Business Details
Your Trusted Family Law Solicitors in Aberdeen
Family Law Aberdeen, operated by Balfour+Manson LLP since 1888, is a dedicated legal practice specialising in family law matters across Scotland. Our team of six solicitors, including mediators and collaborative law experts, provides pragmatic solutions for divorce, child contact disputes, cohabitation agreements, and more. With a focus on alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration, we aim to reduce conflict while safeguarding client interests.Our expertise extends to wills, executry, and guardianship, ensuring comprehensive support for families navigating complex legal challenges. Backed by a century-old reputable firm, we combine deep local knowledge with national legal authority to deliver tailored advice. Our commitment to transparency in costs and client-centric service has earned us trust among individuals and other legal professionals across Aberdeenshire and beyond.
Services
Divorce
Child Contact
Cohabitation Agreements
Mediation
Wills
Guardianship Orders
Civil Partnerships
Adoption
Arbitration
Collaborative Law
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years combined experience in Scottish family law
- Our team includes 3 mediators and 4 collaborative law specialists
- We provide fixed-fee initial consultations for cost transparency
- We operate across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire with local expertise
- Our firm has been established since 1888 with proven legal authority
What people say
Exceptional service
Sound grasp of the law
Common sense approach
Well-led team
Depth of talent
Services
Divorce
Our experienced solicitors guide clients through Scottish divorce proceedings, addressing financial settlements and child arrangements. We specialise in both contested and uncontested divorces, prioritising amicable resolutions while protecting client interests. Our team helps clients understand grounds for divorce, including irretrievable breakdown and adultery.
Child Contact
We assist parents with child residence and contact arrangements, focusing on children's best interests. Our services include mediation support, court representation, and guidance on parental rights under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006. We help establish practical care arrangements during relationship breakdowns.
Cohabitation Agreements
Our legal experts draft cohabitation agreements to protect unmarried couples' rights regarding property and finances. We advise on creating binding arrangements for shared assets and responsibilities, ensuring clarity should relationships end. We also handle disputes arising from cohabitation breakdowns.
Mediation
We offer professional mediation services to resolve family disputes without court proceedings. Our certified mediators facilitate constructive discussions on divorce settlements, child arrangements, and financial matters. This approach often reduces costs and emotional stress compared to traditional litigation.
Wills
Our solicitors provide comprehensive will-writing services to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. We advise on executor appointments, inheritance tax considerations, and creating legally valid wills. We also handle intestacy cases where no will exists.
People
Lynne Mulcahy
Family Law Solicitor
Highly experienced family law solicitor with specialist expertise in child custody matters. Recognised for practical approach to complex cases involving financial settlements and child care arrangements.
Kirsten Knight
Collaborative Lawyer
Collaborative law specialist focusing on amicable divorce settlements. Brings extensive experience in resolving financial disputes through constructive negotiation rather than court proceedings.
Sophie Hamilton Pike
Mediator
Certified mediator with proven success in facilitating mutually beneficial agreements for separating couples. Specialises in reducing conflict during divorce and child arrangement discussions.
Jan Mackintosh
Arbiter
Experienced family law arbiter providing binding decisions on contested matters. Combines legal expertise with fair assessment of complex family dispute circumstances.
Vicki Haywood
Cohabitation Specialist
Focuses on cohabitation agreements and disputes, advising unmarried couples on property rights and financial protections. Recognised for clear guidance on Scottish cohabitation law developments.
Questions
What areas of family law do you specialise in?
We specialise in divorce, child contact/residence, cohabitation agreements, civil partnerships, adoption, guardianship, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law.
Do you offer fixed fee legal services?
Yes, we provide fixed fee initial appointments to discuss family law matters with our solicitors.
How can mediation help with family disputes?
Mediation offers a cost-effective, less adversarial approach to resolving disputes through neutral third-party facilitation.
What makes your firm different from other solicitors?
Our combination of 1888-established reputation, specialist family law focus, and alternative dispute resolution expertise sets us apart.
Do you handle international adoption cases?
Yes, we assist with international adoption cases including necessary legal documentation and cross-border requirements.
Can you help with prenuptial agreements?
Yes, our team drafts prenuptial agreements to protect assets and clarify financial arrangements before marriage.
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