LGBT+ family law solicitors Scotland

Our highly experienced LGBT+ family lawyers offer advice on a full range of issues. Each family is different, so we provide tailored solutions best suited to the needs of individuals, couples and families.

Why choose Brodies

Clients consistently highlight our lawyers’ genuine care, responsiveness and life‑changing support, praising our ability to combine legal strength with compassion. With offices across Scotland and experience advising LGBT+ families at home and overseas, we provide confident, inclusive and personalised guidance—helping you navigate your path with clarity and respect.

Ranked number one in Legal 500 and Chambers UK, our family law team is the most accredited in Scotland. We are recognised for excellence, empathy and strategic insight across complex, sensitive cases.

Family law client, Google Reviews

I'm very happy with the service I received from Brodies. Very glad of the astute advice and helpful support of Kate Bradbury in the family team. I felt that Kate recognised the issues, knew what was needed and made sure my interests were protected properly. Made a world of a difference. I actually found Brodies by searching for 'LGBTQ' and 'law' - and I'm really glad I did - it was important that Kate as my solicitor made me feel that I was being heard, and that my interests were being taken seriously, and that she was therefore fully understanding the situation, and what my needs were, and could therefore represent me very effectively, and she did do exactly that.

Our services

Adoption and international adoption

Our firm has considerable experience in LGBT+ family law, providing clear, inclusive guidance to those navigating the adoption process. Whether considering domestic or international adoption, our experienced lawyers and child law specialists offer practical support, from preparing documentation to representing clients in court.

We understand the unique legal challenges facing LGBT+ families. Clients turn to us for up-to-date advice on adoption, and related matters, delivered with sensitivity and respect. If you are exploring adoption options, our team is committed to helping you build your family with confidence and clarity.

Guide to the adoption process.
Cohabitation agreements

Cohabitation agreements are a practical and important tool for couples who choose to live together without marrying or entering into a civil partnership. Our LGBT+ family lawyers have in-depth expertise in advising clients as to how to safeguard their interests and clarify financial arrangements within the relationship. A cohabitation agreement can address matters such as property ownership, contributions to household expenses, and the division of assets should the relationship end, offering both parties reassurance and transparency.

We understand the unique considerations that LGBT+ couples may face, including ensuring that both partners’ rights are clearly defined and protected. Our team provides tailored guidance to help you make informed decisions, reducing the risk of disputes in the future. By working with us, you can be confident that your agreement will be comprehensive, legally sound, and reflective of your wishes and circumstances.
Divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships
Our specialist divorce lawyers are recognised as leaders in their field, delivering pragmatic, empathetic and tailored advice to LGBT+ clients as they navigate divorce or the dissolution of their civil partnership.

We will explain your options clearly, help to protect your finances and children’s arrangements, and prioritise constructive solutions such as negotiation, mediation and collaborative practice - keeping court as a last resort.
- Read our guide to the divorce process in Scotland
- Understanding LGBTQ+ divorce: Legal issues and support
Fertility, assisted reproduction and surrogacy
As experts on all aspects of family law, we provide clear legal advice to LGBT+ individuals and couples on the various pathways to parenthood.

Our team advises on assisted reproduction pathways, including IVF and donor conception, helping you understand and achieve legal parenthood, consent requirements and clinic processes. We also support intended parents navigating surrogacy and adoption, ensuring every legal step protects your family’s future.

Ranked as leading specialists in family law, our team provide tailored advice for diverse families across Scotland, offering empathetic, practical solutions from conception through to parenthood.
- Read our 'Pathways to parenthood' guide
International child abduction and relocation
Our child law experts have extensive experience of dealing with cases where a child is removed from the UK (or to the UK from another country) by one parent, without the consent of the other parent.

Families navigating international child abduction or relocation face additional complexity, as legal recognition of parenthood, parental rights and family structures varies widely between jurisdictions. Brodies LLP provides specialist cross‑border advice, guiding LGBT+ parents through wrongful removal claims under the Hague Convention, consent requirements, and securing relocation orders when agreement cannot be reached.

Our LGBT+ family law team is experienced in multi‑jurisdiction matters, helping clients anticipate risks arising from inconsistent global approaches to LGBT+ families and ensuring protections are in place before travelling or relocating.
- Read our guide to the process where a child has been abducted or wrongfully retained
Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
LGBT+ couples planning for the future can benefit from clear, tailored guidance on pre‑nuptial and post‑nuptial agreements.

Brodies LLP’s family law specialists provide sensitive and pragmatic advice to help you protect assets, clarify financial expectations and strengthen long‑term stability. Our team understands the unique considerations facing LGBT+ families and ensures agreements reflect your relationship, your goals and the legal framework in Scotland.

Whether you are entering into a marriage or civil partnership, or updating arrangements later, we create robust agreements that minimise uncertainty and support constructive conversations, giving you confidence in the road ahead.

LGBT+ family law key highlights

Recognised expertise - ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK for Family - Scotland and Tier 1 in Legal 500 for Family.
In-house advocacy service - with two solicitor advocates specialising in child and family law, we advise clients at every stage of their journey.
Scotland-wide specialists - accredited child law specialists in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.

LGBT+ family law FAQs

How important is it that my lawyer understands the unique challenges faced by LGBT+ families?

Understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBT+ families is essential to providing truly supportive legal advice. At Brodies LLP, our Pride Network plays a central role in shaping an inclusive culture, giving LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies a space to share experiences and influence how we support clients. This insight helps our lawyers recognise the diverse realities of modern families, challenge assumptions and use inclusive language that reflects who you are.

Choosing a lawyer who understands these nuances means your identity is respected, your concerns are heard, and your family’s needs are approached with empathy and expertise.
How do I find a lawyer who will respect my identity and my family’s needs?

Finding a lawyer who understands and respects your identity starts with choosing a firm that actively champions inclusion. At Brodies LLP, our Pride Network provides a safe, visible space for LGBT+ colleagues and allies to share experiences, raise awareness and drive positive change across the firm. This commitment shapes how we support clients too.

Our lawyers are encouraged to use inclusive language, challenge assumptions and create welcoming environments for every individual and family. Clients can also be assured that we bring extensive experience across all aspects of LGBT+ family law, enabling us to provide informed, sensitive and effective support whatever their circumstances. When you work with us, you can be confident your lawyer will respect who you are and what matters most to your family.
How can I assess a lawyer’s approach to confidentiality and sensitivity regarding LGBT+ issues?

Protecting your confidentiality is central to Brodies LLP’s approach to client care. As a regulated law firm and data controller, we collect only the information necessary to deliver our services, verify your identity and meet our legal responsibilities. All information is handled with the utmost discretion. Your personal data, including any sensitive family or financial details, is stored securely and used solely for legitimate purposes such as providing legal advice, maintaining records and preventing fraud. We never share information unless required by law or essential to your case. You can trust that your circumstances will always be treated with respect, privacy and professionalism.

Our experience

Acting in child abduction proceedings involving a transgender parent.

Our experience

Assisting a same-sex male couple to obtain a Parental Order in Scotland following a surrogacy arrangement through a US-based surrogacy clinic.

Our experience

Acting for a US-based same-sex female couple in Court of Session proceedings in relation to the adoption of their Scottish-based nephew following the death of his father.

Get in touch with a member of our team

Our 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.

With offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, we provide empathetic and tailored advice to all clients, including LGBT+ individuals and couples, living in Scotland and overseas.

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