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There are Collaborative Lawyers, Financial Specialists and Family Consultants throughout Scotland who can assist with your separation and divorce. Contact any of them for an informal chat if you wish more information about the collaborative process.
You can find one in your area here:
'There is life after separation and I strongly believe that the practical approach to problem solving and dispute resolution involved in the Collaborative process helps to make the best of that life for you and your family'.
Ruth heads up the Family Law Department at Aberdein Considine & Co. She practices exclusively in Family Law and is as a member of the Family Law Association in Scotland. She is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Mediator.
I am an Art Therapist specialising in working with children and families experiencing separation and divorce. I understand that life at this time can feel overwhelming but believe that sharing concerns with someone who isn't personally involved can result in feeling more hope for the future.
Skylight Counselling is a small privately run counselling service. Brenda Duthie and I have many years experience working with children and families. We can offer counselling in a way that suits families' particular needs. As an Art Therapist I am able to offer art- making in addition to conversation to aid understanding. I have found that it is very suitable in work with children or when words are hard to find. Please note that you do not have to be "good" at art.
I am a qualified Couple and child counsellor with 15 years experience of working with separation and Divorce issues . I help clients to overcome difficult issues and negotiate a good separation agreement.
As a Family consultant I provide support for one or both parties to facilitate and maintain positive communication enabling decisions for the future.. If there are children involved I can offer collaborative parenting advice to protect the children from the adverse affects of separation. I support parents to establish contact agreements in the best interest of their children..
I am a forensic accountant specialising in matrimonial work and business valuations
I am a member of the Expert Witness Institute and have been instructed in many matrimonial cases to assist in valuing businesses or shares in businesses. I have hands-on experience of being instructed in collaborative cases.
Trained in Collaborative Practice, CALM Mediator accredited by the Law Society of Scotland
I am qualified in providing advice over a wide range of financial matters but specialise in both collaborative and non-collaborative cases.
Marjory has been practicing law for over thirty years , latterly concentrating exclusively on Family Law.
She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Collaborative process recognising that it offers separating spouses a real opportunity to address all the issues arising from their separation in a wholistic and dignified manner. The Family unit will continue after separation , albeit in a different form and this process allows the needs of the whole family to be looked at with the objective of achieving bespoke solutions that meet their needs.
A qualified counsellor specialising in relationship difficulties, I support individuals and couples through the divorce process to achieve their goals.
My role is to facilitate positive communication and support clients to manage the difficult emotions arising in the separation and divorce process. I work as part of a team with the clients, lawyers and financial advisors.
My role is to use my training and experience to enable you to share any difficulties you may have and to help you find ways of understanding how to cope with or, if appropriate, change your circumstances.
Stephen Brand of Thorntons is accredited by The Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Specialist.
Stephen has been dealing with Family Law Litigation for 35 years and has come across all kinds of difficult, emotional and complicated situations during that time.
Stephen has a caring and sensitive approach with clients - particularly where children are concerned.
Stephen is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Specialist and as a Family Law Mediator and has been collaborating since its inception. He approaches each situation objectively and tries to negotiate a fair deal for all parties concerned.
I am a Financial Planner specialising in matrimonial work, I am on the National Committee for Consensus as well as an associate member of the Family Law Association. I work extensively in all financial areas of separation and divorce and have done for over 15 years.
Having worked for so long in this field there is very little I have not come across which helps set out the process and the journey that lies ahead. So ensuring that the finances are in order goes very much hand in hand with the emotional aspects of sorting out a family's finances.
I am a family law solicitor with over 25 years experience . I appreciate the value in offering clients the opportunity to use the non -confrontational approach offered by collaborative law in dealing with issues arising from separation and divorce. Besides being trained in Collaborative law , I am also accredited by the Law Society to offer mediation.
Charles is a Family Lawyer with almost 20 years experience. He is fully trained in Collaborative Practice, which enables resolution of Family Law matters in a non-confrontational manner.
Charles is Head of the Family Law Department and Partner at Miller Samuel Solicitors, which was founded in 1974. He believes that the collaborative process minimises anxiety for parties and encourages solutions without the need to resort to Court.
Lorna has been involved in a considerable number of Collaborative cases. She forms one half of the award winning Family Law practice, Patience & Buchan with Ashley Simpson.
An accredited specialist in Family Law as well as a Family Law Mediator and qualified Family Law arbitrator.
If you would like more details of the firm visit http://www.patienceandbuchan.com
Separation or Divorce can be less painful in short and longer term by dealing with it in a Collaborative Process. The separating couple are not only are central to the discussions and decision making but feel throughout that they are active participants.
Decisions we reach ourselves are always preferable to those imposed by others and the more barriers there are the more difficult communication becomes so that is why I encourage clients to use a collaborative process for their divorce or separation. I have been a divorce/separations lawyer for well over 15 years and still regularly appear in court for clients or negotiate on their behalf but the longer I do this the more convinced I am that a Collaborative Process is better-it is all relative but in terms of "ownership" of decisions, feeling supported and avoiding receipt of the dreaded headed paper letters people find a collaborative process much better. I am accredited as a Family Law Mediator by the Law Society of Scotland and this is complementary to Collaborative Processes. A sense of humour, sense of perspective and sense of the people at the heart of the case ( the couple, their children and other family members) are key to resolving the financial , childcare and other aspects of a situation and this is more easily achieved in collaborative cases. Involving neutral financial experts and family consultants to assist with emotional impact can all help and I see considerable benefit from that.
I am a partner with Macleod & MacCallum, Inverness . I have 25 years experience working with separating families and am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Specialist. I was one of the first Family Law solicitors in the Highlands to offer Collaboration as a means of resolving disputes arising from separation.
I believe that the Collaborative approach offers clients the opportunity of reaching respectful and sometimes creative outcomes which would not be achieved through the traditional means of correspondence or litigation.
I am also an accredited Family Law mediator and Family Law Arbitrator. I was one of the first Family Lawyers to qualify as anArbitrator in Scotland and sit on the Family Law Arbitration Group (Scotland) national commitee.
I have worked exclusively in Family Law for over 20 years and have been a Collaborative Practitioner since 2004. It is a great privilege to be able to offer this people centered approach to resolving the often difficult and painful process of separation and divorce. My experience is that those who choose this approach are successful in reaching agreements which meet their needs whilst at the same time mininising the potential for further conflict and the damage which this can cause to them and their children.
Life certainly isn't simple and as we grow the relationships we have formed can change. When a relationship comes to an end the prospect of separating a life, and family, created together can be fraught with emotion.
Mubasher is committed to putting you at ease and creating an environment in which you feel able to approach and discuss your personal matters no matter how sensitive.
He will support and guide you each step of the way to a positive solution through the process best suited to your requirements, allowing you to move forward to the next chapter of your life.
Claire is an accredited specialist in Family Law and has considerable experience in assisting her clients to deal with child and financial issues following separation.
I was Accredited as a Family Law Specialist in 2004. I am the Convenor of the newly established Dumfries Pod. I have had over 20 years experience in dealing with family law cases both locally and throughout Scotland. I am a trained FLAGS Arbitrator.
I head up the family law team in my firm and have over 25 years' experience as a family lawyer. I am an accredited specialist in both family and child law. I have been trained in collaborative practice since 2004.
I recognise the importance of handling separation and divorce sensitively and have extensive experience of financial and child related matters.
Karen is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Child Law. Along with being a member of Consensus Collaboration Scotland, she is also member of the Family Law Association . She specialises in all aspects of Child Law including Residence, Contact, Adoption and Child Protection matters. Karen also deals with Family Law including Divorce, Separation, Co-habitation and Pre-nuptial Contracts. She is regularly appointed as a court reporter, Curatrix ad Litem safeguarding children's interests, safeguarder and Legal Representative to the Children's Panel.
Gillian is one of Scotland's leading divorce lawyers and is accredited as a specialist in Family Law by The Law Society of Scotland. She has a keen interest in ADR and was instrumental in introducing Collaborative Law to Scotland.
Gillian has a particular expertise in cases involving business valuations, partnership issues and farming cases. She deals mainly with complex, high net worth cases, involving issues such as the valuation of shares in private companies, employee incentive schemes and share options; taxation; and the interaction between Partnership Law and Family Law. Gillian also handles an increasing number of cases arising from the cessation of cohabitation and is engaged in a number of disputes involving significant claims being brought under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006. She has a particular interest in cases with an international element, including disputes regarding children both child abduction and relocation cases, within the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond. She is dual qualified as a solicitor in Scotland and in England and Wales, and is a member of both the Family Law Association in Scotland and Resolution in England - both are organisations of family lawyers who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.
Gillian has a keen interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and was instrumental in introducing Collaborative Law to Scotland; she was a founder member and immediate past Secretary of Consensus – the Scottish Collaborative Law organisation. She was one of the first to qualify as a Family Law Arbitrator and is secretary of the Family Law Arbitration Group Scotland (FLAGs) Committee. She is a Director and Trustee of Family Mediation Lothian and is an accredited Mediator. Gillian is Turcan Connell's client relations Partner, head of our Summer Intern Committee and a member of our trainee committee.
I am committed to helping families through the difficult times that a separation can bring, working together to find a sustainable and effective resolution.
Lloyd has over 10 years' experience in financial planning. He holds the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) and the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP). As a Financial Advisor, Lloyd specialises in offering sound financial advice and guidance, in often complex situations, to ensure his clients make the right financial choices for the future.
Financial uncertainty can be a major concern for couples who are going through a separation, particularly when there are children involved.
Lloyd is highly experienced and specially trained in Collaborative Practice. Through the process, he acknowledges and recognises his client's needs, concerns and goals, whilst remaining neutral towards both parties. He is able to identify financial issues which may arise during the separation and advise on effective solutions to overcome them.
Established in 1973, Central Investment is one of Scotland's leading firms of independent financial advisers. From its headquarters in Aberdeen, Central Investment offers its portfolio of private and corporate clients informed and comprehensive financial advice, in line with current markets, industry regulations and legislation.
The highly experienced and professional financial advisers at Central Investment hold the knowledge and expertise to offer advice on a range of financial services including Personal Financial Planning, Retirement & Pension Planning, Inheritance Tax Planning, House Purchase, School & University Fees Planning, Group Pensions and Employer Benefits. Central Investment is Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
I offer mediation within the Collaborative Process, either in relation to children or to assist communication and understanding in general to help you build a strong platform for the family after the transition of separation.
I was a family lawyer for 42 years before retiring from legal practice. I trained as a mediator over 25 years ago and have enjoyed working as a mediator since then. I now work as a mediator and trainer as Inkdance Family Mediation.
I have provided interpersonal, negotiation and mediation training in the UK and other countries including Spain, Italy and the Netherlands and have been involved in devising and providing training in Collaborative practice in Scotland. I annotated the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 which sets out the legal rules for financial provision on divorce for Greens/Sweet and Maxwell and am the author of books about family law.
I am a great believer that both heart and head need to be involved in constructive dispute resolution and successful planning for the future following a separation
It is enormously satisfying to feel that the service that you are providing to your client
is genuinely contributing to achieving a solution to the devastation of family dispute and the sense of loss experienced by clients.
I established Cowan Douglas Law with a colleague in 2006, a Firm specialising in Family Law based in the centre of Inverness. I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Specialist. I am a member of the Scottish Family Collaborative Law Group Committee. I have also been a committee member of The Scottish Family Law Association Committee for the past two years. I have been involved in a number of Collaborative cases and strive to develop my practice in this area and encourage as many of my clients as possible to adopt this respectful method of resolving the issues arising from separation.
I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2000 (LLB Hons) before gaining a diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Strathclyde in 2001.
I qualified as a solicitor in 2003 and since then I have practised exclusively in the field of Family Law. In 2011 I was accredited as a specialist by the Law Society of Scotland and in 2013 I received the mention of "excellent" in the Legal 500 Directory.
I am a current member and past committee member and Treasurer of the Family Law Association. In the past I have also attended meetings and provided advice and training to various voluntary organisations.
I am a firm believer in the collaborative model to negotiate family law issues. It generally sees cases resolved more quickly and in a more constructive fashion, which is hugely beneficial to clients, especially where they have children and therefore will require to remain in communication, potentially for some time, regarding the welfare and general arrangements for those children.
Chartered Financial Adviser
Assistant Director
Jo is the head of the Professional Services for Family Lawyers proposition in the Edinburgh office.
Jo is a Chartered Financial Planner, specialising in advising High Net Worth clients.
Jo has access to cash flow modelling software, which is found to be an excellent tool when advising clients in Collaborative divorce cases.
I am based in Banff but happy to conduct collaborations in and around Turriff, Buckie, and Huntly and on occasions further afield
Hello I'm an experienced Family Consultant /Divorce coach working in Glasgow and the surrounding area. I work with lawyers, financial advisers to reduce stress and conflict in divorce. My aim is to manage the family changes to enable ongoing relationships,promote communication and prevent spiraling costs.My job is to help my clients hear the advice given to them and go on to make balanced decisions at a time when emotions are high . Emotional support from an outside source will help in the moment and longer term.
I am a trained psychotherapist and work with individuals , couples and groups.
I am also involved in the training of collaborative professionals in Scotland and abroad .
I have been a solicitor in the Scottish Borders for just under 30 years and during that time have dealt with a wide variety of work with my main interest being Matrimonial Law.
Over the years I have become more and more of the opinion that the use of Court and the adversarial system in matrimonial cases does not serve to provide the best outcome for the majority of separating couples and furthers the divisions between the parties. Collaborative Law is a radical new system which allows couples to work out solutions supported by professionals.
I am an experienced Family Law practitioner, both in the Sheriff Court and Court of Session. I am committed to alternative dispute resolution by mediation or collaboration where possible, with litigation as a last resort.
• Over 20 years' experience in Family Law.
• Accredited by the Law Society in Family Law Mediation.
• A member of CALM Mediation (Family Law Mediation) in Scotland.
• Member of Family Law Association.
• Court-appointed Reporter and Curator ad litem in child residence, contact and adoption matters.
• Member of local Highland Pod for Collaborative Law practice.
Having been involved in many collaborative law cases over the years I firmly believe that this is without doubt the most sensible and mature way to deal with a separation in a family focussed manner, without the usual acrimony that often accompanies a traditional negotiation or litigation based approach.
Noel joined Turcan Connell in January 2013 after being Head of Family Law at Maclay Murray & Spens LLP since 2006. Noel was assumed Partner at Turcan Connell in 2015. Prior to that Noel was a partner in a West Lothian Court firm. He joined Turcan Connell's family law team to help spearhead family law operations in the new Glasgow office. Noel specialises in all areas of family law but is particularly noted for acting in high value cases for high net worth individuals, for example, celebrities, sports personalities, entrepreneurs, business owners, directors, professionals and executives. Noel has successively been ranked by the Legal 500 for his experience in high net worth divorces, prenuptial agreements and child relocation cases and has been described as providing "outstanding service", being "absolutely committed to the case" and having "exemplary" knowledge.
Noel has extensive experience as a litigator having regularly appeared in both civil and criminal court cases before specialising in family law cases since 1999. Noel has considerable expertise in negotiating financial settlements and regularly drafts complex separation agreements as well as pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements. Noel has acted for many high profile clients and has been involved in many prominent divorce cases in the Court of Session and Sheriff courts. Noel has also acted in several international child relocation cases. Noel has also acted for clients with complex family trusts as well as difficult cohabitation claims on separation and death under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006. Noel has assisted in many professional negligence cases involving family lawyers and has been asked for his expert opinion on several cases of potential negligence.
Noel is a trained Collaborative Lawyer and is a member of the Scottish Collaborative Family Law Group Consensus. He has also been a longstanding committee member of the Family Law Association since 2007 and was Treasurer of the organisation from 2009-2012. Noel was also the Vice Dean of West Lothian Faculty of Solicitors, and previously tutored in Business law at Strathclyde University. Noel has also given seminars on family law to various organisations in Scotland and England, such as at the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow and for the Society for Trust and Executry Practitioners (STEP). In addition Noel has developed and conducted training for younger family lawyers through accredited Professional Competence Courses and has written several Articles and publications in the Herald, Scotsman, Family law bulletin and Journal of Law Society of Scotland. Noel has been annually listed as an Expert in Family Law in the Directory of UK Legal Experts since 2009.
Fiona is a family lawyer with 20 years experience. She is fully trained in interdisciplinary collaborative law. She is accredited by the Law Society as a specialist in family law.
Collaborative law offers clients an opportunity to resolve any disputes between them fairly and with dignity.
Marika has specialised in complex family law matters for over 14 years. Although she has particular experience advising on complex claims for financial provision on divorce, she also deals with a wide range of child related issues including child residence and contact disputes and child relocation .
She is aware of the emotional complexities involved in dealing with the breakdown of a relationship and believes very strongly in the alternative, dignified and sensitive approach to dispute resolution offered by the collaborative law process.
Prior to joining Shoosmiths, Marika was a Senior Associate with Anderson Strathern LLP. Marika studied at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities and LUISS Guido Carli, Rome, before training as a solicitor.
Marika is a member of the Family Law Association, Scotland and Accredited by The Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law.
She is also a fluent Italian speaker.
Karen has over 25 years experience. She is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in both Family and Child Law. As well as being trained in collaborative practice she is a Family Law Arbitrator and a member of FLAGS.
Jennifer offers her clients practical and common sense advice. She guides clients through a difficult time with sensitivity.
Jennifer is a partner in Lindsays family law team and is based in the Dundee office.
She is accredited as a specialist in Family Law and Family Mediation by the Law Society of Scotland and is also a fully trained collaborative lawyer. Jennifer has a wide range of experience which includes providing advice and representation for divorce settlements, separation agreements, cohabitation cases and disputes involving children.
Jennifer sits on the committee of the Family Law Association, the professional organisation for family lawyers in Scotland and is also lead tutor in family law for the Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Dundee.
Chartered Financial Planner;
Principal Adviser;
Pension Transfer Specialist;
Shaun heads the Family team at Brodies LLP. He qualified in 1988 and has been accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law and a Family Law Mediator for a number of years.
Shaun is highly rated by Chambers UK and Legal 500 as a "leader in his field" in Family Law. He is a committee member of Consensus - Collaboration Scotland and a trained Family Law Arbitrator. Shaun has successfully conducted a large number of collaborative cases and has presented at conferences throughout the UK.
Caroline is a Family Law practioner and a Famly Law Partner at BLM. She is accredited as a specialist in Family Law and Child law by the Law Society of Scotland.
I have been working with families for over 20 years in Edinburgh , Glasgow and beyond to address the difficulties they face when relationships break down .
I am an accredited family law specialist , an accredited mediator and a committed collaborative lawyer. Ranked Band 1 in Chambers Legal Directory, I know that court is a place of last resort for families when decisions are made which rarely satisfy anyone and where differences become entrenched. I have extensive experience of negotiating complex financial provison settlements and am particularly interested in achieving positive outcomes for children . I am also regularly instructed in child abduction and child relocation cases which are amongst the most demanding areas of practice.
Within the collaborative process ,I help clients to create outcomes which endure and which reflect their needs and aspirations for the future .
And collaborative law isn't just for the " easy" cases or for those involving children ,although it does put children at the centre of decision making. It is effective even in the most challenging situations when couples are struggling to agree a financial settlement and when suitably trained financial experts can help to forge effective and creative outcomes .
I am a Member of the Consensus National Committee and one of the first group of Collaborative lawyers trained in 2004.
As a specialist family lawyer with around twenty years experience, I strongly believe Collaborative Practice to be the best way for the majority of families to transition separation, particularly where there are children involved. In my experience a Collaborative approach, working hand in hand with family consultants and financial experts, delivers cost effective, and lasting solutions. This is truly the way to enable you to work together as parents after divorce!
Andrew is a member of the Family Law Association and is also qualified in English Law as well as Scots Law. Andrew undertakes family and matrimonial work both sides of the border. Andrew has been practising family and matrimonial law for over 20 years and he believes that nearly all cases should be capable of being resolved without going to Court and that Collaborative Law is one option to achieve this.
Graham has been practising family law for nearly 30 years. He strongly believes that issues around children and financial provision following on from separation are far more likely to be successfully resolved through the use of alternative dispute resolution and is a firm advocate of Collaborative practice.
Graham is Accredited by the Law society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law. He is a past committee member and Chair of the Family Law Association and an arbitrator with the Family Law Arbitration Group Scotland. He is frequently called upon by the Court to provide Child Welfare Reports in actions involving children.
Grant is Harper Macleod's Family Law Solicitor assisting clients across the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. He has consierable experience in assisting clients dealing with the complexities that arise from a separation whether that is financial or child care arrangements. Grant is a member of the Family Law Association and a National Committee member for Consensus Collaboration Scotland.
I firmly believe that Collaboration achieves far more positive outcomes for client's than traditional methods of resolving family related issues.
I am counsellor and psychotherapist and my role is to ensure that you have a safe space to work through the feelings you will have due to the separation.
Separation can provoke lots of difficult and painful feelings which can lead to different behaviour, anxieties and even physical symptoms. I am able to work with you to process the separation and move forwards emotionally.
I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP).
Caroline is a Family Law practitioner dealing exclusively with family law cases. She is fully trained in interdisciplinary collaborative law practice and is also a Family Law Mediator accredited by the Law Society of Scotland.
•Qualified 1996
•Accredited Family Law Mediator
•Trained Collaborative Lawyer
•Tutor in Family law, University of Strathclyde
•Published various family law articles in the Family Law Bulletin and Journal of the Law Society of Scotland, particularly in relation to surrogacy
•Director of Scottish Marriage Care
Areas of practice
•Family businesses and the preservation of same in the matrimonial sphere
•Surrogacy, including those cases with an international element
•All issues arising from separation and divorce
What Caroline's clients say
•"I could not have wished for a better person to assist me"
•"Ms Henderson put me at ease from our first meeting and filled in the gaps we were unsure of. "
•"Thank you for your kindness, patience and assistance with my case."
•"She was very approachable and helpful. She was always contactable and on the odd occasion if not she would be in touch as soon as she could. I would highly recommend her."
•"Caroline was personally recommended to me and her service has been second to none."
•"I have found Caroline to be very approachable, kind, reassuring and a very lovely person to work with."
I am a family law practitioner accredited by the Law Society as both a Family Law and Child Law Specialist and as a Family Law Mediator. I have been involved in a number of Collaborative cases and am an experienced family law practitioner. I am a member of the Family Law Association.
I believe that the collaborative approach tackles the issues arising from separation/divorce in a way which assists families to find solutions that suit them rather than have decisions imposed upon them.
I believe that my role is to assist families to separate as amicably as possible and to enable parents to have a continuing relationship for the benefit of their children.
Collaboration can achieve a more positive outcome for families and can address all aspects of the separation to allow everyone to move forward, minimising the potential for future conflict and preserving dignity.
With 20 years experience Denise offers the full range Alternative means of resolving family disputes-mediation -collaboration & arbitration. She is a Law Soc accredited family law specialist and mediator. Member of FLAGS/ FLA & CALM
The key aspects of collaboration (a) removing the threat of court (b) 4 way meetings (not letters) can be a very rewarding experience for all parties. Collaboration can minimise the damage to the family unit that separation can cause giving couples the confidence to continue parenting and remain a family after seperation. Any process that can reduce negativity in life has to be a positive!
I am an experienced therapist, based in Edinburgh , specialising in relationships and working with individuals and couples. I am accredited by BACP and offer a confidential, non-judgemental and safe environment where our relationship is at the heart of our work together.
As a couple counsellor, I trained with Relationships Scotland and have worked with many couples over the years. Couple counselling can help you to work through problems in your current relationship, explore your experience and look at what's important to you both. I work with all relationship difficulties, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity.
I offer you a safe space in which to explore your relationship. I don't offer advice, tell you what to do, judge or necessarily try to save a relationship. We work towards finding the best way forward and the best outcome for you as a couple and a family.
The first session will be about assessing your situation to see what difficulties you are having and look at what needs to change and how to communicate effectively. It is also the time when you can decide if counselling is the right choice for you at this time. If so, I can meet with you regularly to support you as you work together through this process.
There are many reasons people find themselves struggling at times in their life so my work with clients is diverse. Whatever is making you think about this type of support at this time, you will be heard, valued and respected.
As a member of BACP, I adhere to the BACP Code of Ethics.
BACP Accredited Counsellor
BCP Accredited DIT Practitioner
Dip Psychodynamic Counselling
BA (Hons) Psychology
One of Edinburgh's best Family lawyers, loved by her clients and respected by her peers. For the last 20 years Beverley Johnson has succeeded in combining a sympathetic ear and solid legal advice in a full range of family matters.
I believe that a lawyer's role is to help a family through the transition of divorce/separation and assist the family in restructuring as amicably as possible.
I am passionate about finding the most constructive outcomes for your family law dispute and offer straightforward, pragmatic advice. I firmly believe that you can divorce with dignity and am committed to helping you minimise the fallout to you and your children that divorce and separation so often brings.
My focus is on enabling clients to make future focused decisions, helping them to tailor settlements to suit their own unique set of circumstances and providing commercial yet compassionate value driven advice.
I am a founding member of the Collaborative movement in Scotland and was chair of Consensus (Collaboration Scotland) for many years and remain an office bearer. I am also the European representative on the board of the IACP (International Academy of Collaborative Professionals).
I have been involved in a considerable number of collaborative cases since 2004 and very much believe in the benefits of the process for you, your spouse, your children, your mutual friends and extended family.
Siobhan is a Family Law practitioner and a Family Law Partner at BLM. She is accredited as a specialist in Family Law and Child Law by the Law Society of Scotland.
Rachael was in the first group of solicitors in Scotland who trained as collaborative family lawyers in 2004.
She is accredited as a Specialist in Family Law and as a Family Mediator by the Law Society of Scotland. She has also been appointed to act as a Family Arbitrator. Rachael is the only Scottish solicitor to be invited to become a member of CFL (formerly the Central London Collaborative Forum).
Rachael has practiced exclusively family law for well over a decade. Her practice encompasses financial and child cases (often involving complexities arising from jurisdictional, tax, corporate and property law issues).
Rachael is also a very keen mediator and is Chair, a Director and Trustee of Family Mediation Lothian and Treasurer of CALM (Comprehensive Accredited Lawyer Mediators). She is one of the founding Directors of SKO and is based in Edinburgh and London.
Nicola has specialised in Family Law since 2008, and was accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law in 2016.
She advises clients on a broad range of family law issues, including the financial matters arising out of a separation and child related matters.
Nicola says "Collaborative practice has many advantages compared to the traditional method of dealing with matters arising out of a separation. Importantly, it enables clients to find constructive solutions for them and their families, without the threat of court proceedings."
I passionately believe in minimising the trauma for families going through divorce or separation. The collaborative process offers this option and my role, as the collaborative lawyer, is to help you through that process to lessen the stress that separation inevitably brings, to help you retain control of the decisions that are made about your future and that of your children, and to do all of this with the minimum of conflict.
One of my first collaborative clients recently told me that her relationship with her ex-husband is now better than it was before they separated. She tells me that they co-parent their children in a dignified and respectful way and that she shudders to think how differently things could have been had she not been made aware of the collaborative process or engaged in it.
For me, as a family lawyer, being part of a process that allows you to retain your dignity and to, importantly, minimise the impact of your separation upon your children and your wider family is very fulfilling.
I have been practising family law since 1991, I am an accredited family law specialist and an accredited mediator. I have conducted many collaborative cases and very much recommend it as a way of reaching an agreement with dignity.
Separating need not be a traumatic experience.
Clients experiencing separation need expert legal guidance to negotiate the difficult issues that affect their family and to help them through this transition.
Collaborative practice offers a constructive, respectful way to resolve these issues. I believe that to have the best chance of a lasting settlement, couples should be fully involved in decision making and brokering solutions.
Accredited by The Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law and is a Collaborative Family Lawyer.
Been with the firm, and now company, since November 1992. Has been a partner (and now Director) since 1996. Member of the Family Law Association. Enrolled as a solicitor in 1989. Married with a son and a daughter.
Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law and Trained Collaborative Lawyer
I am a Family Lawyer with Macleod & MacCallum and am delighted with our success at the recent Law Awards of Scotland when we were recognised as Family Law Firm of the Year 2015. I am sure this is in part due to the fact that 3 of our 4 Family Law solicitors are qualified collaborative lawyers. In addition to being a collaborative family lawyer I am also accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Specialist.
The consequences of separation can often be very damaging both emotionally and financially not only for the parties themselves but also for their children. I strongly believe that the Collaborative approach to separation can help minimise this and can enable couples to make good decisions which are in the interests of the whole family.
As a Financial Planner, Kevin's role of 'Financial Neutral' is to remove the complexity of financial legislation and present options to you in a straightforward way. This gives both parties, and their respective Family Lawyers, a better platform to start negotiations and make informed decisions regarding an amicable division of assets.
Acumen Financial Planning is privately owned and totally independent and we operate from our offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Peterhead.
We are an 'Accredited Financial Planning FirmTM' having demonstrated our commitment to Financial Planning, following a strict code of ethics and practice standards, and having met the Institute of Financial Planning's rigorous criteria to ensure we can offer our clients the best service.
We are first and foremost planners, working with clients to create a strategic financial plan reflecting their goals and aspirations. These plans do not gather dust; they are updated regularly so that they form an authentic contextual background upon which all financial decisions can be made. Risk management, Investment management, and Tax planning decisions, all remaining true to the plan, automatically become part of a truly professional and comprehensive service. Our clients value our approachability and our professionalism.
Lucy has practised exclusively in family law since 2009 and advises clients on all aspects of their separation. Lucy has found that the Collaborative Process provides an excellent alternative for clients to find unique solutions to their varying circumstances.
Catriona encourages a collaborative approach in resolving the complex issues arising from separation.
Having represented clients for many years in matrimonial and child-related cases, I would thoroughly recommend Collaboration as a means of achieving the transition to post-separation life. Not only can collaboration assist you with resolving the financial and property issues, it can also help you and your former partner utilise a more child-centred approach in the longterm. You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have chosen a route that helps minimise the potential for future conflict.
Marie is a fully qualified and active family consultant. She offers clients her experience, encouragement and enthusiasm for healthy communication to bridge the difficult stages of divorce and separation and move into the future.
Couples who choose Collaborative Process are already investing in the longer-term well-being of each partner, any children and the wider circles of family and friends.
Just as each couple is unique, however, the end of each couple relationship is unique.
Focussed emotional support can help couples recognise and cope with trigger points while separating, and to promote wellbeing in the longer term.
Marie also draws on extensive training and experience as a mediator and relationship counsellor to work with couples and adult individuals who wish to reduce conflict and enhance understanding in their lives.
Amanda is highly experienced in all family law matters and is a Law Society of Scotland accredited specialist in Family Law, Child Law and Family Law Mediation.
Amanda is highly experienced in all family law matters. She has attained three accreditations from the Law Society of Scotland namely Family Law, Child Law and Family Law Mediation. She is a member of CALM and the Family Law Association.
Amanda is qualified to provide clients with numerous options in terms of dispute resolution in family law. Amanda is an experienced litigator. She regularly appears in the Sheriff Court in cases involving the welfare of children and financial matters. She is also well versed in Court of Session litigation, having been instructed in many key family law decisions. Amanda regularly deals with negotiated cases, recognising that court is not always the best place in which to resolve family law disputes.
She has particular experience in relation to high value financial provision, child relocation cases and adoption. Amanda has experience of representing the interests of children in family law cases, being regularly instructed by Glasgow Sheriff Court to prepare child welfare reports in cases where the welfare of children is in issue. Amanda is a trained Childline Volunteer Counsellor. She has recently obtained the COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills, which she finds invaluable in delivering legal services with empathy and understanding.
Amanda is a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500 and attracts praise for her 'great listening skills' and 'decisive approach in finding solutions'.
Amanda has trained in Collaborative Law and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners. Amanda believes that family law cases should be managed with sensitivity and discretion, working with clients to identify and achieve their aims so that clients can be active participants in shaping the future outcome of their case.
Amanda is passionate about legal education, sharing knowledge and the future development of family law.
Gareth is an experienced family lawyer, who recognises, through experience, the value to clients of the collaborative process in resolving family law issues
For twenty years Gareth has supported and advised clients through the legal difficulties arising in families and from relationships. Trained in the collaborative process since 2006, he welcomes the availability of an approach to family law that actively discourages conflict and acrimony. As an accredited specialist in both family and child law, his experience and training has been valued by his clients in a variety of cases.
Accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in child law and in family law. Working in a niche family law firm.
What the legal directories say about Sara
•"Part of the always-friendly, helpful and knowledgable team, Sara Matheson is commended for her excellent advice"
- Legal 500 (2009)
•"Consistently practical, pragmatic and patient"
- Legal 500 (2010)
•"Leading individual"
- Chambers UK (2011)
•"Well regarded for childrens referral work"
- Legal 500 (2011)
•"She has developed considerable experience and expertise in an increasing technical and complex area of evidence and law"
- Chambers UK (2012)
- Sara Matheson is described as "spectacular - a force to be reckoned with." Matheson regularly appears in court and is an accredited specialist in both child and family law. Chambers UK (2013)
Marion has specialised in family law for many years and heads the dedicated Family Team at Ledingham Chalmers, a full service firm.
Marion is experienced in collaborative practice, and promotes the benefits of resolving matters in this way. She is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law. She is a trained Commercial Mediator and a Family Law Arbitrator with the family law arbitration group, FLAGS. She is a Notary Public and member of Family Law Association. She is based in our Aberdeen office, and meetings can also be arranged at our office at Thainstone, Inverurie.
Michelle is a Family Law Practitioner and has experience in dealing with all aspects of family law. Michelle is a member of the Family Law Association.
Donna is an experienced Family Law Practitioner. She qualified in 2002. She trained as a collaborative lawyer in 2006 and is also accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Mediator.
Donna practices in all areas of family law including separation, divorce and cohabitation claims. She has a particular interest in cases involving children, including contact and residence disputes and international relocation disputes.
Sharon advises on a wide range of family law matters including divorce, separation, residence, contact, child support, adoption and co-habitation.
"I see Collaborative law as yet another skill we as family lawyers can utilise in resolving disputes between our clients and one which, if properly used, can make the whole process much less stressful and damaging for all involved."
The law is not always fair. Threats of legal action arising from the breakdown of a relationship can make a traumatic time even more distressing.
Collaboration offers to couples who are separating the opportunity to make their own informed decisions about how best to deal with any family and financial issues. They can do so in a fair way which takes account of their needs and the needs of any other family members. It gives them control of decisions about the future rather than allowing the Court to determine what should happen.
The collaborative approach is very different to traditional methods of dealing with separation and divorce. It is not suitable for every case but is increasingly popular in the North East of Scotland. In my experience, the success rate is very high and clients who use the collaborative process seem to have a much greater sense of satisfaction when they reach the end.
Lindsey has practised in family law for over twenty years and is trained in Collaborative Practice. She has been with Walker Laird, based in Paisley, since 2002.
I am a Partner with John Henderson and Sons Solicitors, Dumfries , where my caseload is predominantly Family Law based. I undertook my legal traineeship locally, qualifying as a Solicitor in September 2011 and became a Partner in January 2017. My main areas of interest are Family Law and Child Law.
Judith Meil is a Family Law Specialist, accredited Family Law Mediator, a Family Law Arbiter and Collaborative Lawyer. She practices exclusively in Family Law.
"Perhaps there is never going to be such a thing as a good divorce but although you may be splitting up, things don't have to fall apart. Breaking up is never easy, no matter how the breakdown arises. Litigation over the terms of the separation makes things even more difficult. One of the best ways to achieve a dignified split is to use the Collaborative Law process. Collaboration offers the flexibility for people to go at their own pace and for some the issues can resolve quite quickly through a series of face-to-face meetings that all attend. Clients gain a sense of control which aids negotiation and the reduced confrontation helps to preserve family relationships in the longer term, a huge benefit given the evidence that children do much better after divorce if their parents can co-operate over their care and upbringing."
I qualified in 1994 and have worked in family law since then. I have extensive experience in dealing with all aspects of family law, particularly cases which concern complex financial issues.
Lindsays is a full service law firm and our Family Law Team is an integral part of our Private Client Department. This means that I am able to take a rounded view of all aspects of my clients' affairs and give balanced advice about all of the issues which arise out of the breakdown of a relationship. I trained in Collaborative Law in 2009 and I believe that it offers people a valuable tool to help them to reach a positive outcome at the end of a relationship
Alexis is member of the Family Law Association and has experience in all matters relating to family law.
Alexis is member of the Family Law Association and has experience in all matters relating to family law.
A calm and caring independent financial planner with over 25 years experience.
I provide calm and reasoned advice to both male & female clients. I find that the idea of talking through future financial plans with a female adviser tends to appeal more to female clients, particularly during the emotional period surrounding separation and divorce.
Women's financial goals and priorities are often slightly different to men's and my main focus is to listen and understand.
I have a wealth of experience and can advise on all aspects of pension sharing , investing and family protection.
Keren is a Family Law Practitioner and has experience in dealing with all aspects of family law. She is a member of the Family Law Association and is also an accredited Family Law Mediator.
Keren has been practising family law since 2006 and considers that collaboration allows families to reach agreement with dignity.
I am a qualified relationship counsellor and I aim to provide a safe, empathic space to enable you to work through the separation or divorce process and the emotions that you are experiencing.
Taina is a Chartered Financial Planner who provides a practical approach helping both parties to make informed financial decisions to achieve their future objectives
Lynne has over 20 years experience in Family Law practice and has been involved in a large number Collaborative cases. She is a Partner in the Family Law team at Balfour+Manson in Aberdeen.
I work exclusively in Family Law within the large family law team at Balfour+Manson. I am leader of the Aberdeen Consensus Pod. I first qualified and became a member of Consensus some ten years ago and firmly believe that the Collaborative Process offers my clients a way to deal with separation with dignity, minimising conflict and the potential for negative impact on their children and the wider family unit. Separation is stressful and difficult time, the Collaborative Process allows families to achieve fair, long lasting solutions tailored to their interests with the support of their Collaborative team.
I have been working with families in Aberdeen for over 20 years assisting with the difficulties which arise from the breakup of relationships and have extensive experience in negotiating complex financial cases and those involving children. I am passionate about achieving the best outcome for my clients and ensuring that the interests of any children are a priority.
Collaborative family law helps clients to engage with one another in a more respectful way and to find solutions which are more tailored to them and their family. Clients feel that they have more control over what is happening to them and ultimately feel that they get more value out of resolving things collaboratively.
I am an Associate at Blackadders LLP in Aberdeen. I have practised Family Law almost exclusively throughout my career. I am also accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law Mediator.
Family break-up is sadly becoming all the more common these days. If and when it happens, emotions usually run high- talking money is an added stress at a particularly difficult time. With over 25 years expertise in financial advice around separation or divorce Richard can help you achieve an outcome that will put your mind at rest.
Mary heads up our Court Department and advises clients in Litigation matters in both the Sheriff Courts and the Court of Session. In particular she deals with Civil Court matters, personal injury and medical negligence cases along with an extensive range of other issues, including family law. Mary has been appointed as a Court Reporter and is Treasurer of the committee of the Faculty of Solicitors of the Highlands. Mary is an accredited Family Law Mediator and advanced Collaborative Lawyer. She is a member of the Family Law Association of Scotland and CALM.
Iain Patience qualified as a lawyer in 1979 and has spent almost his whole career specialising exclusively in Family Law.
Iain was accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law in 1994 and in 1998 Iain was accredited as a Family Law Mediator. Iain was in the first group of Solicitors in Scotland who trained in Collaborative Family Law and has been closely involved in its development and practice both locally and throughout Scotland. Also qualified as a Family Law Arbitrator, Iain and his partner and fellow family law specialist Lorna Buchan run the highly regarded specialist firm of Patience and Buchan , Family Lawyers from Aberdeen's Golden Square. Patience and Buchan were winners of Family Law firm of the Year ar the annual Law Awards of Scotland. For more informartion on the firm, visit http://www.patienceandbuchan.com
Jackie qualified as a Solicitor in May 2006. Jackie specialises in Family Law and believes that when couples separate it is best to reach an amicable agreement as to the care arrangements for the children and the division of the finances. Collaboration is a very positive process that ensures that separating couples communicate to reach an agreement that is best for the family.
Jackie has worked in law since 1984. At that time she was employed as a junior with Bonar Mackenzie. Jackie was quickly promoted and attended the Court of Session and the Sheriff Court to assist Solicitors with their cases.
Jackie undertook the Law Degree part time at Strathclyde University from 1998 to 2003. Winning the Tax law prize. Jackie continued to work full time as an unqualified assistant with Bonar Mackenzie whilst undertaking the Law Degree part time. Jackie then undertook the Diploma at Edinburgh University in 2003/2004, winning the Civil Litigation prize.
Jackie has experience in all forms of litigation beyond her years as a Solicitor. She has specialised in Family Law since becoming a Solicitor in May 2006. Jackie has been appointed by Edinburgh Sheriff Court to prepare reports for the Court on the care arrangements for children since 2007.
Jackie has advised clients on all aspects of family law and in particular, financial provision on divorce, cohabitation, and the arrangements for the care of children following separation.
Tom trained as a Collaborative Family Lawyer in 2005. He is accredited as a Specialist in Family Law and as a Family Mediator by the Law Society of Scotland. In addition, Tom is also a Solicitor Advocate.
Tom has practised exclusively Family Law for over a decade and his practise ranges from financial to child cases which also involve complicated legal issues. Tom has lectured over the years to other Solicitors in Family Law and has had articles published on a regular basis in the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland.
I am a qualified solicitor of many years' experience, specialising in family law. I am committed to helping clients to find workable solutions in an amicable setting.
I am a partner with Gibson Kerr, Law and Property and head Gibson Kerr's family law team. I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in family law and as a family mediator. I am a trained collaborative lawyer. I have over 25 years' experience in all aspects of family law both in relation to litigation and in the negotiation of family disputes. I deal with financial disputes and with disputes regarding children. I practice exclusively in family law and I am committed to working with clients to achieve a constructive and workable solution for them and their family.
As a specialist family lawyer I strongly believe in the collaborative process. Collaboration allows families to work with family consultants, financial advisors and most importantly with each other to reach a resolution that is future focussed and tailored especially for them. The collaborative approach allows families to be in control of their future and to reach a solution that is both long lasting and beneficial for all involved.
As a Financial Planner, Sandy's role of 'Financial Neutral' is to remove the complexity of financial legislation and present options to you in a straightforward way. This gives both parties, and their respective Family Lawyers, a better platform to start negotiations and make informed decisions regarding an amicable division of assets.
Acumen Financial Planning is privately owned and totally independent and we operate from our offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Peterhead.
We are an 'Accredited Financial Planning FirmTM' having demonstrated our commitment to Financial Planning, following a strict code of ethics and practice standards, and having met the Institute of Financial Planning's rigorous criteria to ensure we can offer our clients the best service.
We are first and foremost planners, working with clients to create a strategic financial plan reflecting their goals and aspirations. These plans do not gather dust; they are updated regularly so that they form an authentic contextual background upon which all financial decisions can be made. Risk management, Investment management, and Tax planning decisions, all remaining true to the plan, automatically become part of a truly professional and comprehensive service. Our clients value our approachability and our professionalism.
Having been involved in family law cases for many years, I firmly believe that the collaborative process is the most sensible and open way to deal with sensitive family issues with respect and compassion often resulting in swift, fair and pragmatic solutions for the family unit as a whole.
I am a Partner within the family law team of Aberdein Considine. As well as being trained as a collaborative lawyer, I am also accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in family law and as a family law mediator and act as a Trustee for Family Mediation Lothian. I have a strong preference to alternative dispute resolution – that is ways of resolving disputes out with the court process allowing families the opportunity to find solutions engineered to their individual needs. I have broad experience in all aspects of family and child law and also deal with a wide range of financial issues arising from the formation or breakdown of relationships.
In addition I have a particular interest and experience in cases involving inter faith or culturally diverse relationships including those involving assets held in foreign countries, which may require an additional level of understanding and sensitivity.
I am happy to receive referrals from other solicitors as well as accepting instructions directly from individuals. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling I am able to cover a wide geographical area.
I passionately believe that this process offers the best outcomes for separating couples and their families.
my eyes were opened in 2005 when I underwent my first of many Collaborative Practice training sessions. From that point onwards I have committed enthusiastically to improving my skills and assisting clients in the Collaborative Process. When the process works it produces spectacular results. Communication is the key to successful parenting when parents live apart and whilst more adversarial processes tend to drive the parties further apart, this process works at ensuring that voices are heard and views are considered. I am chair of Consensus and have sat on the national committee since 2006.
Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer
Having trained in Collaborative Law in 2006 Fiona has undertaken an number of collaborated settlements. She has many years of experience in all aspects of litigated and non litigated disputes.
When a relationship comes to an end, clients have told me that they feel as if they are losing control of their lives and what is important in their lives. The collaborative process helps clients feel engaged and part of the process and gives the client more say and control over their and their families future.
I advise on all aspects of family law including financial provision on separation, divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships.
I am at Partner at Colledge & Shields Family Law Practice in Dumfries. I qualified as a Solicitor in March 2013 and the majority of my workload is Family Law related. I have a particular interest in Child Law.
Chartered Financial Planner
I am a family lawyer with over 20 years of experience, and accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law, I am a member of the Family Law Association and have undergone advanced interdisciplinary training for collaborative lawyers. I am committed to the Collabortive law process and believe that Collaboration can bring dignity and respect into what can otherwise be a very distressing process.
I appreciate that separation is never easy however I do passionately believe that the process of collaboration can assist both parties to work together to find solutions to all the issues which may arise on separation in a way that minimises disruption and argument.
I strive to enable clients to reach amicable and fair settlements against a background of mutual respect.
I was one of the first solicitors from Inverness to qualify in collaborative law and have undergone advanced inter-disciplinary training, I am a member of IACP (International Academy of Collaborative Professionals) I am also accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law.
Family Law is what we do!
Ashley is a Collaboratively trained Family and Child Law Specialist.
Jenny is a Partner at Harper Macleod. She is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Family Law specialist.
She practises exclusively family law and has a particular interest in financial provision. She is dual qualified in Scottish and English law. She teaches Diploma law students at Strathclyde University. She is a member, and former committee member, of the Family Law Association.
Collaborative family law gives individuals going through family change an alternative to traditional negotiation, mediation and litigation.
It is a positive process which promotes mutual respect and prioitises the needs of the family both at the time of separation and in the future.
I attended a training course in 2004 in London and was so motivated by the benefits of the process that I joined together with another 3 Scottish solicitors in forming a Scottish organisation and arranging widespread training. I have now gained considerable experience in working within the collaborative framework.
I am a partner working in a dedicated family law team, accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in family law, a founder member and present Treasurer of the Scottish Collaborative Family Law Group, member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals, Member and former chair of the Family Law Association of Scotland and member and former Board Member of the Child Law Centre. I also sit on the family law subcommittee of the Law Society of Scotland. Having worked in the area of family law for nearly 20 years I am delighted that we are now able to offer collaborative law as an option to clients in Scotland.
An accredited specialist with particular expertise in the resolution of complex financial cases often involving business interests.
Described as "exceptional" and "incredibly good" in the leading legal directories. Ranked "1" in the Chambers Legal Directory.
I am an accredited specialist in family law having worked exclusivley in that area for many years.
I am known within the profession for taking a solution orientated and constructive approach to resolving matters on behalf of my clients.
I am committed to the use of collaborative practice in the right cases as, from experience, it tends to result in the fairest and most cost effective outcomes for clients with the minimal amount of acrimony. It also results in people being able to have ongoing civil communication in the future which I recognise is particularly important for those couples who have children.
Gillian is an Associate with Patience & Buchan, a specialist firm dedicated to family law in the centre of Aberdeen.
Practising exclusively in family and child law, Gillian has a wide experience in providing guidance and advice to clients on a range of matters in order to achieve resolutions.
I am a BACP accredited counsellor and I specialise in relationship issues. I offer counselling for individuals and couples. My aim is to create a safe space where you can work through difficult emotions arising from the separation.
Separation often evokes difficult and painful emotions and my work is to help you process those feelings and move forward with respect towards a positive future.
I have worked exclusively in Family Law for around the past 10 years. I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Family Law.
I have over 10 years experience in all aspects of family law, including complex financial provision and divorce cases; cohabitation cases; pre and post nuptial and cohabitation agreements; and child matters. I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a Specialist in Family Law. I am based in our Dalkieth office and deal primarily with our Midlothian and East Lothian client base. I am a member of the Scottish Family Law Association and am a Notary Public.
I am committed to working with clients through negotiation and the collaborative process to resolve their disputes without the need to raise contested Court proceedings.
Jacqueline Stroud has 25 years' experience as a family lawyer and is collaboratively trained. She has worked on a wide range of collaborative cases including financial issues arising from the breakdown of a marriage and child related issues including residence and contact. Jacqueline has been an accredited family law specialist for the past 17 years and is listed in the Legal 500 who noted empathy and sensitivity in her approach - attributes that transfer well to a collaborative approach.
Jacqueline is highly regarded for her constructive and pragmatic approach to settling difficult family law disputes. As a family lawyer her biggest strength is the relationship she builds with her clients, the majority of which come from referrals from previous clients. She has a caring, compassionate and child centred approach to her work.
I am an accredited family law specialist a mediator and am trained in collaborative law.
I head up a team of family lawyers at Harper MacLeod which includes three trained collaborative lawyers.
I believe that in many cases its by far the best option to try to resolve issues afer separation in a non adversorial way that allows some form of relationship between the parties to maintain. i think this is especially important for the benefit of any children.
Simply put I think the collaborative process is the best way of achieving this.
Bruce has over 20 years experience in financial planning, the last 10 years being with Brewin Dolphin at their local Aberdeen office on Rubislaw Terrace. Established in 1762, Brewin Dolphin is one of the largest independently-owned private client wealth managers in the country with offices across the UK and Channel Islands.
Every relationship established with Brewin Dolphin begins with you, your Financial Planner, Investment Manager and a blank sheet of paper. Before we offer any advice, we start by gaining a true understanding of your circumstances and needs. We will collect and assess information about your personal circumstances and current financial situation. From there we identify your financial objectives and agree a plan with you to meet them. We have no ties to any fund managers, banks or insurance companies, and are able to deliver unbiased financial and investment advice. With the support of extensive infrastructure and resources, Brewin Dolphin is in the right position to deliver clear, impartial and personal advice tailored to your objectives, and risk profile.
Having over twenty years experience as a solicitor working in the area of separation and divorce, I have a pragmatic and straightforward approach to family matters, I am committed to allowing couples to settle family disputes without recourse to the Courts if at all possible.
Much of my work is centred around negotiation in order to reach agreement in family matters rather than the more traditional adversarial route involving courts.
I believe that an important feature of helping clients deal with separation is understanding that the best outcome is one in which they fully participate, and is tailor made to suit their circumstances and aspirations for the future.
I am a past Chair of the Family Law Association of Scotland and past Dean of the Faculty of Solicitors in the Shires of Selkirk and Peebles.
I also act in a number of other areas of law including estate agency, conveyancing including residential purchases and sales; I also undertake private client work including the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and I attend to the administration of Executries. This extensive experience in other areas of law lends itself well to collaborative practice in that I am able to offer advice and carry out legal work which is necessary to implement the terms of an agreement agreed by a client.
I have been qualified for more than 25 years with substantial experience in all areas of family law. I have specialist accreditations from the Law Society of Scotland in both Family and Child Law. I believe that respectful communication is key to ensuring a fair outcome and assisting parties in moving apart positively.
I am currently a member of the Scottish Collaborative Family Law Group committee. I initially trained in Collaborative law in November 2004 and have undertaken additional training since.
I have successfully completed numerous collaborative cases and have found this approach greatly assists in the process of reorganising the family dynamics after separation.
As a Collaborative Lawyer and member of the Family Law Association Elise is strongly committed to ensuring clients reach a fair resolution following separation with minimal conflict.
Elise graduated with an Honours degree in Law from the University of Glasgow in 2008. She spent the third year of her degree studying law at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada and completed her Diploma in Legal Practice at the Glasgow Graduate School of Law in 2009.
Elise trained in private client work in Ayrshire before moving to the Highlands in 2011, where she gained significant experience in divorce matters including financial separation and contact arrangements in respect of children.
I am a Family Law Specialist, accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and an Associate with Macleod & MacCallum Solicitors, Inverness. Macleod & MacCallum was awarded the Law Awards of Scotland, Family Law Firm of the Year 2015, the first Highland firm to ever receive this accolade. In 2017 we were awarded Family Law Team of the Year by the Legal Awards of Scotland. As a member of the Family Law Association, I deal with Family Law matters on a daily basis. I am committed to helping clients resolve disputes in a modern and pragmatic way.
Follow me on twitter: @familylaw_IV1
I am a solicitor specialising in family law. I believe collaborative law allows parties achieve a better divorce, especially where there are children of the marriage. It allows parties to remain respectful to one another and to consider a resolution which works for their family. Clients feel as if they can control the process and make the decisions rather than have a process inflicted upon them.
I put clients at the centre of decision making and I am able to give a sense of perspective, insight and guidance in what is a very difficult time. This process allows parents to work together more easily as parents even after divorce. By working with family consultants and neutral financial advisors, clients can achieve a well rounded resolution.
Collaboration provides a way through the rapids of separation and divorce which puts interests before positions, and preserves, as far as possible, dignity and family relations.
Having now been involved in about 50 collaborative cases, I can safely say that if has confirmed my initial thoughts that the introduction of collaborative law to the UK is the most exciting development in the practice of family law since mediation in the early 1990s. I think we are responding to the desire of the many separating couples who are looking for a better way to get through a period in their lives which can otherwise be very destructive and negative.
Collaboration provides a way through the jungle which puts interests before positions, and preserves, as far as possible, the couples' dignity and family relations.
Mike is a Chartered Financial Planner whose role is to enable all parties to make informed decisions about their financial future by removing the complexity often associated with financial matters.
Mike joined Towry in 2013, now known Tilney Group, following a successful career with the wealth management division of a major banking group and with a national IFA firm. He has over 25 years experience in financial services.
He began in banking and achieved Chartered Banker accreditation before moving to financial planning and is a Chartered Financial Planner, a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, an FCA Approved Pension Transfer Specialist and is also Collaborative trained.
Mike specialises in planning for owner managed family businesses, pension related divorce planning and is also accredited in Collaborative Law as a Financial Neutral to assist both clients and their solicitors in the financial aspects of divorce.
His experience in both banking and financial planning for corporate and commercial business owners give him a unique insight in this area and has proved invaluable to clients over the years.
He practices a life event approach to lifetime financial planning to ensure that clients and their families focus on their goals, manage their wealth and achieve their lifetime objectives.
As well as planning in specialist areas Mike also provides a comprehensive financial planning service to high net worth individuals, company executives and professional partners who are simply looking for the reassurance and confidence that they can live their lives safe in the knowledge that they have made the right financial decisions.
• The key is for wealth to be aligned and work to a strategic 'Lifetime Plan' that reflects individual circumstances, goals, aspirations and concerns.
• Informed decisions can then be made with confidence as the plan provides a contextual refrence point to assess what the future will look like
• And most importantly of all, the plan is reviewed on a regular basis.
Mike also acts as strategic adviser to many family owned business that make use of SSAS and SIPP pension arrangements as a means of tax efficiently extracting profits and creating a family wealth succession planning vehicle.
Financial planning involves having a meaningful, long-term relationship that is engaging, enjoyable and effective.
Mike is based in our Edinburgh Office.
I am a lawyer with many years experience in various aspects of law. In more recent years, I have focused on Family Law. Collaborative Family Law is an excellent way of resolving matters on separation. It allows parties to discuss their issues and resolve differences without the need for lengthy correspondence or stressful, uncertain and expensive court proceedings.
Alan Watt
20 years experience; local professional; emphasis on satisfying client needs
I am an accredited coach and counsellor, working with adults to help them find a way forward. I will help you work with your emotions, so that you can manage them rather than vice versa and help you find ways to move through the process of separation or divorce.
Separation and divorce often evoke strong feelings. You may feel like you no longer know yourself anymore or you may be working at finding new meaning and role in life in your changed personal circumstances. My role is to help you navigate the new landscape to achieve the outcomes you wish.
My aim is to provide practical and sensible legal advice, with empathy and care, to assist separating couples reach a fair resolution.
Qualified as a Solicitor in Scotland in 1987; Accredited as a Specialist in Family Law by the Law Society of Scotland since 1997;Trained as a Collaborative Lawyer in 2008; Partner in Legal Firm since 1996, which Firm provides all areas of Legal Work including Court, Family law, Conveyancing, Employment Law, Leasing, Licencing, and a Separate Office providing Estate Agency and Property Rentals.
Separating couples often want to find a place where they can discuss matters, but sometimes they still need professional input. Collaborative practice is a lawyer-led process which allows couples to make informed decisions which are right for them and their families.
I have experience in a wide range of Family Law matters, particularly financial provision upon divorce.
I have a broad experience in acting in cases which often involve the valuation of one party's interest in a company; share options; partnerships and those cases where there have been substantial contributions by one party to the matrimonial finances from pre-marital or inherited wealth.
I qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and I am a member of the Family Law Association.
I believe that it is possible to divorce with dignity and the collaborative process can make that possible.
Kathryn is the Court Partner at Melrose & Porteous and has been involved in Family Law Practice for 28 years. Kathryn is enthused by the prospect of a better Divorce for a happier future.
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1996, I have practised exclusively in the field of family law. I have been accredited as a specialist in family law since 2005.
I trained as a collaborative lawyer in 2004 and collaborative practice is undoubtedly the best way for clients to face the uncertainties and fears that come with separation. Having the opportunity to work with other professionals who are collaboratively trained, makes for outcomes that will endure and allow clients to feel that they have been integral to the process, not bystanders who might feel like decisions are taken out of their hands.
It is particularly suited to couples with children. Outcomes for children are central to the process, not the fallout and so making for a more positive future for the children and their on going relationship with both parents.
An independent forensic accountant providing services as a financial neutral
Fiona offers business valuation services within the context of collaborative practice, working with both parties to enable them to make informed decisions on the future of their business following separation and divorce. Other ad-hoc accounting support services can be provided such as assistance with compiling details of personal expenditure.
Consultant Clinical Psychologisit
Expertise in working with children , adolescents, families and parents.
Zoe is a Family Law Practitioner and has experience in dealing with all aspects of family law. Zoe is a member of the Family Law Association.
Zoe advises clients across a full range of family law matters including separation and divorce, cohabitation claims, parental rights and responsibilities, and contact and residence disputes. She enjoys working on complex financial provision cases and has a particular interest in child law, including international and intra-UK relocation disputes.
I have been a family law solicitor for over 20 years. As well as being a collaborative lawyer, I am a member of the Family Law Association and am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland both as a specialist in family law and as a CALM mediator. I am studying for a Masters degree in Family Therapy and have a particular interest in the effect of separation upon children. I believe that collaboration offers families an effective way of resolving the various issues which arise from separation and divorce.


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Despite an inventory of vacant office space totaling 5.3 million square feet--out of a base of 23 million square feet--the leasing firm of Grubb & Ellis is optimistic about the future of office leasing in Orange County.
"Tenant requirements in 1985 reflected both a record amount of new space absorbed--1.6 million square feet--and the maturation of Orange County's office market as a true urban center," according to George P. Economos, senior marketing consultant for the firm. He predicts that absorption is expected to increase to 2 million square feet this year.
Commenting on the vacancy factor in the mid-20% range, he added that well-located, well-designed buildings will "still absorb according to reasonable schedules."
The area around John Wayne Airport dominated last year's office market and will continue to do so this year, Economos added. The airport area had absorption of about 1 million square feet and 1.9 million square feet of leasing activity. Second in importance, with about 1 million square feet leased last year, is the central county area, dominated by downtown Santa Ana and the Anaheim Stadium areas.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello Greenies!
This is a friendly little reminder that this Thursday Dec 6th at 7PM we will be having a little shindig just for the environmental folk at Hot Java (2101 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803)!
I've had quite a few alumni respond (yay!) so if you can make it out please do! It really is a great time to network, and see what past club members and majors have gone on to. It never hurts to ask about internships/volunteering with them!
I hope to see you out at the last event of the semester.
Good luck on finals!
Brianna Pagan
Outreach Chair
For up-to-date club info, please visit:
If you no longer wish to receive ES/P Club emails, please reply to this message with "unsubscribe" as the subject line.


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The symptoms were undeniable. Even reptiles are liable to spring a leak. But leak a lake in a week? Jake went to see wise old Dr. Owl, a specialist in bladders and bowels, When he related his tale of woe about how he had to go and go and was flustered by the flow from his prostate, Dr. Owl started to hoo and howl with glee. Finally, he said: "For goodness sake, you know snakes can't pee, so what need thee for a prostate anyway?"
"All I know, I've got this flow, my bladder's full, I've gotta go." Saying that Jake let go a flow and drenched the owl from head to toe which then emitted a most un-owl howl and drowned in the lake Jake had made with his leaking prostate.
Even God couldn't explain the drain but he hired Jake all the same to leak around God's Ark, parked high on a hill ready to sail with all hands and feet aboard. God gave the word: "Go forth and leak a creek." Jake did that and more from shore to shore.
The creek became a stream, the stream a lake and, landagoshen, at last an ocean that covered the wide countryside from "here to thar" and thar was far from here, enroute to the Garden of Eden where Jake achieved a change in history and Adam and Eve left to start breedin' what the unpopulated world God created was needin'.
And Jake's prostate brought it all about.


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Are you ready for more cuteness? After receiving many inquiries, I've started creating Kidlet items for your PETS!!
I'm still working out some design details, so for a limited time to help me build up my Doglet & Kitlet collection, you can get 20% off stationery and ceramic pet dishes. Please contact me for details since I don't have listings for these items yet.
Pet dishes--as seen in photo--come in 6 inch or 7.25 inch and will regularly be $30, but you get for $24.
A huge thank you to my friend Abby for her help getting the ball rolling with these items. ;)


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One of the most amazing parts of the Faroe Islands was the ever changing light. You would be photographing something in one direction, look over in another direction and the light would be amazing! Or you would be driving through rain, come around a bend or over a hilltop and amazing light would appear before you!
I am calling this one Road to the Light.


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What is exactly is delegation?
Not a silly question, many think they know and don't. Delegation of a task or activity to someone in our team or department, even though it is a central function of management, is often a greatly misunderstood process. Recently I read a paper by a gentleman with a PhD who stated that delegation was basically the act of "sharing the responsibility for a project's outcomes". This is a typical, however incorrect, assumption about delegation.
In a course I facilitated in the past the definition we used was, "delegation is the granting of all or part of your authority to decide or act where you the delegator always retains responsibility for the outcomes". This delegation definition exposes one of the problems managers have with delegation, as obviously many managers are happy to pass on responsibility, however most them/us want to retain or protect our authority.
The big issue here for many managers I have trained is the issue of having, or developing, the trust in the person to whom they are delegating.
The reasons for delegating are obvious: efficiency, effectiveness, staff training and preparation for succession. The ultimate benefit of delegating is that the delegator, through developing efficient and effective staff will eventually release themselves from their current position so they can move to higher positions. If advancement is a goal it follows that effective delegation is probably the most important competence a manager can develop.
Practical aspects of delegation
Bearing in mind what I have said above the first issue to address is that a manager must be prepared to let go of the desire to undertake the tasks or the implement the actual project him/herself. Secondly, the staff member must be prepared to accept the delegated tasks. Issues of 'I'm the best at this job' from the manager's perspective and 'why should I do extra' from the staff member need to be addressed at the outset.
Delegation is not simply asking somebody to perform an activity to help the delegator get his or her work done or finish a project. True and effective delegation requires that the manager explain the purpose of the delegation and conduct the necessary skills assessment or training to ensure the receiver can perform the tasks adequately. The key as I said is to hand over the necessary authority to get what is required done to a fully competent staff member.
The keys to successful delegation are: planning and prioritizing tasks, effective time management, setting of proper agreed deadlines, follow-up at half and three quarter time, giving up favourite tasks particularly after you have been promoted and ensuring the appropriate skills are present in the person being delegated to.


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"Avoid card clash" may be a warning as regularly heard as "mind the gap" when venturing onto London's tube system once Transport for London introduces contactless credit card payments for journeys next month. It's found that as many as 2,000 passengers a day are experiencing "card clash", when the readers at station barriers scan a contactless-enabled bank card instead of an Oyster card transport pass. According to the TfL report:
We are currently seeing about 2,000 instances per day of customers presenting a CPC (contactless payment card) in a way that, had the system been live, they would have been charged on it. As the system is not live yet we have to infer that their presentation of a CPC is unintentional.
In other words, come September 16th (when contactless bank cards become an accepted payment method at tube barriers) such mix ups could see money taken from your bank account, rather than Oyster card credit. TfL will "provide automatic refunds" for those who get caught out by the new system, but it's likely that many travellers won't notice it's happened at all until their next bank statements come in. Going forward, Londoners would do well to keep bank cards and Oyster cards in separate wallets. [Standard]


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Spectra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: SEP) is a Houston-based master limited partnership.
Spectra Energy Partners is one of the largest pipeline MLPs in the United States and connects growing supply areas to high-demand markets for natural gas and crude oil.
These assets include more than 15,000 miles of transmission pipelines, approximately 170 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage, and approximately 5.6 million barrels of crude oil storage.
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'Lower cost per gigabyte than most SSDs. '
'Great read throughput.'
'high performance'
'low power consumption'
'It's fast and quiet and comes with backup software.'
'Playback of other media was excellent, especially video at 1080p via the HDMI port.'
'Very expensive'
'Supports only Western Digital hard drives'
'Fast performance.'
'It's larger and more robust than the sealed La Cie Little Big Disk Quadra, and it's more advanced than the CMS Velocity2 dual-drive arrays that I've reviewed in the past.'
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