If you are looking for a family lawyer in East Kilbride, Rooney Family Law practises family law exclusively: it is not one of the things we do; it is the only thing we do. Our East Kilbride office is at Orbital House, Redwood Crescent, in Peel Park, and we act for clients across the town and the wider South Lanarkshire area. Every solicitor in the firm practises family law and nothing else, and most hold one or more Law Society of Scotland specialist accreditations in family or child law.
If you are facing separation, divorce, or a dispute about your children or your finances, we offer a free initial telephone call of approximately 10–15 minutes, so that you can explain your situation and understand your options before committing to anything. Call 01355 511084 or send us a message.
There Is No Sheriff Court in East Kilbride
This is the first thing worth knowing, and it catches people out. East Kilbride has no sheriff court of its own. Family actions for the town are raised at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
The second thing catches out even more people. Hamilton Sheriff Court is not one building. The Fines Office and the Criminal Office are in the Main Building, while the Civil and Commissary office is in a separate building altogether: the Civil Building, known as Birnie House, at Caird Park, Hamilton Business Park, Caird Street, Hamilton ML3 0AL.
Family business is civil business. If your case calls, Birnie House is where you are going, and turning up at the main sheriff court building instead is a mistake people make regularly.
The civil department can be reached on 01698 282957, and the sheriff clerk is Jean Flanagan. Birnie House was acquired by the Scottish Court Service in 2006.
Getting There from East Kilbride
By bus. The East Kilbride stop for Hamilton Sheriff Court is in Clydesdale Street. Buses from the surrounding towns use different streets, so it is worth checking before you travel.
By train. The nearest station is Hamilton West, about five minutes on foot, and the walk is a direct one along Clydesdale Street.
By car. There is no public car park at the courthouse. There are free public car parks on Beckford Street, at the junctions with Caird Street and with Bothwell Street, both around three minutes’ walk, although they are heavily used by employees of neighbouring businesses and South Lanarkshire Council may introduce charges in future. The town centre car parks are pay and display and about twenty minutes away on foot. There is limited short stay parking, thirty minutes maximum, on Beckford Street opposite the sheriff court entrance, which is of little use for a hearing.
Arriving at Birnie House
On arrival, report to the reception area inside the main entrance, and have your paperwork with you so that you can be directed to the right court. There is a vending machine in the reception of Birnie House, and there are restaurants and sandwich shops close to the main sheriff court building. A loop induction service is available in a number of courtrooms.
Most family cases are settled long before anyone stands in front of a sheriff. Where a case does call, we will tell you in advance what is likely to happen, roughly how long it will take, and whether you need to attend at all.
How We Charge
We publish our fees, and we bill in three-minute units rather than the six-minute units many firms use. Where hourly rates apply, a two-minute email is charged as three minutes and not six. The full position is set out on our fees page.
What We Do for Clients in East Kilbride
Divorce
Most Scottish divorces do not involve an argument in court. Where matters are agreed, there are no children under sixteen and no financial claims, the simplified procedure may apply; otherwise an ordinary divorce is raised. We will tell you at the outset which route fits your circumstances.
Separation Agreements
Most separating couples settle by negotiation, and the terms are recorded in a Minute of Agreement, commonly called a separation agreement in Scotland. It can be registered, and it is enforceable.
Children
Residence, contact, and what used to be called custody. Where a case calls, the court may fix a child welfare hearing, which is short, informal by the standards of a court, and frequently decisive. We prepare clients for them properly.
Financial Provision
Matrimonial property, the family home, and pensions on divorce, which are often the largest asset in the case and the one most commonly misunderstood.
Cohabiting Couples
Cohabitants in Scotland have rights on separation. They are not the same as a spouse’s rights, and they are subject to a strict time limit, so early advice matters.
Protective Orders
Where there is domestic abuse, interdicts, exclusion orders and occupation orders are available, and they can be sought urgently.
Who We Act For Around East Kilbride
Our East Kilbride office acts for clients in the town itself and across the surrounding area, including Busby, Clarkston, Eaglesham, Strathaven and Hamilton. Wherever you are, the court arrangements described above are the same, because they all lead to Hamilton.
Family Lawyers East Kilbride: Questions We Are Asked
Is there a court in East Kilbride?
Not a sheriff court. Family actions for East Kilbride are raised at Hamilton, and civil business is dealt with at Birnie House on Caird Street rather than the main sheriff court building.
Do I have to go to court to get divorced?
Usually not. Most divorces are concluded on paper, and most separations are settled by agreement without any hearing at all.
How long does a divorce take?
Where everything is agreed, a simplified divorce is usually measured in months rather than years. Where matters are disputed, the timescale depends on the issues in your case and not on where you live.
Do you offer legal aid?
Ask us on the first call. We will tell you plainly whether you are likely to qualify and what the alternatives are.
Can I see somebody in East Kilbride?
Yes. Our office is at Orbital House, Redwood Crescent, in Peel Park, and appointments are available in person, by telephone or by video.
Reviews of Rooney Family Law
Selected Google reviews from clients across our Scottish offices.
The decision to instruct Rooney family law was one of the best decisions I have made.
Excellent guidance, advice, professionalism and reassurance throughout.
It has been important to be able put my trust in someone at such an important and difficult time in my life.
Everyone has been supportive and helpful throughout.
I would not hesitate to recommend your services.
Thanks to Brian Rooney and all the wonderful staff in Uddingston.
Thank you once again
I hope I never have to use a family lawyer again, but if I did I wouldn’t hesitate to use Rooney Family Law and can’t recommend them highly enough.
Wonderful!! Thank you Rooney Family.
Legal review: Brian Rooney, Managing Partner and Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialist in Family Law. Last reviewed: July 2026.
