Divorce Law Scotland Specialist Elected Chair of the Family Law Association
Divorce Law Scotland specialist Graham Harding has been elected chair of the Family Law Association in Scotland.
Graham Harding, Partner at Thorntons Solicitors’ family law team, was announced as the new chair at the organisation’s AGM this month, after serving 2 years as vice-chair which is now held by Sally Swinney of Blackwood & Smith WS in Peebles.
Graham – a Family Law specialist accredited by the Law Society of Scotland – will be encouraging solicitors to join the FLA in 2011 in order to collectively promote its values and encourage good industry practice.
Graham – who is based in Perth, said: “Public spending cuts are having an increasing impact on our lives – and with financial worries comes added strain on marriages and relationships.
“ FLA members work to resolve issues between parties rather than inflaming them. This often involves identifying opportunities where negotiation, mediation or collaborative family law may bring about a better solution for couples rather than court proceedings which can add to the stress, and incur significant costs for those involved.
“ Most solicitors who are accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as specialists in family law are members of the association and many are trained as mediators or in collaborative law. All are able to offer sensible solutions with an understanding and sensitive approach.
“We are updating our website regularly to provide a point of reference for the public, professionals and other organisations on family law issues, monitoring and promoting reform to serve the needs and concerns of families.”
The FLA has established a strong relationship with the Scottish Government and other associated public bodies, having expanded its membership to more than 350 solicitors across Scotland since its inception in 1989.
All members sign up to the core aims of the FLA to promote family law as a branch of law in its own right, avoiding confrontation where possible and challenging unacceptable behaviours where necessary.
