Family Law News Archives - Edinburgh Family Law

Buying your first home together but contributing different deposits? Here’s why you need a Minute of Agreement

cmathison2024-11-22T07:48:42+00:00November 22nd, 2024|Civil Partnerships, Cohabitation, Family Law News, Finance, Money, postnuptial, Separation Agreements|

When purchasing a property with a partner, many couples contribute unequal amounts to the deposit. This can happen for various reasons—one partner may have saved more, received a gift from family, or sold a previous property. Whatever the reason, if the relationship ends, tensions can arise over how the deposit and any equity are divided. A Minute of Agreement is a practical and legally binding way to protect both parties and ensure that contributions are reflected fairly.

What is a Minute of Agreement?

A Minute of Agreement is a formal legal contract, often referred to as a postnuptial or cohabitation […]

Scottish Law Commission Calls for Reforms to Address Tech and Financial Abuse

cmathison2024-10-29T16:05:58+00:00October 28th, 2024|Case Study Protection From Domestic Abuse, Civil Partnerships, Company News, Family Law News, Finance|

The Scottish Law Commission has highlighted the urgent need for reform in addressing domestic abuse, emphasising the significance of recognising both tech and financial abuse. As the landscape of abuse evolves, these forms of coercion require specific legal attention to protect victims effectively.

What is Tech Abuse?

Tech abuse involves the use of technology to control, harass, or stalk an individual. This can manifest in various forms, including:

– Monitoring Devices: Abusers may install tracking software on a partner’s phone or computer or log into their partners emails in order […]

Is It Fair for my Partner to Request a Postnuptial Agreement After Several Years of Marriage? A Guide for Couples in Edinburgh

cmathison2024-10-23T12:30:42+00:00October 23rd, 2024|Family Law News, Nuptial Agreements, postnuptial, Prenuptial|

Marriage is built on trust, love, and mutual respect, but as life evolves, so too can the dynamics of a relationship. For some couples, this may lead to conversations about a postnuptial agreement —a legal document outlining how assets and responsibilities will be divided in the event of separation or divorce. But is it fair for one partner to request a postnuptial agreement after several years of marriage?

What is a Postnuptial Agreement?

A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, but it is entered into after a couple is already married. This legally binding contract can set out how […]

How Online Dating Impacts Divorce Rates and Why You Should Consider a Prenup in Scotland

cmathison2024-10-16T13:17:02+00:00October 16th, 2024|Family Law News, Information, Prenuptial|

Online dating has revolutionised how couples meet, changing the landscape of modern relationships. With platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Match.com becoming mainstream, many couples today form romantic connections through digital means. But has this shift impacted the stability of marriages? And more specifically, how might it influence divorce rates?

As family law solicitors, we often work with couples navigating both the excitement of marriage and the challenges of divorce. Understanding the influence of online dating is crucial in addressing the complexities of relationships today.

Online Dating and Marriage in the UK

Online dating is now one of the most common ways to meet […]

My Ex Had the Kids for Christmas Last Year and Won’t Let Me This Year: What Can I Do?

cmathison2024-09-27T11:22:26+00:00September 26th, 2024|Children & parenting issues, Christmas, Co-Parenting, Family Law News, Separation Agreements|

The festive season is often a joyful time, especially for families. However, when parents separate, Christmas can become a source of stress and heartache, particularly when it comes to deciding where the children will spend the holidays. One common issue we hear is, “My ex had the kids for Christmas last year and won’t let me this year.” So, what can you do if you’re in this situation?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this difficult situation while keeping the best interests of your children at the […]

Planning Child Contact Arrangements for the Halloween Holidays

cmathison2024-09-23T08:43:31+00:00September 23rd, 2024|Family Law News, Halloween|

For separated or divorced parents, the Halloween holidays and October mid-term break can present unique challenges when it comes to arranging child contact. We understand the importance of putting your child’s best interests first while navigating the complexities of family law. With Halloween approaching and schools closing for the October mid-term break, now is the time for separated parents to plan ahead and ensure smooth and amicable child contact arrangements.

Here’s our guide to help you through the process:

Communication is Key

Open and effective communication between co-parents is the foundation of successful child contact arrangements. Start by initiating a conversation with your […]

What Age Can You Get Married in Scotland? Plus, the Importance of Prenups

cmathison2024-09-20T12:45:21+00:00July 29th, 2024|Career Highlights, Family Law News, Money|

Legal Age for Marriage in Scotland

In Scotland, you can legally marry at the age of 16. Unlike in other parts of the United Kingdom, you do not need parental consent if you are 16 or 17 years old.

Legal Age for Marriage in other countries

Indian weddings have recently gained global attention with many celebrities invited to celebrate or perform. In India, the legal marriage age is 18 for women and 21 for men, designed to protect youth and promote their education and development.

A high-profile example is the wedding […]

Is Domestic Abuse always physical abuse?

cmathison2024-09-20T12:51:58+00:00May 17th, 2024|Case Study Divorce, Case Study Protection From Domestic Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Family Law News, Protection from Harassment & Domestic Violence|

When we think of domestic abuse, our minds often conjure images of physical violence. While physical abuse is a grave and urgent issue, it’s important to understand that domestic abuse isn’t always physical.

Domestic abuse can manifest in various forms including emotional, financial, digital or sexual abuse. Our team is experienced in supporting victims of all types of abuse and raising awareness about the many faces of domestic violence.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the first phone call you should make is to the Police. For more […]

Understanding Restraining (or Protective) Orders in Scotland

cmathison2024-09-20T12:54:29+00:00April 9th, 2024|Family Law News, Uncategorized|

Protection from Domestic Abuse can be obtained in all relationships if you have been abused by your former spouse or partner.

The first phone call you should make is to the police. If necessary, you should seek medical treatment recording any injuries with the hospital, GP or simply by taking photographs of these. Taking these steps may assist in obtaining protective orders to stop the unacceptable behaviour of your spouse, partner or ex-partner.

In Scotland, restraining orders; known as interdicts, serve as crucial safeguards against harassment, abuse, and […]

Can my ex-partner stop me from having contact with my child?

cmathison2024-09-20T12:58:06+00:00March 22nd, 2024|Family Law News, Uncategorized|

At Johnson Legal Family Law, we understand the emotional strain and legal challenges that some
families face when it comes to child contact. Scenarios where one parent is denying the other parent contact with their child can arise following a separation or divorce, leaving the denied parent feeling helpless and desperate to maintain a relationship with their child.

Understanding the Legal Framework

In Scotland, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities towards their children, including the right to maintain meaningful contact provided it is in the child’s best interests. Denying […]