RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN
A helpful guide to your future security in the event of a relationship breakdown
MML LAW have been entrusted with the ongoing personal business of generations of families. We have a long history of assisting clients and their families with the legal procedures that follow a family bereavement.
that the pressures of dealing with property, finances and other family assets during such a time can create additional stress. Our goal is always to guide our clients through the legalities, helping to alleviate the potential anxiety that this can bring.
IMPACT
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Splitting up or getting divorced can be one of the most difficult and stressful events a family may go through. It’s natural to feel confused about what to do next.
In this booklet, we draw attention to the possible services and sources of information available to you in the event of a relationship breakdown, whatever type of relationship you are in.
Definitions of Terms Used Counselling
Collaborative Family Law Mediation
Splitting up when you have been Living Together/Cohabiting Separation
Divorce or Dissolution
Financial and Family Matters
The Division of Assets and Liabilities Welfare
circulation@healthcaremedia.co.uk
www.impactonlife.com
DEFINITION OF TERMS USED
In this booklet, we define these terms in the following ways:
Civil Partnership
A civil partnership gives legal recognition to a relationship between two people of the same-sex and opposite-sex couples who are not related.
Dissolution
A legal termination of a Civil Partnership
Divorce
A legal termination of a marriage
Living together /Cohabiting
People who live together as a couple without being married or having a civil partnership.
Parent
Anyone with any of the identified relationships with responsibility for the welfare of children:
• All natural parents, whether they are married or not
• Any person who, although not a natural parent, has parental responsibility for a child or young person
• Any person who, although not a natural parent, has care of a child or young person
Parental
Responsibility
Rights (PRRs)
• All birth mothers as soon as the baby has been born
• All fathers who were married or in a civil partnership before or after the child was conceived
• All fathers who jointly registered the child birth, with the baby’s mother after the 4th May 2006
• All fathers who have signed and registered an agreement with the birth mother, unless the courts have taken away all rights and responsibilities
• All fathers if given by the court
• Parents names on an adoption agreement
• A person to whom you are married; or
• A person you are living with as if you are married to them; or
• A civil partner; or
• A person you are living with as if you are civil partners. This includes same sex relationships. Relationship
To imply any of the above.
COUNSELLING
Relationships Scotland is a Scottish charity created by the merger between Relate Scotland and Family Mediation Scotland. It promotes, develops and co-ordinates confidential counselling services across the country. Counselling services are available at locations throughout Scotland and are offered to everyone, regardless of race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation.
Counselling aims to help you deal with and overcome issues that are causing you pain or making you feel uncomfortable. Often when a relationship has broken down you are flooded with a range of emotions such as grief, anger, depression even anxiety which are all normal, and talking to a counsellor can help you to find your own insight and a clearer understanding of what you are feeling at that time.
For counselling to be effective you need to build a trusting and safe relationship with your counsellor which can take a little time but be assured that the counsellor is there for your needs and will do their best to help, in most cases it does take a number of sessions before you can start to see and feel a difference so a regular commitment is required in order to make the best use of therapy.
During your sessions you will be encouraged to express your feelings and emotions freely, your counsellor may be able to help you recognise the effects of other people and their actions and help you to explore ways of coping with them. It can be a great relief to talk to and share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and is able to help you to reach a positive outcome/solution.
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person or in certain occasions a couple to talk about their feelings and emotions in a confidential and safe environment.
As well as Relationships Scotland there are many independent counsellors who offer relationship counselling, couples counselling and even offer help and advice to young people whose parents are separating.
Whilst your GP can refer you for counselling this can often be a lengthy process which is often due to the high demand and availability through the NHS, however you are able to make contact with an established and independent counsellor yourself, you may even find in your initial conversation that your counsellor is even willing to work out a payment plan for yourself and if this is of concern it should definitely be discussed at this stage.
Whilst counselling is there to offer advice on how to help you emotionally they are not qualified to offer you medical, legal or financial advice.
COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW
With collaborative practice, the emphasis is both parties and their lawyer meeting face-to-face and working to resolve disputes. The aim is to promote the long-term interests of both parties and to help couples work towards an agreed settlement without going to court, which is increasingly considered a last resort.
Each partner will hire their own specially trained collaborative lawyer and is encouraged to participate in four-way face-to-face meetings to negotiate the best outcome for all; an emphasis is placed on the wellbeing of any children.
To succeed, collaborative practice requires good faith on all sides but can provide a quicker route to achieving an agreement.’
Negotiated settlements can then be drawn up into a legally binding separation agreement.
Collaborative practice allows you to benefit from expert legal advice without risking the threat of court action during negotiations, and keeps channels of communication open between partners. One of the benefits of collaborative practice is that it is not driven by a court imposed timetable and can be built around your family’s individual needs.
There is no written correspondence passed between lawyers.
For further information, visit www.consensus-scotland.com
You will also have the opportunity to work with an independent financial adviser or accountant, a family consultant and a child specialist. You and your team will sign an agreement that commits you both to trying to resolve all issues without the need to go to court.
Did you know……. Data provided by the Family Mediation Council shows that 69% of families were able to reach agreement on some or all issues and are classed as a successful diversion from court.
MEDIATION
Mediation helps couples to take control of their situation and sort out practical matters in an open and co-operative atmosphere. It can assist separating or divorcing couples reach a lasting settlement and may help to avoid high legal costs. Most importantly, mediation helps to give priority to any children who might be involved.
Mediation is not designed to discuss whether or not a relationship can still work, it assumes that the relationship has broken down and is there to help couples sort out the issues arising from separation or divorce.
Mediators do not give legal advice and have no power to impose a settlement but they are qualified to help you reach agreements on both childcare and financial issues. It may be possible to reach an agreement in mediation prior to seeing a solicitor. However, there may be points during the process where your mediator suggests that you seek legal advice on specific issues.
Sometimes it is not possible to agree on all issues in mediation, and a solicitor may have to be instructed to negotiate these directly. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the mediation has failed because, more often than not, it has helped to pave the way for an eventual agreement. The fact that the couple have attempted to discuss matters is in itself helpful.
Most importantly, it helps the couple focus on their and their children’s future.
In addition to childcare issues, it is also possible to take financial issues to mediation. These may include maintenance payments, what happens to the family bank account and family home, as well as looking to longer-term issues relating to pensions, for example. For further information, visit www.calmscotland.co.uk
The Ministry of Justice set up the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme in response to Covid-19. This scheme is available until 2025.
You may be able to get a free voucher worth up to £500 for mediation for eligible families.
It is to encourage more people to consider mediation as a way to resolve their family law disputes outside of court.
Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council are taking part in this scheme and it is to help support family disputes without the need of going to court.
For further information contact https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ family-mediation-voucher-scheme
You may, depending on your personal circumstances, be eligible for Legal Aid to help meet your costs. Your solicitor or mediator will be able to advise you about this. Legal Aid in Scotland differs greatly from the rest of the UK. If you live in England or Wales, you are advised to read the English edition of this guide to find out more. For further information on Legal Aid visit www.mygov.scot/ legal-aid
SPLITTING UP WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING TOGETHER / COHABITING
In Scotland, couples who live together/cohabiting do not have the same rights as married couples or civil partnerships. It’s a common misconception that people who live together have a “common law marriage” which gives them legal rights. However, the law does provide some rights for cohabitants in the event of separation.
The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 came into operation on the 4th of May 2006 to give unmarried couples (cohabitants) in Scotland a certain degree of rights. In such circumstances, there is now a possibility of a claim for a capital sum at the end of the relationship. A capital sum can be awarded to reflect financial contributions made by one member of the couple from which the other has benefited.
A capital sum may also be awarded to compensate one of the couples for financial disadvantage they have incurred which has resulted in a financial benefit to the other member of the couple. There can be an award to take into the account the financial costs that one member of the couple may incur when caring for the children of the relationship. There is also a presumption of a share in the ownership of household goods acquired whilst the couple were together.
This does not include things they were gifted by others or which they inherited. It also does not include money they have saved, vehicles and pets.
Where a couple live together, any money they save from their housekeeping allowances or items that they have bought with their housekeeping allowances (apart from the house they live in) will be regarded as belonging to them equally.
SEPARATION
Under Scottish Law, separation is not a legal matter but a factual one, it takes effect from the moment you and your partner stop living together as husband and wife, when you physically part, even though you may still be living under the same roof. The date of separation is important because, in Scotland, it can be used as the starting point for the one or two-year period of separation required for a divorce, or to ascertain which property, assets or debts were acquired post separation.
It is possible to have a solicitor draw up a Separation Agreement or Deed of Separation, which can cover issues such as maintenance, the children and the family home.
Separation agreements are a legally binding document and can be used for married couples as well as cohabiting and civil partnerships. A separation agreement sets out what you and your partner agree on such as sharing assets and other liabilities. Once a formal agreement has been drawn up it is called a ‘minute of agreement;. The solicitors will register these with the Books of Council and Session.
A divorce or dissolution is an order of the court that formally brings a legal partnership to an end, leaving both parties free to form other legally binding relationships if they wish. To grant a divorce or dissolution, the court must be satisfied that the relationship has irretrievably broken down on one of four grounds:
• Separation with consent - you must have been living apart from your partner for a year and have their consent to divorce
• Separation for two years - if you have been living apart for two years, you can begin divorce proceedings without your partner’s consent
• Adultery - however, if you knew about your partner’s adultery and continued to live with them for more than three months, you are viewed to have forgiven the adultery and cannot apply for a divorce on these grounds
• Unreasonable behaviour (typically domestic abuse or similar)
A marriage or civil partnership can be dissolved if an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to either of the civil partners.
You can start divorce or dissolution proceedings if you or your spouse live in Scotland and meet the residence rules. Divorce or dissolution proceedings can be brought at any time after the relationship has taken place, unlike in England and Wales where the couple have to be married for a year before either party can start proceedings.
Did you know……. The total number of divorces granted in Scotland in 2021-22 was 8,249.
There are two ways of obtaining a divorce or dissolution. If you and your spouse have lived apart for either one year or two years (depending on various circumstances), you may be able to arrange the divorce yourselves without a solicitor.
This is known as the ‘simplified’ or ‘do-it-yourself’ divorce procedure. You can either do it entirely yourself (application forms can be obtained from the Scottish Courts website: www.scotcourts.gov.uk) or with help from your Citizens Advice Bureau or the Sheriff Clerk’s Office at your local Sheriff Court. However, you may also find it worthwhile to consult a solicitor. If you have children aged under 16 or unresolved financial issues, then you cannot use this method of divorce.
If you cannot obtain a divorce by the simplified procedure, then you will need to use the ordinary/ non-simplified procedure. (either an Undefended Divorce Action or a Defended Divorce Action. An undefended divorce action is one where you and your partner have reached an agreement on how you will deal with your children or assets; a defended Divorce Action is one where there are disputes. couple without being married or having a civil partnership. This is a much more complex process and you are advised to consult a solicitor to help you. You may, depending on your personal circumstances, be eligible for Legal Aid.
Divorce, dissolution or separation are unlike other legal situations because they are concerned with emotional as well as practical issues. The lives of the whole family are affected by the outcome, so the way in which the settlement is reached can be almost as important as the settlement itself. Both parties should, therefore, seek the advice of an experienced solicitor.
Only the individuals concerned can solve all the problems that divorce or separation bring. A good solicitor or mediator, who adopts a constructive and conciliatory approach, can help to reduce much of the distress associated with the ending of a legally binding relationship.
Some couples now enter into a prenuptial agreement outlining what they would expect to happen or be entitled to in the event of their relationship breaking down. Such an agreement may be upheld by a court in the case of a dispute if the marriage fails.
In the case of an ordinary/non simplified procedure, the care arrangements for your children have to be outlined in detail, even if there is no dispute.
FINANCIAL AND FAMILY MATTERS
The financial implications of a divorce or separation are possibly the most serious in terms of the practical and emotional impact on the couple and their children. To cope with the change in circumstances, a partner often has to find work (where they may previously have been at home with the children) or change their job to work around childcare. Equally, the party without the children is often liable for some form of maintenance and has to cope with extra demands on their salary.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your former spouse about how money and property will be divided, your divorce and dissolution proceedings can include court orders concerned with the children, financial and property matters. If both parties can agree on all relevant issues, then a judge may be asked to make orders without anyone having to attend the court. If these matters cannot be agreed the court will fix a hearing. In most cases, a settlement will be reached without either party having to give evidence in person in court.
In Scotland, before you proceed to a divorce, all disputed relating to money and children must be dealt with first, as you cannot make any financial claims after the divorce is finalised.
If you cannot reach an agreement, you may have to deal with the associated costs and timescales of a Defended Divorce Action.
WELFARE BENEFITS
If your circumstances change due to the breakdown of your relationship, you may be able to claim various means tested or non-means tested benefits. You should speak to your local Jobcentre Plus or visit www. gov.uk to find out more about your entitlement.
THE DIVISION OF ASSETS THE HOME
The Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 put into place a ‘clean break’ principle concerning the division of assets and liabilities when a relationship breaks up; this aims to fairly distribute assets and enable both parties to move on with their lives post-divorce.
Matrimonial assets are viewed as all assets that have been acquired from the date of the marriage up to the date of separation. There are two exceptions to this - where a house was brought prior to the marriage with the purpose of becoming the family home or where the husband or wife has received a gift or inheritance from a third party during the course of the marriage.
A solicitor will be able to advise you about revising your existing Will or making a new one to reflect your change in circumstances (see the Scottish edition of our separate ‘Making a Will and Funeral Planning Guide’ for more information).
It is inevitable that, following divorce or dissolution, one of the partners will leave the family home. Arrangements concerning the house can be part of a financial settlement agreed by the couple. However, if they can’t agree what to do, the court can be asked to make a range of orders in respect of the house.
It can let the house be sold, with the money raised from the sale being taken into account when the financial matters are settled. It might transfer the ownership from one partner to the other, or it might decide which of the partners is to live in the house. This might happen, for instance, when the children are with their mother and she needs to stay in the house until she can move somewhere else with them.
Other orders might also be made, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if the home is rented, then the court can transfer the tenancy from one partner to the other.
THE CHILDREN
One out of two relationships today breakdown permanently and in many cases this involves children; Parents who divorce or permanently separate worry about the effect of the new arrangement on their children. It is important for parents to remember that while they may be preoccupied with their own problems, they continue to be the most important people in their children’s lives.
While parents may be devastated or relieved by the permanent ending of their relationship, children can be frightened and confused by the break-up of the family. Children can misunderstand what is going on unless parents tell them what is happening, how they are involved (or not involved) and what will happen to them.
However, a family’s strengths can be mobilised during a family break up, and children can be helped to deal with the resolution of their parents’ conflict in a constructive and positive way.
Children are known to most effectively cope with a separation if they know that their parents will still be their parents, that they both love them and will remain involved with them even though the relationship is ending and the parents won’t live together.
Long disputes or pressure on a child to “choose sides” can be particularly harmful for the youngster and can add to the damage of the family break up. Research shows that children cope better when parents co-operate on behalf of the child
In mediation, child consultations can be arranged giving children a voice in their parents’ separation or divorce.
Where court action is necessary, to minimise the trauma of bitter disputes, the courts usually try to deal with cases concerning parents’ contact with their children as quickly as possible. A child welfare hearing is held, involving both the parents and sometimes the children.
If matters are not settled at the time, then the court may ask an independent lawyer or social worker to prepare a report before a decision is reached.
The Scottish government has advice and guidance on making practical arrangements for your child if you live apart at www.mygov.scot/ parenting-plan
PARENTING PLANS
The Scottish Executive has issued a document known as ‘Your Parenting Plan’, which, can be used to help you and your partner come to an agreement about how the care of your children will be divided.
Parenting plans are written documents that can help you to plan for your child’s future after a divorce or separation. It is now possible to download Parenting Plans online - these encourage parents to think about issues such as: -
• Contact visits
• Communicating with your expartner
• Children’s surnames (if one party remarries)
• Living arrangements
• Staying in contact
• Special days and holidays
• School and out-of-school activities
• Religious and cultural upbringing
• Healthcare
• Childcare arrangements
Parenting plans can help everyone involved as to what is expected and can clarify arrangement made and to help without having to go to court.
Grandparents often ask if they have access rights or contact rights to their grandchildren. They do not have legal rights as such, but they can apply to the Court for contact arrangements to be made.
In some cases, relationships between a grandparent and their son/daughter-in-law may have broken down and it is not practical to approach them directly for a discussion. In such cases, a referral to mediation is an option, where an independent mediator will try to reach an agreement. However, all parties must agree to this approach.
You may be able to get a court order to access to your grandchild, if a parent stops you from seeing them. Going to court should be a last resort, as it can be expensive, take a lot of time and be disruptive for the child.
Did you know……. Family mediation can help grandparents with gaining access to their grandchildren.
CHILD ABDUCTION DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The consent of all those with parental responsibility is required if either party wants to take a child out of the UK - no matter how short the trip may be - unless a court gives leave.
If your child has been taken out of this country without your consent, or where there is a risk that this might happen, you should consult a solicitor specialising in this particular area of law.
You should also seek immediate advice in circumstances where your child is being kept out of this country for a longer period than you initially agreed. The parent that the child lives with must have permission from the other parent or court if they want to take the child abroad permanently.
Reunite is a specialist charity dealing with parental child abduction and international custody disputes. Reunite’s main objective is to provide a telephone advice line offering practical advice and information. Their advice is impartial and confidential to one or both parties involved in a dispute, though they are not able to negotiate on your behalf. Reunite provides specialist advice to lawyers and other interested professionals working in this area. They are able to put you in touch with a lawyer specifically trained in cases of child abduction and international custody disputes.
If you are being physically, mentally or sexually abused by someone you live with, or are being threatened by them, that is domestic abuse or violence.
If you are suffering from any form of abuse, contact the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234.
In an emergency, always call the police by dialling 999. Where a partner or spouse has suffered violent or threatening behaviour, they can apply to court for an interdict prohibiting the other person from behaving in this way, and the court can attach to the interdict a power of arrest which enables the police to arrest that person if the behaviour re-occurs. Sometimes, where there is a risk of violence or harassment, interdicts can also be granted to prevent spouses/partners approaching the other’s place of work or coming near where they live if they no longer live together in the family home.
Where both members of the couple have a right to live in the family home and where there is a possibility that there is likely to be injury to their physical or mental health or that of the children if their spouse/partner continued to live in the family home, then the court can grant an exclusion order removing the other person’s rights to stay in the home.
Protection from domestic violence is available to all couples (and their children) living together regardless of whether they are in a legally binding relationship or not (this includes same-sex couples).
Many kinds of domestic abuse are criminal offences, and the police take all domestic violence very seriously. Most forces have specially trained, experienced officers who will listen and speak to a victim separately from their partner.
Women can ask to be seen by a female officer. The police can, if asked, arrange medical aid, transport and a place of safety. Their first priorities are the victim’s safety and well-being and, if applicable, the safety and well-being of their children.
Throughout this guide, we have dealt with the importance of both parties having access to their children but there are instances where remaining in contact with a violent or abusive parent is not in the child’s best interests, especially if they regularly witness or experience harmful conflicts first-hand. While losing contact with a parent can be devastating, the non-abusive parent may have to take legal steps to prevent contact until safeguards can be put in place to ensure your child does not experience violence in the future.
You can arrange for your children to spend time with their non-resident parent and other family members in a Child Contact Centre. This provides a safe and neutral environment in which to maintain contact.
Checklist
If you and your partner are separating, you may need to inform:
• Your landlord or housing office (if you live in rented accommodation)
• Your mortgage lender
• Your local housing benefit office
• Your benefits office / local Job Centre Plus
• Your tax office (HMRC), particularly if you are receiving tax credits
• Your council tax office
• Utility companies (gas, electric, water and telephone)
• Your child(ren)’s current school and future school, if you will have to move due to your relationship breaking down. You should also discuss with the school what information you would both like to receive and how you would like to deal with attendance at school events (e.g., parents’ evenings), etc. and let the school know if there will be changes to who drops off and collects your child.
• Your bank or any other financial institutions where you have a joint account (if you are concerned that your partner may attempt to withdraw all the money, you may be able to arrange for the account to be frozen)
• Hire purchase or credit companies
• Insurance companies, especially if you have joint policies
• Private pension companies
• The Post Office (to arrange for your mail to be redirected)
• Your doctor, dentist, health visitor and any other healthcare providers
• Your employer (in case the person you would want contacted in an emergency has changed)
• TV licensing authority
• DVLA (if you have a vehicle and have changed address)
• Protect your joint assets by
USEFUL CONTACTS /ORGANISATIONS
If you are living in England you are advised to read our English edition of the Relationship Breakdown Guide as many of the organisations listed below have a dedicated English branch, and different rules, regulations and legislation may apply.
CALM
Family Law Mediators in Scotland
Tel: 0141 339 5252
Email via the online enquiry form www.calmscotland.co.uk
Child Maintenance Service
Helpline: 0800 171 2345
Email: via the online enquiry form www.gov.uk/making-child-maintenanceservice
Citizens Advice
Call 0800 028 1456 for the Scottish Citizens Advice Helpline
www.cas.org.uk or www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/
www.consensus-scotland.com
Family
Lives
Advice and information on parenting issues
Helpline: 0808 800 2222
Email via the online enquiry form www.familylives.org.uk
Galop
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
National Helpline LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk www.galop.org.uk
GamCare
Write to us: GamCare, 1st Floor, 91-94 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8QP
GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms.
National Gambling Helpline Tel: 0808 8020 133
Email: info@gamcare.org.uk The Gamcare Forum is available 24/7 via the website www.gamcare.org.uk
A national charity working with single parent families
Helpline: 0808 802 0925
Email via the online enquiry form www.gingerbread.org.uk
Gingerbread
Law Society of Scotland
If you are looking for a solicitors visit
www.FindaSolicitor.scot
Email: lawscot@lawscot.org.uk www.lawscot.org.uk
Switchboard LGBT+
At Switchboard we provide information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.
Helpline: 0800 0119 100 Open 10am – 10pm every day
www.switchboard.lgbt
Men’s Advice Line
A helpline for men experiencing domestic violence
Helpline: 0808 801 0327 Mon- Fri 10am - 8pm Or visit the webchat via the website for non-judgmental information and support (Wednesday 10am – 11.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm)
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk www.mensadviceline.org.uk
National Debtline
Tel: 0808 808 4000 Mon-Fri 9am – 8pm, Sat 9.30am – 1pm
Email via the online enquiry form www.nationaldebtline.org
National Domestic Violence
24 Hours National Domestic Abuse
Helpline 0808 000 247
Text ‘NCDV’ to 60777
Email: office@ncdv.org.uk (for general enquiries)
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
UK’s leading children’s charity. We’ve been looking out for children for over 130 years
Help for adults concerned about a child call Helpline: 0808 800 5000
If you are 18 or under call 0800 11 11
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk www.nspcc.org.uk
One Parent Families Scotland
Support and advice for single parents
Lone Parent Helpline: 0808 801 0323 or chat on-line
Email: advice@opfs.org.uk www.opfs.org.uk
OnePlusOne
Strengthen relationships by creating resources that help families and frontline workers tackle relationship issues early.
Tel: 07818 137443
Email: info@oneplusone.org.uk www.oneplusone.org.uk
Relate
To find the nearest Relate and talk through options with a trained consultant visit www.relate.org.uk You can do a postcode search for a local Relate centre for face-to-face counselling
Relationships Scotland
Scotland’s largest provider of relationship counselling, family medication and child contact centre services.
Infoline: 0345 119 2020 Mon-Fri 9.30am - 4pm
Email: enquiries@relationships-scotland.org.uk www.relationships-scotland.org.uk
Reunite International
Advice, information and support about parental child abduction
Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Scottish Legal Aid Board
Scottish Women’s Aid
Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse.
Advice line: 0116 2556 234 or Email: adviceline@reunite.org.uk
Mediation & Administration
Tel: 0116 2555 345 or Email: reunite@dircon.co.uk www.reunite.org
Tel: 0800 027 1234 (this phone number will not appear on your landline phone bill)
Text/WhatsApp: 07401 288595 Support available 24 hours a day/7 days a week
Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk www.sdafmh.org.uk
Switchboard 0131 226 7061 to find out if you qualify or to find a solicitor
Email: general@slab.org.uk www.slab.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Email: info@womensaid.scot www.womensaid.scot
Shared Parenting Scotland
Shared Parenting Scotland is a small Scottish charity, previously called Families Need Fathers Scotland.
Tel: 0131 557 2440
Email: info@sharedparenting.scot www.sharedparenting.scot
Shelter
Advice and information about housing options and rights after a relationship breakdown
Helpline: 0808 800 4444 Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
www.scotland.shelter.org.uk
The Spark
The Spark provides counselling and mental health support services for individuals, couples, families, children and young people in Scotland.
For free support and counselling call: 0808 802 2088
www.thespark.org.uk
Useful web addresses
www.actionforchildren.org.uk www.divorceaid.co.uk www.gov.scot (for information about benefits and tax credit entitlements) www.iasservices.org.uk (immigration Advice Service) www.moneyhelper.org.uk www.rightsofwomen.org.uk www.scottishmediation.org.uk
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information provided in this publication is given in good faith and is in no way connected to or affiliated with any of the organisations contained within this publication. The information supplied should not be taken as legal advice.
The content is also not intended to replace other healthcare professional advice that you may be encouraged to seek professional advice should be sought where appropriate. Any rates and information contained within this publication was correct at the time of print in March 2024.
As benefit entitlements change regularly, you are advised to contact the benefits enquiry line or your local jobcentre plus for information about current entitlements.
Publishers of The Healthcare Media range of literature, distributed to over 158 health districts throughout the UK.
In addition to this title you may find the following titles of interest.
Bereavement
Injury Advice
Making a Will and Funeral Planning
Older Persons Community Care
Mobility Advice
Private Healthcare
Regaining Your Independence Relationship Breakdown
Sight & Hearing
Work Related Injuries & Disease /Employment Issues
Pregnancy & Parenthood
Regional GP Appointment Cards
GP Antenatal Appointment Cards
For further details please visit our website at www.impactonlife.com or complete the publication order form, to obtain a free of charge copy of any title contact us at circulation@healthcaremedia.co.uk to order either a hard copy or a digital copy of any of the titles.
Please save me or recycle
MML LAW have been entrusted with the ongoing personal business of generations of families. We have a long history of assisting clients and their families with the legal procedures that follow a family bereavement. We understand that the pressures of dealing with property, finances and other family assets during such a time can create additional stress. Our goal is always to guide our clients through the legalities, helping to alleviate the potential anxiety that this can bring.
