Family/Matrimonial
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 2
About
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Our team, which includes 2 accredited specialists in family law, came together through a shared passion for dealing with family law in a way that limits stress and damage. We are known for our meticulous approach, particularly in complex financial provision cases and cases with an international element.
Services include: divorce / separation; protection of wealth / pre and post nuptial agreements / cohabitation agreements; cohabitation claims on separation and death; children: fertility, donor disputes, surrogacy, adoption, parenting for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals, child maintenance, residence, contact, abduction and relocation.
We offer all means of dispute resolution and use the most appropriate method for each client. The team has 2 accredited mediators, 4 collaborative lawyers and a family arbitrator.
We have been involved in many of the biggest financial provision cases in Scotland and Team Head Lesley Gordon was instructed in the highest value cohabitation claim to come before the Scottish courts (£20m).
Specialisms include: fertility and surrogacy, international adoption, child relocation and removal of children within the UK. We work closely with colleagues in other teams so clients receive a full service: corporate law, private client, tax, employment advice, data protection, revenge porn, online/offline reputation management, social media, harassment and domestic abuse crime. This often gives us the edge on our competitors.
Chambers Review
BTO Solicitors in Edinburgh offers notable expertise in complex children work and high net worth financial provisions concerning both married and cohabiting couples. The firm is active in alternative dispute resolution and has also acted on significant litigation in the Court of Session and the sheriff court. It fields a number of dual-qualified lawyers, meaning the team is well placed to advise on cross-border matters, and often acts on matters involving complex business structures, farming assets and property issues. The team has further expertise in issues around fertility and surrogacy.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The BTO team has been strong and collaborative, with the best intention to settle with minimal conflict while maintaining fairness."
"BTO has a great team that is approachable and sensible to deal with."
"BTO has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the surrogacy process, and the team is very helpful and friendly."
"Not only do they handle complex, sensitive information, they are fantastic at conveying it in an easy-to-understand format."
"I have found all the solicitors and staff at BTO to be open, empathetic and curious to the complex needs of clients, and I have appreciated their quick responses to any questions or concerns."
"The BTO team has been strong and collaborative, with the best intention to settle with minimal conflict while maintaining fairness."
"BTO has a great team that is approachable and sensible to deal with."
"BTO has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the surrogacy process, and the team is very helpful and friendly."
"Not only do they handle complex, sensitive information, they are fantastic at conveying it in an easy-to-understand format."
"I have found all the solicitors and staff at BTO to be open, empathetic and curious to the complex needs of clients, and I have appreciated their quick responses to any questions or concerns."
Notable Practitioners
Lesley Gordon has a great deal of experience in handling highly contested and complex financial provision matters, including disputes between divorcing and cohabiting couples. She is an accredited family mediator.
"Lesley is a very good family lawyer with a great deal of experience."
"Lesley does a great job and is very professional, calm and thoughtful."
"Lesley wants to achieve a good outcome for the client. She gives clear and direct advice and tries to achieve a solution when it is possible, but will fight the client's corner when needed."
"Lesley is extremely professional with a really friendly manner that puts you at ease straight away."
Ranked Lawyers at
BTO Solicitors LLP
Scotland
Members
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Beverley Addison
Gayle Middleton
Kirstine MacRae
Kirsty McGuinness
Head of Department
Lydia Papandrianou
Roisin Cooper
Clients
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Confidential
Industries
Provided by BTO Solicitors LLP
Private Clients / Individuals