We are often asked the question - how do I get divorced in Scotland?
In order to obtain a divorce you must raise an action in a Court which has jurisdiction. Jurisdiction normally means that you raise the action in the Court nearest to you. Before contemplating where to raise an action you must determine whether you can raise a divorce action or not. In order to raise a divorce action, you must have the legal ground to do so. In Scotland there is one
When your marriage ends, do you know how to find a divorce lawyer you trust, to advise and represent you during the divorce process? Online search engines or recommendations from friends are an increasingly popular way to find a divorce solicitor.
To maximise this method however you should carefully consider the following before finding a divorce lawyer who's right for you.
Are there particular areas of your divorce/separation that will benefit from particular expertise? E.g. do you need a lawyer with extensive child law
According to Scottish Government divorce statistics in 2012, a total of 13,679 family cases were initiated in the civil courts during 2011/12, a decrease of 6% on 2010/11. Divorce actions accounted for 78% of the total figure, with actions concerning parental rights and responsibilities accounting for 17%.
A total number of divorces granted during 2011/12 was 9,453, a decrease of 2% compared to the previous year.
What was the most common procedure?
Of those 9,453 divorces granted, 62% used the Simplified Procedure ("quickie divorce") and
We are often asked by clients what kind of financial support is available post-divorce/post-separation/post-civil partnership?
Husbands and wives/civil partners have a legal duty to aliment one another during marriage or whilst in a civil partnership. This means that they have to financially support one another. This duty continues in the form of aliment after separation until divorced or the civil partnership is dissolved. After divorce/dissolution there may also be a duty to pay a periodical allowance for a period up to 3 years after the
