5 St Andrews Hill

Maria practises exclusively in family law.

Maria practices exclusively in family law with a specialism in high-end/ big money financial remedy applications and (private law) children work.

Maria is recognised in Spears' 500 Guide (2023 & 2024): as a Top Recommended Family Law Barrister within the exclusive guide. Maria is also an author at Spears', with her recent article on Divorcing in Dubai: Should wealthy Expats worry about new UAE family laws? can be accessed here.

Maria is ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners in family law (including divorce & financial remedy). She is one of the leading family law juniors and is the joint head of the Family Team at 5SAH.

Maria is a qualified arbitrator in financial matters and an accredited civil mediator.

Maria recently completed the Advocate 25 for 25 challenge, undertaking over 25 hours of pro-bono in under a year on behalf of Advocate.

• Maria accepts Direct Public Access instructions.
• Maria is a qualified arbitrator in financial matters under the Institute of Family Arbitrators Scheme.

What the directories say about Maria Scotland:

‘ Maria's approachable and personable attitude makes her a great court advocate. Clients like her. ’

The Legal 500 2022.

"Her drafting is outstanding and her advocacy persuasive."

"A very effective advocate with excellent drafting skills."

The Legal 500 2021 & 2013/14

"[She] excels in private law children work and is also noted for her expertise in financial remedy cases."

Chambers & Partners 2014

"Maria Scotland is commended by sources for her calm but firm advocacy style. Her broad family law practice encompasses ancillary relief work with an international dimension, and she is especially noted for her work in private law children disputes".

Chambers & Partners 2013

Maria was called to the Bar in 1995.

Family, Children & International Family

Maria practices exclusively in family law with a specialism in high end/ big money financial remedy applications and (private law) children work. She will accept instructions to act through a solicitor or directly from members of the public (Direct Access).

Maria is well known at the Bar and has won an award for her work from the Bar Council. She is extremely warm and engaging with members of the public and clients alike. As someone who is divorced and a single mother to two young daughters, she understands all too well the emotional as well as financial impact family breakdown and court proceedings has upon clients, their children and family alike. However, her warm approach with clients belies a tenacious and dogged approach with the other side and in court. She is trusted by several loyal instructing solicitors and members of the judiciary and has had a loyal following throughout her practice at the family bar since 1995.

Her money/ financial practice concerns cases where the parties’ wealth is substantial or else the issues complex. She is regularly involved in cases where the asset wealth is several million, involving issues of serious non-disclosure, assets outside of the jurisdiction, international issues, and family Trusts. She has a wealth of experience where clients, who were domiciled in England & Wales, are divorced and have their financial affairs dealt with by the Family Court in London whilst living as an ex patriate in the UAE, Australia, America and other Arab countries. Maria’s money work includes acting for the husband/ boyfriend, wife/ girlfriend or else third-party intervener including on behalf of the Crown (in asset recovery cases). Maria also undertakes Trusts of Land Act 1996 (TOLATA) matters, concerning parties who were never married.

Maria is also a strong advocate in private children law disputes (including financial claims on behalf of a child under Schedule 1). She is professional but empathetic, bringing to court proceedings the “human touch”.

Awards and Prizes In 2010 Maria won the 14th Annual Sydney Elland Goldsmith Award: a prestigious annual award granted by The Bar Council for services to the Bar. Sir Raymond Phillips MD award (1995). Gray’s Inn Senior Scholar: David Karmel award (1994).