Miller Samuel Hill Brown Solicitors Blog

Following the breakdown of a marriage or civil partnership in Scotland, spouses have an obligation to support each other financially, based on what is reasonable in the circumstances. This form of financial support is known as aliment. Aliment is only payable whilst parties are still married or in a civil partnership. Once decree of divorce, or dissolution of a civil partnership has been granted, financial support in the form of aliment would stop. When determining whether aliment should be paid, or when trying to calculate the level of aliment that is reasonable, the following matters must be considered:

The breakdown of a relationship, whether parties are married, in a civil partnership or a cohabiting couple is a very challenging time for all involved.  All parties must consider the financial implications of their separation and how the arrangements in respect of the children will be affected.  There are significant legal consequences when parties go through a separation, which is why both parties are always strongly advised to seek separate independent legal advice, where possible. 

The idea of divorce can be daunting, however, we offer a compassionate and efficient service which helps clients through this process.

Our previous blog covered Cohabitation Agreements and the protection that they afford cohabiting couples in the event of separation. Another area which we felt it was useful to consider is what happens to joint property in the event of a cohabiting couple separating.