Family Law
Divorce can be a traumatic, bewildering and expensive process. At Bonar Mackenzie, we have a dedicated family law team and can guide you towards the most appropriate and least stressful solution for you and your family.
Occasionally, in family cases, court action is inevitable and necessary. We are experienced in divorce litigation, in residence and contact disputes, in emergency protection for those who may have been the victims of domestic violence and in international child abduction cases. When litigation is the only solution, our team will pursue the most effective outcome for you.
However, we do aim to bridge the differences between separating couples by offering alternatives to litigation, including mediation and also agreements negotiated through the collaborative process. These alternatives focus on what separating couples continue to share, rather than what divides them, and are particularly effective where children are involved. Whatever solution you choose in pursuing a new path for yourself and your family, you can rely upon us to guide you towards the most appropriate outcome.
View our article on Family Law which appeared in the Scotsman, March 2007. (PDF 113kb)
Lisa Girdwood
I grew up in Alloa and, after leaving school, moved to university in Edinburgh and have remained here since then. I joined Bonar Mackenzie after completing my traineeship with another Edinburgh firm. I am proud now to be part of a vibrant and forward-thinking family law team. Our aim is to help our clients deal with what can be traumatic and difficult issues in a more positive and cooperative way. Sometimes, litigation is inevitable, and indeed necessary, in family matters. However, our team can also offer alternative solutions and more positive outcomes through mediation and the collaborative law process, which are particularly appropriate where there are children involved.
My grandmother's mantra was “You're only as good as your last performance”. I believe that it reflects the kind of determination which defines the ethos of our team, which our clients have come to value.
Much of my time is spent juggling the demands of my professional life with the demands (and social life) of my two young daughters.
