If you are looking for a family lawyer in Livingston, Rooney Family Law practises family law exclusively: it is not one of the things we do; it is the only thing we do. Our Livingston office is at 8 Deer Park Avenue in Deans, and we act for clients across West Lothian. 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 0800 779 7848 or send us a message.
Livingston Sheriff Court, and What to Expect There
Family actions raised in West Lothian call at Livingston Sheriff Court, which sits within the Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders. Where a hearing is required, we will tell you at the outset what is likely to happen and what to expect there.
The court is not a separate building. It occupies part of West Lothian Civic Centre on Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF, a building which opened in 2009 and which also houses West Lothian Council and its Social Work Department, and Livingston Police Station. The High Court of Justiciary sits there as well, so on any given day the building may be dealing with matters far removed from your own.
For most people that is the first surprise. You are not walking into a courthouse of the sort films suggest; you are walking into a civic building, and you will need to know where you are going. The civil department can be reached on 01506 402400, and the sheriff clerk is Lorna McPhee.
Almost every family case is 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 is likely to take, and whether you need to be there at all.
Arriving at Livingston Sheriff Court
The sheriff court is on the first floor of the Civic Centre. Coming in the main entrance, the main reception desk is straight ahead, and the stairs up to the sheriff clerk’s office and the courts are to the left of it. There is a lift at the west of the building.
At the top of those stairs there is a second reception desk, and it is staffed only between 9.30am and 10.15am. If nobody is there, follow the signs to the sheriff clerk’s office and report at the public counter, where you will be directed to the right court.
There is a café in the main foyer of the Civic Centre, which is worth knowing, because family business frequently involves waiting.
Getting There, and Where to Park
There is no long-term public parking at the sheriff court itself. There are, however, several multi-storey car parks in Livingston town centre within walking distance, and for a hearing of uncertain length those are the sensible choice.
By bus, the main stance is outside Livingston Designer Outlet, roughly a ten minute walk from the court, and services run to it from across West Lothian.
By train, there are two stations and neither is close. Livingston North is about two miles from the court and Livingston South about three, and neither station has a taxi rank. If you are arriving by rail, arrange a taxi in advance. The nearest rank is at the rear of the Designer Outlet, beside the bus stance.
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 West Lothian
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.
Support Services in West Lothian
Legal advice is only part of what most people need.
West Lothian Women’s Aid provides support, information and refuge to women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse in the area.
West Lothian Citizens Advice Bureau, at the Almondvale Centre, gives free and independent advice on benefits, debt and housing, which frequently matter as much as the legal position in the months after a separation.
Family mediation is available locally, and in some cases it resolves matters which would otherwise take months. We will tell you honestly whether we think your case is suitable for it.
Family Lawyers Livingston: Questions We Are Asked
Do I have to go to Livingston Sheriff Court to get divorced?
Usually not. Most divorces are concluded on paper. Where a hearing is required, your case will ordinarily call at Livingston.
How long does a divorce take in West Lothian?
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 the town you live in.
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 Livingston rather than travelling to Hamilton?
Yes. Our Livingston office is at 8 Deer Park Avenue in Deans, and appointments are available in person, by telephone or by video.
I am not in Livingston itself. Do you still act for me?
Yes. Our family law solicitors act for clients across West Lothian.
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.
