MSHB

Christmas being a magical time for children everywhere we know is not always the case.  Some things we can change and some we can’t but this year at MSHB Family Law Team we want to pause for thought and maybe for busy colleagues, you can do the same.

Following the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership in Scotland, spouses have an obligation to support each other financially, based on what is reasonable in the circumstances. This form of financial support is known as aliment. Aliment is only payable whilst parties are still married or in a civil partnership. Once decree of divorce, or dissolution of a civil partnership has been granted, financial support in the form of aliment would stop. When determining whether aliment should be paid, or when trying to calculate the level of aliment that is reasonable, the following matters must be considered:

The breakdown of a relationship, whether parties are married, in a civil partnership or a cohabiting couple is a very challenging time for all involved.  All parties must consider the financial implications of their separation and how the arrangements in respect of the children will be affected.  There are significant legal consequences when parties go through a separation, which is why both parties are always strongly advised to seek separate independent legal advice, where possible. 

The idea of divorce can be daunting, however, we offer a compassionate and efficient service which helps clients through this process.