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The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 came into force on 4 May 2006. Opposite and same sex couples who cohabit now have certain rights if their relationship comes to an end or if one of them dies.
We can advise you of those rights and would suggest you seek advice quickly as any potential claim by a co-habitee must be raised in the Sheriff Court before one year has expired from the date of the cohabitation ending.
Since December 2005 same sex couples can register as Civil partners. Civil partners have similar rights to a married couple.
For further details either telephone 01463 221727 and ask for the Court Department or send an email.
Mary Nimmo
Senior Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution
Mary heads up our Court Department and advises clients in Litigation matters in both the Sheriff Courts and the Court of Session. In particular she deals with Civil Court matters, personal injury and medical negligence cases along with an extensive range of other issues, including family law. She has been appointed as a Court Reporter and an advanced Collaborative Lawyer.
Sarah Windsor
Consultant
Sarah is a highly experienced solicitor with over fifteen years of experience specialising exclusively in family law. She is based between our Inverness and Dingwall offices, and deals with all family law matters, including child contact/residence, financial provision on divorce/relationship breakdown, adoptions, and cohabitee claims. Sarah endeavours to resolve disputes as amicably and expeditiously as possible, but she also has extensive litigation experience, covering a wide area of courts primarily in the Highlands and Islands, and on occasion other Sheriffdoms in Scotland.
Natalie Bruce
Associate
Natalie joined Munro and Noble in 2025 and is based between our Tain and Inverness offices. Having qualified in 2014, Natalie specialises in family law. Natalie can assist with all family law matters, including child contact and residence, adoptions, financial provision on separation and divorce and dissolution of civil partnerships, claims on the breakdown of a cohabitation relationship, pre and post nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. Natalie works closely with her clients to resolve matters as amicably and as swiftly as possible. Whilst court is and always should be a last resort, there are cases where court proceedings arise or become necessary and in that case Natalie is an experienced litigator and has appeared in Sheriff Courts across Scotland. Natalie is qualified in Collaborative law and would recommend this process as a form of dispute resolution. Natalie is also certified by the Law Society of Scotland as a Trauma Informed Lawyer. In her spare time, Natalie is kept busy by her two young children and she is also a keen Formula 1 fan.