JOHN KILCOYNE & COMPANY

When parents separate they often have to make difficult decisions about their children. Parents often find it difficult to agree with the best way forward for their children.

We are sensitive to these issues and have many years’ experience in assisting parents resolve their disputes in the best possible interests of the children.

We regularly appear at the Sheriff Court on behalf of children and parents as a result of allegations against parents or children concerning a variety of issues.

These can include: a child being accused of committing a crime; parent or parents being accused of mistreating or failing to care for their children; children failing to attend school without reasonable excuse etc.

Many couples live together as cohabitees without formalising their relationship by getting married or entering into a civil partnership. If you and your partner are living together, we recommend you get advice about your situation.

Cohabitants since the implementation of The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 now have a limited financial claim between each other when they separate.

We are of the view a collaborative approach to divorce and children issues offer families a brighter future than they would have through a litigated court case. This process can achieve an outcome that is best suited to the particular needs of your family.

The breakdown of a relationship is an upsetting and emotional time. There are many practical and legal issues which we will be able to help you deal with.

We offer extensive and expert advice wholly focused on helping you through these difficulties. You will find us sympathetic and sensitive to the issues you are facing.

We have a great deal of experience in assisting clients during difficult times and we will administer your estate, or the estate of your family, in a caring and sympathetic manner. Our solicitors will be able to deal with your estate efficiently and quickly at a competitive price.

Reaching a financial settlement is always a considerable concern to anybody contemplating divorce proceedings. We have a great deal of experience in negotiating satisfactory financial settlements for our clients.

Our main concern is to ensure robust negotiations are carried out, and proceedings are not unduly drawn out.

If you are experiencing violence or the threat of violence from your partner, we will advise you of the options available to you and if applicable, your children. Proceedings can be instituted quickly depending on the circumstances of your case and to provide you with the protection of the court.

Mediation is a voluntary process that many separating couples find helpful in dealing with the breakdown of their relationship without reverting to court proceedings.

Mediation is focused at helping you reach decisions about practical issues that arise on separation, such as finding the best pattern of care for your children or the financial arrangements which are most acceptable to both of you.

If you are planning to marry or enter into a civil partnership or have already done so, you may want to consider a prenuptial agreement. More couples are now doing this. We can give you advice about if you need such an agreement and the enforceability of the agreement.

A prenuptial agreement sets out what you and your future spouse or civil partner agree should happen in relation to your finances if your relationship breaks down and you separate.

Whatever your assets, modest or substantial, self-made or inherited, you owe it to your family to put your affairs in good order for the benefit of your survivors.

If you do not make a Will the impact on your family could be grave, as your estate will be governed by Intestacy rules.