Finding a family law professional in Glasgow

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

Important: Scotland has a separate legal system

Scotland's family law is different from England and Wales. The C100, FL401, Cafcass and HMCTS processes described on most pages of this site do not apply. Use the Scottish-specific resources below.

The family court in Scotland

Family cases in Scotland are heard in the sheriff court (local) or the Court of Session in Edinburgh (for complex/international cases). Children's matters may involve the Children's Hearings System (via the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, SCRA), which is separate from court.

Scottish Courts and Tribunals: https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk
mygov.scot — child contact and custody: https://www.mygov.scot/child-contact-and-custody

The professional bodies and registers (start here)

Solicitors (Scotland): The Law Society of Scotland — https://www.lawscot.org.uk
Barristers/Advocates (Scotland): Faculty of Advocates — https://www.advocates.org.uk
Mediators (Scotland): Relationships Scotland — https://www.relationships-scotland.org.uk (family mediation network), and the Scottish Mediation Network
Legal aid (Scotland): https://www.mygov.scot/legal-aid
Citizens Advice Scotland: https://www.cas.org.uk (local bureaux across Scotland)

Family support services in Scotland

Parenting Across Scotland: https://www.parentingacrossscotland.org — parenting support
Children 1st: https://www.children1st.org.uk — support for children and families
Scottish Women's Rights / Scottish Women's Aid: https://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk — domestic abuse services
Abuse helpline (Scotland): Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234 (24/7)

How Scottish family law differs

Sheriff courts handle divorce, child orders, and financial claims (not the Family Court of England and Wales)
The Children's Hearings System deals with children at risk — a separate tribunal system, not the family court
Parental responsibilities and rights (PRRs) exist but are defined under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and later acts
Mediation is voluntary; the MIAM requirement as used in England/Wales does not apply — but courts expect parties to consider alternatives
Financial provision on divorce uses a different property regime (fair-sharing of "matrimonial property" acquired during the marriage)

Official links

mygov.scot family law: https://www.mygov.scot/child-contact-and-custody
Scottish Courts: https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk
Law Society of Scotland: https://www.lawscot.org.uk
Citizens Advice Scotland: https://www.cas.org.uk

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk focuses on England and Wales in detail and provides Scottish information for routing only. We are not affiliated with any Scottish body or court.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.