Heads our family law team and an accredited specialist in family law, child law and mediation
PartnerLisa Girdwood
More than 30 years of experience in family law
PartnerShaun George
Leads the Highland & Islands family team as an accredited specialist in all aspects of family law
PartnerSarah Lilley
Most matters relating to children are about parents being able to agree what is best for their child.
The same principle applies where one parent is wishing to move abroad with a child. If, as a parent, you plan to move abroad with a child, you must obtain the consent of the other parent to remove the child from the UK. If he or she refuses to give their consent, then an application must be made to the court seeking permission to relocate with the child outside the United Kingdom.
"They treated me in a sensitive way during a very difficult and emotional time. They explained everything very clearly, laying out the options and advising on what they felt was best, without pressuring me."
Chambers UK 2021
"Lisa Girdwood is a leading voice on child abductions."
Legal 500 UK 2020
"Professional, discreet, loyal, honest service by people who care about their clients."
Legal 500 UK 2021
"Every individual that I have engaged with in this firm have demonstrated a real in-depth knowledge and understanding of the many issues that in my case required to be dealt with."
Legal 500 UK 2021
A decision for a child to relocate involves a delicate balancing exercise in which the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration. We regularly work with a parent looking to relocate with a child at an early stage to put together a carefully framed proposal to move abroad which can form the basis of their initial discussions with the other parent.
If there is a risk that a child will be removed to another country parents need to be aware of the immediate steps which can be taken to prevent that happening.
Our child law experts have extensive experience of advising parents on relocating with a child to another country.
Child Relocation key highlights
- Our team of child lawyers acts for private individuals defending applications for the return or relocation of a child.
- One of the largest practices in Scotland looking after private individuals, we advise on all matters related to the international aspects of our clients' lives - find out more.
- With a team in Inverness we support clients across the Highlands and beyond, including Shetland, Orkney, Speyside, the Isle of Skye and the Western Isles.
Separating or divorcing with children
Find out more about how we can support you if you are separating & divorcing with children.
Find out moreGet in touch with a member of our Family team
Our divorce lawyers, family solicitors and mediators are personable and approachable. Our objective is to resolve matters for you as efficiently as possible, so that we can get the best outcome for you and your family.