Biography

Dianne is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law with over twelve years’ experience in resolving relationship disputes and advising the families and friends of vulnerable adults. While she is comfortable representing clients in court, she also seeks out opportunities for collaborative problem solving. Her aim is to combine legal expertise with kindness and pragmatism to help clients find constructive ways to resolve disputes and move forward in their lives. Dianne is also enthusiastic about helping to prevent disputes in the first place by advising on advance agreements (e.g. when buying a home together).

As well as advising on the legal issues arising from relationship breakdown, Dianne is an expert in the law relating to adults who lack the capacity to make decisions for themselves. She advises and represents families, friends, and adults themselves in a range of court applications. She is also regularly appointed in the Sheriff Court as an independent safeguarder of the interests of vulnerable adults, and acts as financial guardian for such individuals in conjunction with local authorities.

Dianne is a member of the committee of the Family Law Association. She also sits on the Law Society of Scotland’s Policy Subcommittee for Mental Health and Disability Law, reviewing and commenting on relevant law reform proposals. She writes and presents extensively on family and incapacity topics for professional and lay audiences. Dianne also volunteers as a Board Trustee for both Garvald Edinburgh, a charity providing support to adults with learning disabilities, and Relationships Scotland,  Scotland's largest provider of counselling, family mediation and child contact services.

Outside of work, Dianne is currently studying for a qualification in counselling skills. She also enjoys theatre, dance classes, cookery and yoga (although not at the same time!).