SCOTLAND
Divorce in Scotland
Scottish Family Law | Sheriff Courts | Different Legal System
5.5M
Population
£134
Court Filing Fee
39
Sheriff Courts
35%
Divorce Rate
Scotland has its own distinct legal system. Scottish divorce law operates under the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006, which differs significantly from English divorce law. Court procedures, property division rules, and fees are all different.
Major Scottish Cities
Key Differences from English Law
Different Legislation
Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 governs divorce, not the English Divorce Act 2020
Simplified Procedure
Scotland offers simplified divorce for uncontested cases without children under 16
Lower Court Fees
£134 for simplified divorce vs £593 in England
Different Property Rules
Matrimonial property is that acquired during marriage, different valuation date rules
No Clean Break Culture
Scottish courts less likely to order clean breaks in spousal maintenance
Cohabitation Rights
Scotland has stronger legal protections for unmarried couples
Scottish Sheriff Courts
Glasgow Sheriff Court
1 Carlton Place, Glasgow G5 9DA
Largest sheriff court in ScotlandEdinburgh Sheriff Court
27 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LB
Lothian & BordersAberdeen Sheriff Court
Castle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1WP
Grampian, Highland & IslandsDundee Sheriff Court
6 West Bell Street, Dundee DD1 9AD
Tayside, Central & FifeInverness Sheriff Court
The Castle, Inverness IV2 3EG
Highland & IslandsCourt of Session
Parliament House, Edinburgh EH1 1RQ
Supreme civil courtScottish Divorce Process
Financial Provision
Scottish courts handle:
- Division of matrimonial property
- Capital sum orders
- Property transfer orders
- Periodical allowance (rare)
- Pension sharing (CETV)
Simplified Divorce
Scotland offers simplified procedure if:
- No children under 16
- No financial claims
- Separation for 1+ years (with consent)
- Or 2+ years (without consent)
- Only £134 court fee
Navigate Your Scottish Divorce
Scottish law expertise, sheriff court info, and expert guidance.