OUR TEAM
I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland in Family Law. I recognise that family law cases can often involve life-changing events, which can sometimes be challenging and stressful for those involved. I pride myself on listening attentively to my clients to fully understand their needs and aspirations. This allows me to fully understand the background circumstances and provide clear guidance on the law and the various options that are available so that my clients can make fully informed decisions about what is best for them and their families. My aim is to help alleviate the stress and uncertainty while doing so in a cost-efficient manner. I aim to assist all clients resolve their case by amicable negotiation or collaboration where possible, however, where circumstances require, I have experience in dealing with complicated cases in the Sheriff Court and Court of Session.
I have extensive experience in dealing with high-conflict cases across all areas of family law with a particular interest in cases involving the financial aspects of a separation or divorce. These cases can often involve business interests, investment portfolios, pension interests or property interests. I also regularly advise on separation agreements, cohabitation disputes & cohabitation agreements, pre & post nuptial agreements, parental rights and responsibilities, residence/custody, contact/access, adoption and domestic abuse cases.
I am primarily based in our Inverness office, however, I assist clients located across the north of Scotland, operating from our Elgin, Thurso and Lerwick offices. I am regularly instructed by clients in the Highlands, Moray, Caithness and Lochaber, Isle of Skye, the Western Isles and Shetland.
Being part of a full-service law firm enables me to draw on the expertise of colleagues who are specialists in other areas of law. This allows a blending of our collective expertise with knowledge of the local community in which I live and practise.
Where appropriate, I also often work alongside other professionals such as accountants and financial advisers to ensure my clients gain the necessary input to make fully informed decisions to achieve the best outcomes for them.
I am a trained Collaborative Lawyer with Consensus Collaborative Scotland. Collaboration is an alternative form of dispute resolution which is well regarded as a far more positive and amicable method of dealing with disputes within Family Law. This service is only able to be offered by Solicitors qualified to do so and involves both parties, their solicitors and where appropriate other professionals working together through a series of joint meetings aiming to reach resolution. It enables couples to resolve their differences with privacy, limited conflict and dignity. As a firm believer in the benefits of Collaborative Practice as an alternative form of dispute resolution, I sit on the National Committee of Consensus Scotland, who are responsible for further promotion and development of Collaborative Law in Scotland. Since 2023, I am the acting Secretary for Consensus Collaboration Scotland.
I was shortlisted for the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award at the Scottish Legal Awards in 2018 and I am a member of the Family Law Association, an organisation committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes in Scotland. More locally, I have also had involvement with the operation of the Children’s Contact Centre in Inverness provided by Family Mediation Highland.
I regularly write articles and online content on various aspects of family law. I also deliver regular training and seminars.
I am a Notary Public and registered with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
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