Why Choose Rooney Family Law?
Law Society Accredited Specialists
Both our partners are Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as specialists in Family Law and/or Child Law – a credential held by fewer than 5% of Scottish solicitors. This recognition reflects our deep expertise and commitment to family law excellence.
Exclusive Family Law Focus
Unlike general practice firms, we focus exclusively on family law. This specialization means we stay at the cutting edge of family law developments, offering insights and strategies that generalists simply cannot match.
Weekly Transparent Billing
Our weekly itemized billing system prevents end-of-case surprises. You’ll receive detailed breakdowns of all work performed, maintaining complete visibility into how your case is progressing and how your investment is being applied.
Dedicated Personal Service
Your case will be handled primarily by one solicitor throughout its duration. This consistency ensures your legal representative thoroughly understands your circumstances and objectives, avoiding the frustration of repeatedly explaining your situation to different people.
Extensive Network of Offices Across Scotland
We serve clients throughout Scotland with our comprehensive network of offices, making expert family law advice readily accessible regardless of where you live:
- Edinburgh: 15 Queen Street, EH2 1JE
- Glasgow (Thornliebank): Spiersbridge House, 1 Spiersbridge Way, G46 8NG
- Glasgow (City Centre): 20-23 Woodside Place, HQ, G3 7QL
- Livingston: 8 Deer Park Avenue, Fairways Business Park, EH54 8AF
- Stirling: Wellgreen Place, Stirling Business Centre, FK8 2DZ
- Falkirk: Falkirk Business Hub, 45 Vicar Street, FK1 1LL
- Uddingston: 52 Main Street, G71 7LS
- East Kilbride: Orbital House, Peel Park, G74 5PR
We also offer video consultations for clients who prefer remote meetings or cannot easily visit one of our offices.
Client Success Story
Complex Divorce with Business Assets
The Situation: Our client, a professional with partial ownership in a family business, needed representation in a high-asset divorce involving complex financial arrangements and child residence considerations.
Our Approach: We assigned an Accredited Specialist in both Family Law and Child Law who:
- Collaborated with forensic accountants to properly value business interests
- Negotiated a fair financial settlement that protected our client’s business stake
- Established a sustainable child residence arrangement that prioritized stability
- Provided weekly billing updates throughout the 9-month process
The Outcome: Successfully negotiated a comprehensive settlement agreement without court litigation, preserving important business relationships while securing appropriate financial provision and a workable co-parenting arrangement.
“The expertise was evident from our first meeting, but what truly impressed me was the commitment to keeping me informed—both about legal developments and exactly how my money was being spent. The 3-minute billing system meant I was only charged for actual time spent on my case.” — Former Client
Family Law Solicitor Fees Scotland | Fair & Transparent Pricing
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Expert Family Law Services with Fair & Transparent Billing
Our unique 3-minute billing unit system ensures you only pay for the actual time spent on your case, not rounded up to industry-standard 6-minute units.
- Industry Standard: 6-10 minute billing units
- Rooney Family Law: Only 3-minute billing units
This transparent approach aligns with our commitment to fair pricing and client-centered service without compromising on expertise.
How Our Family Law Solicitor Fees Work
There are two main factors you should consider when choosing which firm to instruct for your family law matter in Scotland. The first is expertise. Both of our partners are Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as specialists in Family Law and/or Child Law. Even our paralegals are accredited in family law. The second is cost.
Lawyers being lawyers, it is not as simple as considering the hourly rate. You have to consider how that hourly rate is actually broken down and charged. You will find (and feel free to call around because very few solicitors actually display or explain their fees online) that the vast majority of family solicitors in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and across Scotland charge in “units” of time. The industry standard is 6 minutes per unit. Some of our competitors charge 10 minutes per unit! The majority of firms charge using method 1 below, whilst we at Rooney Family Law charge using method 2.
To get the unit £ figure, simply divide the hourly rate by 60. So, a rate of £300 per hour = £5.00 per minute.
Family Law Fees: Worked Example
Understanding Our Fair Billing Approach
Based on hourly rate of £250 + VAT (£300)
(6-minute units)
31 Minute meeting = £180
One line email = £30
(3-minute units)
31 Minute meeting = £150
One line email = £15
More accurate billing = £45 difference
Understanding Time and Line Charging
Time and Line – This is the most popular method of charging among Scottish family law solicitors. It uses a mix of charges based on units of time (either 1 unit = 6 minutes or 1 unit = 10 minutes) and the number of words in certain documents.
The Rooney Family Law Difference: 3-Minute Units
Where we are different is that we charge HALF the standard unit rate, i.e. 1 unit = 3 minutes. This means you only pay for the actual time spent on your case, not rounded up to the nearest 6 or 10 minutes.
If you carry this through the duration of your case, the difference is substantial. Our clients benefit from more precise and fair billing throughout their family law matter.
Client Experience
Our clients consistently express appreciation for the transparency and fairness of our 3-minute billing system. This approach means you pay only for the actual time spent on your case, rather than inflated time blocks.
Our Family Law Solicitor Rates for 2025
We offer competitive private rates for expert family law advice and representation throughout Scotland. We offer fixed fees for certain undefended divorce actions.
Our Current Hourly Rates
- Accredited Specialist Family Law Solicitors: £300 + VAT per hour (£360 in total)
- Associate Family Lawyer: £250 + VAT per hour (£300 in total)
Professional Insight: When comparing quotes from other family law solicitors, always ask for the amount including VAT, as most will give it to you without VAT included (we’re not sure why either).
Expert Legal Service from Accredited Specialists
We want to emphasize that our fair billing structure has absolutely no bearing on the quality of the family law service and advice we provide. Our focus on efficiency allows us to provide expert legal representation while maintaining competitive rates. This approach is possible because:
- Law Society Accreditation: Our partners are Accredited Specialists in Family Law and/or Child Law
- Specialized Practice: We focus exclusively on Family Law in Scotland
- Technology Investment: We’ve invested in advanced case management software and technology
- Efficient Systems: Our streamlined processes reduce administrative overhead
This approach allows us to deliver excellence in legal representation while providing fair and transparent billing.
Dedicated Family Law Representation
Your family law case will primarily be dealt with by one solicitor who will be assisted by support staff. We fully recognise that clients want the same person dealing with their family law case from start to finish and that is something we aim to achieve in most cases.
Transparent Weekly Billing
We appreciate that legal fees will be one of your biggest concerns when dealing with family law matters. We pride ourselves on being open and transparent with our fees. We operate a system that produces a weekly itemised breakdown of the work undertaken and the applicable charges (i.e. not a £3,000 bill after 6 months with a line or two regarding what it relates to).
Flexible Payment Options
We normally operate a float whereby you pay an amount upfront so that your file is in credit to be worked on. In cases where that is not possible, we will discuss deferring payment until a specific time i.e. when a property sells.
We are happy to accept instalment payments and accept payment by credit card, online transfer, cash, cheque or any other means.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law Fees
How much does a divorce cost in Scotland?
The cost of divorce in Scotland varies depending on complexity. An undefended divorce using the simplified procedure can cost as little as £495 + VAT with Rooney Family Law. Contested divorces involving financial provision or child-related issues will incur additional costs based on our hourly rates, applied with our fair 3-minute billing unit system.
Do you require payment upfront for family law cases?
We typically operate on a float system where clients pay an initial sum into our client account. We then deduct fees as work progresses and provide weekly itemized bills so you can always see exactly what you’re being charged for. In certain cases, we can also defer payment until specific events, such as when a property sells.
How does your 3-minute billing unit system work?
Our 3-minute billing unit system means we charge for time in 3-minute increments, rather than the industry standard 6-10 minute units. This provides more accurate billing that reflects the actual time spent on your case. For example, a quick 2-minute phone call would be charged as one 3-minute unit with us, rather than being rounded up to a 6-minute unit elsewhere. This fairness compounds throughout your case.
Do you offer fixed fees for family law matters?
Yes, we offer fixed fees for certain family law matters, including undefended divorce actions. For more complex matters such as financial provision cases, child residence disputes, or contested divorces, we charge based on our hourly rates with our unique 3-minute billing units. We provide detailed cost estimates at the outset so you know what to expect.
What qualifications do your family lawyers have?
Our partners are Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as specialists in Family Law and/or Child Law. This accreditation recognizes their expertise and experience in these complex legal areas. Even our paralegals are accredited in family law, ensuring that your case is handled with the highest level of professional competence at every stage.
What Our Clients Say About Our Approach
“The weekly itemized billing was refreshingly transparent. I appreciated knowing exactly what I was paying for, with no surprises at the end of my case.”
— Sarah M., Edinburgh
“After comparing several family law firms, Rooney Family Law stood out for their specialized expertise and straightforward fee structure. The 3-minute billing system felt genuinely fair.”
— Michael T., Glasgow
“The 3-minute billing unit reflects a genuine commitment to fairness. All those quick emails and brief calls were charged accurately instead of being rounded up. The expertise was top-tier while the billing was refreshingly honest.”
— Jennifer K., Aberdeen
Contact Rooney Family Law
We believe expertise and fair billing practices should go hand in hand. Our transparent fee structure ensures you receive exceptional legal representation with billing you can understand and trust.
We provide clear advice, practical options, and when necessary, strong court representation. Whether you need advice on divorce, child arrangements, or financial matters, our accredited family law specialists stand ready to assist.
Request a Consultation
To discuss your family law matter with an accredited specialist:
- 📞 Call: 0800 779 7848
- 📧 Email: info@rooneyfamilylaw.co.uk
- 📍 Visit: Any of our 8 offices across Scotland
Initial consultations available to discuss your specific situation and provide a clear outline of how we can help.
Serving clients across Scotland with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow (2 locations), Livingston, Stirling, Falkirk, Uddingston, and East Kilbride
How We Compare: Family Law Billing Practices
| Billing Practice | Standard Industry Approach | Rooney Family Law Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Billing Unit Size | 6-10 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Billing Frequency | Monthly or end of case | Weekly itemized updates |
| Brief Emails | Charged as 6-10 mins | Charged as 3 mins |
| Case Handler | May change during case | One dedicated solicitor |
| Clear Fee Breakdown | Often basic summary only | Detailed itemization |
| Quotes Include VAT | Often exclude VAT | Always include VAT |
Based on our research of family law firms across Scotland