at court by the parties is required.
In Ordinary Divorce actions, if the divorce is not defended or opposed by the other spouse or partner, then usually there would be no requirement for either party to attend court. In the event that a divorce is disputed and defended, depending on whether the court action fully progresses to a final hearing, both parties attendance at court may be required for certain types of court hearings.