If you are looking for a family lawyer in Stirling, Rooney Family Law practises family law exclusively: it is not one of the things we do; it is the only thing we do. Our Stirling office is at Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen Place, and we act for clients across Stirlingshire. 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.
Stirling Sheriff Court, and What to Expect There
Stirling Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court sits at the Sheriff Court House, Viewfield Place, Stirling FK8 1NH. It serves a population of roughly 45,000 within the district of Stirling, and it is one of the older working courthouses in the country: it opened in 1875, with the Justice of the Peace Court established in the same building in 2009.
The sheriff clerk is Gail Smith. The main number is 01786 462191, and civil enquiries, which is where family business sits, are option 1.
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 will take, and whether you need to be there at all.
Arriving at the Court
Report to the reception desk when you arrive. There are notice boards and a screen in the main foyer showing which court a case is calling in, which is worth checking rather than guessing.
There are four courtrooms. Courts 1 and 3 are upstairs, Court 2 is on the ground floor, and Court 4 is at basement level.
A loop induction service is available in all courtrooms; ask the office manager if you need it. A ramp provides alternative wheelchair access, operated by a buzzer and monitor system. Water is available, and there are cafés and bakeries within easy reach.
Getting There, and Where to Park
The courthouse is in the city centre. Stirling bus station is about a quarter of a mile away, off Goosecroft Road, and Stirling railway station is about a quarter of a mile off Burghmuir Road. There are taxi ranks at the railway station and at the entrance to the Thistle Shopping Centre.
There is no public car parking at the courthouse. Parking is available at the Thistle Centre and near the railway station. Within five minutes’ walk there are pay and display spaces on Queen Street and free on-street parking on Cowane Street. There is also parking on Viewfield Place and Barton Street, though the time is limited on those streets, and free for blue badge holders. There are eight blue badge spaces in the town centre.
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 Stirlingshire
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.
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 Stirling
Our Stirling office acts for clients in the city and across the surrounding area, including Bridge of Allan, Dunblane, Bannockburn, Callander and Alloa.
Family Lawyers Stirling: Questions We Are Asked
Which courtroom will my case be in?
Check the screen and the notice boards in the main foyer when you arrive. Courts 1 and 3 are upstairs, Court 2 is on the ground floor and Court 4 is in the basement.
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.
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 Stirling?
Yes. Our office is at Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen Place, 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.
