Karen Gibbons

Partner

Karen specialized in family law from the outset of her career because she wanted to help people. That was and has remained important to her.

Karen understands just how challenging issues arising from relationship breakdowns can be. She also knows that the legal process can be very daunting. She can help make the process more straightforward so clients can make decisions and get to where they want to be.

Karen has a very open approach to cases. She ensures she takes the time to genuinely understand her clients’ situations and what is important to them. That, along with many years of experience in family law practice, means that she is well-placed to help clients.

Karen is an experienced litigator, with many years litigating in both the Sheriff Court and Court of Session. She recognizes that in some cases, litigation will be appropriate. However, in the majority of cases, she is able to help clients reach a positive outcome without the need for court proceedings.

Karen has extensive experience covering the spectrum of family law case types, including complex financial provision matters both in divorce (often including a cross-border element) and cohabitation cases. She regularly negotiates and assists clients in entering into separation agreements. In addition, she is regularly instructed to assist clients who wish to put in place pre- or post-nuptial and cohabitation agreements.

Karen receives regular instructions in complex cases relating to children, particularly those arising following the breakdown of relationships, including residence and contact cases, as well as relocation cases. She has particular experience in dealing with cases where there has been the rejection of a parent following a separation, recognizing that such situations are often very complex and deeply distressing. Her child law practice also includes cases with an international element as well as child abduction cases.

Karen receives regular appointments from Edinburgh Sheriff Court to act as a child welfare reporter in private child law cases.

She has many years of experience in dealing with cases where domestic abuse is, or is alleged to be, a feature. She recognizes the complexity of such cases and the need for sensitivity. She is a keen proponent of the use of mediation in family law cases, recognizing the benefits the process can bring to many family law cases. She offers mediation in all types of family cases.

Karen is a member of Consensus, IACP (the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals), CALM Scotland, and the Family Law Association of Scotland (FLA). For many years, she had a close involvement with the running of Scotland’s FLA as a committee member from 2008 to 2016, as well as in office-bearing roles (Vice Chair 2012 to 2014 and Chair 2016).

Karen has now worked exclusively in the area of family law for more than 15 years. She is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in family law and in family mediation. She is also trained in Collaborative Practice.

LLP Dip LP