Family Lawyers Scotland – Leading Divorce & Family Law Specialists
Family Lawyers Scotland at Rooney Family Law provide expert legal guidance exclusively in family law matters. With 8 offices across Scotland and over 50 years of combined experience, we’ve built our reputation on one simple principle: family law isn’t just what we do – it’s all we do.
As dedicated family law specialists, we handle everything from straightforward divorces to complex international custody disputes. Our experienced divorce solicitors combine deep legal knowledge with genuine compassion, guiding Scottish families through life’s most challenging transitions.
Scottish Offices
Family Law Focus
Combined Experience
Assets Handled
Why We’re Scotland’s Premier Family Law Team
When Scottish families need expert legal representation, they choose Rooney Family Law for our unmatched combination of specialist expertise, innovative billing practices, and genuine care for client outcomes. Unlike general practice firms juggling multiple areas of law, every solicitor in our team dedicates their entire practice to family law.
This exclusive focus delivers measurable advantages. We see patterns others miss. We know strategies that work. We understand the nuances of different Sheriff Courts across Scotland. Most importantly, we achieve better outcomes because family law is our sole professional pursuit.
Scotland’s Only 3-Minute Billing System
We’re revolutionising legal fees – While every other Scottish firm bills in 6-10 minute blocks, we charge in precise 3-minute units.
Real impact: A 3-minute call costs £15 with us; the same call costs £30-£50 at firms billing in 6- or 10-minute blocks. Over your case, this saves thousands.
Complete Family Law Services Across Scotland
Our comprehensive expertise covers every aspect of Scottish family law. From urgent protective orders to complex financial settlements, we provide the specialist knowledge and strategic thinking your case demands.
⚖️ Divorce & Separation
Expert navigation through Scottish divorce law, from initial separation to final decree.
- Simplified divorce – £550 fixed fee, all-inclusive (undefended only, no children under 16, finances resolved)
- Ordinary divorce – £1,550 fixed fee
- Grounds for divorce explained
- Separation agreements
- Adultery cases
- Unreasonable behaviour
💰 Financial Matters
Protecting your financial future through expert negotiation and strategic planning.
👨👩👧👦 Children & Families
Prioritising children’s welfare while protecting parental rights.
Specialist Services
Protection & Safety
- • Protective orders
- • Interdict applications
- • Non-harassment orders
- • Exclusion orders
- • Domestic abuse support
Alternative Resolution
- • Collaborative law
- • Mediation support
- • Negotiated settlements
- • Minutes of Agreement
- • Out-of-court resolution
Unmarried Couples
- • Cohabitation rights
- • Cohabitant separation
- • Property disputes
- • Financial claims
- • Children arrangements
What Makes Us Different
Three fundamental principles set Rooney Family Law apart from other Scottish legal practices:
1. Exclusive Family Law Focus
We don’t do conveyancing. We don’t handle criminal cases. We don’t write wills. Every hour of every day, our solicitors work exclusively on family law matters. This laser focus means we spot issues others miss, know strategies others don’t, and achieve results others can’t.
2. Law Society Accreditation
Our solicitors hold Law Society of Scotland Family Law Accreditation – a mark of excellence held by fewer than 5% of Scottish solicitors. As the Law Society states: “Accreditation acts as a hallmark of experience that a client can trust.”
3. Transparent, Fair Pricing
Our 3-minute billing units mean you are only ever charged for time actually spent, unlike the industry-standard 6-minute blocks. Combined with fixed fees for standard services we make quality legal representation accessible.
Understanding Scottish Family Law
Scottish family law differs significantly from English law, with distinct approaches to divorce, property division, and children’s matters. These differences make specialist Scottish legal advice essential.
Key Scottish Legal Principles
- Matrimonial Property: Only assets acquired during marriage are typically shared
- Fair Sharing: Equal division is the starting point, adjusted for relevant factors
- Clean Break: Scottish law favours financial independence post-divorce
- Children’s Views: Courts consider children’s opinions based on age and maturity
- Separation Periods: One year with consent or two years without for no-fault divorce
Our expertise in these Scottish-specific principles ensures your case is handled correctly from the start. We understand how Sheriff Courts across Scotland interpret these laws differently and tailor our approach accordingly.
Our Strategic Approach
Every family situation is unique, demanding tailored strategies rather than template solutions. Our approach combines legal expertise with practical wisdom, ensuring agreements work in real life, not just on paper.
Initial Assessment
Free 15-minute consultation to understand your situation, explain your options, and outline realistic outcomes and timescales.
Strategy Development
Comprehensive planning considering immediate needs and long-term implications, always aligned with your priorities.
Skilled Negotiation
Robust representation to secure fair outcomes, whether through mediation, collaboration, or court proceedings.
Implementation
Ensuring agreements are properly documented, legally binding, and practically workable for all parties.
Scotland-Wide Coverage, Local Expertise
With 8 strategically located offices, we combine Scotland-wide reach with local court knowledge. Our solicitors regularly appear in Sheriff Courts from Dumfries to Inverness, understanding each court’s unique approaches and procedures.
Our 8 Scottish Offices
Capital coverage
City & West End
South Lanarkshire
West Lothian
Central Scotland
Forth Valley
South Lanarkshire
Fixed Fees & Transparent Pricing
We believe in complete transparency. No hidden costs, no surprise bills, just clear pricing you can understand and budget for.
Simplified Divorce
£550
Fixed fee for undefended divorce with no children under 16 and agreed finances
- ✓ All paperwork included
- ✓ 10-12 week process
- ✓ Court fees included
Ordinary Divorce
£1,550
Fixed fee for undefended divorce with children or financial matters
- ✓ Child arrangements
- ✓ Financial disclosure
- ✓ 4-8 month process
Complex Cases
£300/hr
Charged in 3-minute units (not 6 like other firms)
- ✓ 3-minute billing units — pay only for time spent
- ✓ Weekly billing updates
- ✓ Payment plans available
Payment Plans Available: We offer flexible payment arrangements.
Contact us to discuss your options.
Client Success Stories
The 3-minute billing saved me thousands compared to Edinburgh firm quotes. Weekly updates meant no surprises. Highly professional throughout.
— Margaret H.
Complex financial settlement
Their exclusive focus on family law was evident. They knew exactly how to handle my international custody case and achieved the outcome we needed.
— David S.
International child arrangements
After two other firms said my case was hopeless, Rooney found a solution. Their expertise in cohabitation law protected my interests perfectly.
— Jennifer M.
Cohabitation dispute
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose specialist family lawyers over general practice solicitors?
Family law is complex and constantly evolving. Specialist lawyers who focus exclusively on family law have deeper knowledge, more experience, and achieve better outcomes than generalists. We see patterns others miss, know strategies others don’t, and understand the nuances of different Sheriff Courts across Scotland. Our Law Society accreditation demonstrates this expertise.
How does your 3-minute billing save money?
Most firms charge in 6-minute blocks or longer, so a 2-minute call is billed as 6 minutes or more. With our 3-minute billing units, short calls and emails are billed far closer to the time actually taken, and you are never charged for time not spent. Over a typical case involving dozens of calls and emails, that difference adds up.
How long does divorce take in Scotland?
Simplified divorce typically takes 10-12 weeks if uncontested. Ordinary divorce with children or financial matters usually takes 4-8 months. Complex cases involving business valuations, international assets, or custody disputes can take 12-18 months. We provide realistic timescales at your consultation based on your specific circumstances.
Do you offer Legal Aid?
We don’t offer Legal Aid, but our transparent fixed fees and payment plans often prove more accessible. Our £550 simplified divorce and £1,550 ordinary divorce fixed fees, combined with help many clients who wouldn’t qualify for Legal Aid but need affordable representation. Check Legal Aid eligibility to compare options.
Which Scottish courts do you cover?
We regularly appear in Sheriff Courts throughout Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Hamilton, Paisley, Livingston, Falkirk, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Dundee. We also handle cases at the Court of Session in Edinburgh for complex or high-value matters. Our 8 office locations give us unmatched court coverage across Scotland.
What’s included in your fixed fees?
Our fixed fees cover all standard legal work including document preparation, court submissions, correspondence with opposing solicitors, and advice throughout. Court fees, sheriff officer fees, and expert reports (if needed) are additional. We provide full written confirmation of what’s included and any potential additional costs before you instruct us.
Can you handle emergency situations?
Yes. We provide urgent assistance for protective orders, child abduction cases, domestic abuse situations, and exclusion orders. Emergency Legal Aid is often available for protective orders. We can arrange same-day appointments and court applications when needed. Call us immediately on 0800 779 7848 for emergency assistance.
Do I need to attend court for my divorce?
Not always. Many divorces proceed entirely on paper without court attendance. Simplified divorces rarely require appearances. However, if there are disputes about children or finances, hearings may be necessary. When court attendance is required, we prepare you thoroughly and accompany you throughout.
What if my ex-partner lives outside Scotland?
We handle international cases regularly. Scottish courts can deal with divorce if you’ve lived here for the past year or if Scotland is your habitual residence. For child arrangements, jurisdiction depends on where children habitually reside. We work with specialist counsel for complex international cases including Hague Convention applications.
How do you handle high net worth divorces?
We’ve handled over £50 million in matrimonial assets. Our approach includes forensic accountants for business valuations, pension specialists for complex schemes, and property experts for portfolio assessments. We understand offshore assets, trusts, and corporate structures. Our experience ensures proper disclosure and fair division of substantial estates. Learn more about high net worth divorce.
Essential Resources
Legal Guides
Services
External Links
Why Scottish Families Choose Rooney Family Law
In a legal marketplace filled with generalist firms and unclear pricing, we stand apart through our unwavering commitment to three principles: specialisation, transparency, and results.
Our exclusive focus on family law means we bring unmatched expertise to every case. Our transparent pricing and revolutionary 3-minute billing ensures fair value. Our track record of success – from straightforward divorces to complex international disputes – speaks for itself.
But beyond credentials and innovations, what truly sets us apart is our understanding that family law is about people, not just procedures. Every case involves real families facing real challenges, deserving compassionate support alongside expert legal guidance.
Ready to Work with Scotland’s Family Law Specialists?
FREE 15-minute consultation • 8 offices across Scotland • Video appointments available
Get Started Today
📞 0800 779 7848
Email: enquiries@rooneyfamilylaw.co.uk
Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-3:30pm
Rooney Family Law is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland
Scotland’s only family law firm with 3-minute billing units
© 2025 Rooney Family Law. Exclusively practicing family law across Scotland since 2018.
Family Lawyers Across Scotland
Our accredited team acts for families throughout Scotland. Find your nearest office: family lawyers in Glasgow, divorce lawyers Edinburgh, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Falkirk, Stirling, Livingston and Lanarkshire.
