Family Law
At Pollock & McLean our Family Law department is run by Partner Lynn McMurchie.
Our team recognise the importance of dealing with all aspects of family law in a sensitive manner while appreciating that it is important that matters are progressed swiftly to reduce the trauma that can be involved in the breakdown of a relationship, or in issue relating to children.
Please contact:
Lynn L. McMurchie | Partner
HOW WE CAN HELP
We recognise that it is preferable for matters to be resolved without recourse to litigation and in the first instance we will endeavour to resolve matters by negotiation. We actively promote non-litigious based methods of resolving matters and are pleased to offer our clients the opportunity to resolve matters through the Collaborative process.
On the rare occasions when it is not possible for matters to be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, we have the experience and expertise in conducting contested cases and representing clients in Court. We can provide advice and guidance in respect of all aspects of Family Law including:
Collaborative Law
Collaborative Law is a method of resolving Family Law disputes in a discreet and dignified way through four-way meetings and is designed to avoid litigation. The process involves a series of meetings where Solicitors will support and assist their clients in reaching mutual decisions in the interests of their family.
The Collaborative process requires each party to appoint a specially trained Collaborative Lawyer who are members of Consensus Collaboration Scotland. Lynn McMurchie is one of a handful of Family Collaborative Lawyers operating in Dumfries & Galloway and are pleased to offer clients the opportunity of choosing this as a means of resolving matters.
For more information, visit:
Divorce/Dissolution of civil partnership
The ending of a marriage or civil partnership can be not only one of the most difficult decisions to make, but can be an extremely stressful time for families. We will assist clients through these difficult times by helping resolve financial arrangements and child care arrangements using all of our expertise and by always giving clear advice.
We will always discuss the different methods and options available to clients to resolve matters and help clients identify the best way forward for them and their families.
Separation/Cohabitation Law
The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 introduced, for the first time, provision for cohabitants to make financial claims against their former partner in certain circumstances.
We can guide you through this complex area of law and help identify scenarios which could give rise to such a claim. Cohabitants must make a claim within one year of separation and therefore, it is essential that such matters are dealt with in a swift and efficient way.
Child Law (Residence, Child Contact and Relocation)
Deciding and agreeing the care arrangements for children following separation can be extremely difficult. Whether there is a dispute over where a child should live, the arrangements for contact with a non-resident parent or where a parent is considering relocating outwith Dumfries & Galloway, we adopt a sensitive and child-centred approach to assisting our clients.
Each parent may have a different view on what is in their child(ren)’s best interests, so we aim to help resolve these difficulties, promoting future co-parenting relationships.
Adoption
Lynn McMurchie has an excellent reputation locally for assisting families in the legal process of adopting a child. We have the experience in cases involving family based adoptions, such as step-parent adoptions and in cases where a child or children have been placed by the Local Authority.
We will set out the legal process from the outset and support clients throughout the bringing together of families in this way.
Referral to the Children’s Panel
Families can sometimes find themselves requiring our assistance following the involvement of the Social Work Department in their family life and when subject to a referral to the Children’s Reporter.
This, for most families, is an extremely difficult time and the amount of professional and multi-agency involvement can often be overwhelming for clients. We can help with all Children’s Referral matters including Child Protection Orders, Grounds of Referral and Appeals.
Why two people who intend to live together should consider a cohabitation agreement
A cohabitation agreement (cohab agreement) is a legal document between unmarried couples who live together.
Added on Thu, 11th Nov 2021Changes to the Children (Scotland) Act
The factors which Scottish courts must consider when deciding matters in relation to children are changing.
Added on Mon, 2nd Aug 2021Separating in Lockdown
The right legal path to sorting matters out has never been so important. With all the anxieties and stresses of Covid-19 and lockdown to contend with, choosing the correct legal route for the individual can make all the difference.
Added on Tue, 26th Jan 2021Children's Hearings and COVID-19
The Children’s Hearing system in Scotland is a system set up to deal with the care and justice of children and young people.
Added on Thu, 9th Jul 2020Pollock & McLean offer a comprehensive range of legal and estate agency services.
Pollock & McLean Legal Services
Family & Adoption Law
Our team recognise the importance of dealing with all aspects of family law in a sensitive manner while appreciating that it is important that matters are progressed swiftly to reduce the trauma.
Criminal Law
Alasdair Bryce has 25 years of experience in the criminal courts and can offer representation in the Justice of the Peace and Sheriff Courts and, through access to Counsel, in the High Court of Justiciary.
Commercial Law
Commercial Law deals with issues around the operation of businesses and their interaction with customers and competitors.
Agricultural Law
Kenneth McLean takes a keen interest in matters agricultural and is experienced in Landlord/Tenant issues as well as the purchase and sale of farms.
Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the name given to the process of transferring ownership of property in Scotland.
Employment Law
Advice and representation in relation to the full range of employment law matters which can affect individuals and businesses.
Civil Law
Civil law is concerned with cases between individuals where one person causes harm to another person, their property or their rights.
Wills, Powers of Attorney & Executry
Wills and power of attorney are fundamental legal documents and vital parts of any estate plan.
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Pollock & McLean offer a comprehensive range of legal and estate agency services.