Is there a Scottish (family) lawyer who could advise urgently please?

[whistablenative]

Having lived here for 35 years, & married 23 years ago I am now divorcing.
My lawyers have been awful. Basic but huge mistakes all through. Also very slow.
I've completely lost trust in them & want to do a simplified divorce myself now.
Can I do that if they have handled the Minute of Agreement (all signed last year) & were supposed to be handling the Divorce for me? I'd need my marriage certificate returned by them (they hold it). Can they refuse if there is an outstanding bill re the Minute of Agreement (meant to be sent across to SLAB Hardship Fund but lawyers have failed to do this). I've lost any trust in them now.

anyone out there?

Try LegalAdviceUk on Reddit

Just an idea but could you get a copy of the cert, would that work just to move it forward?

Hi @heldinadream that's a thought - I'll call tomorrow & see how long that would take. I contacted the firm in 2021 - I've SO had enough now. ExH is abusive & I got a text just now re 'seeing the kids at the weekend' - they dont' want to see him (& are nearly 17 & nearly 20 so why the hell is he texting me?
Unfortunately, part of the Minute of Agreement the lawyer had me sign was to say that 'access arrangements will be sorted between the parties ongoing'. They shouldn't have put that in - I queiried it but they said it had to go in. Rubbish.

@TheTrees1 Ok thank you I will have a look there too thanks x

Don’t look on Reddit for legal advice. It will likely be English law in the main too.

Order an extract marriage certificate from the registrar.

The clerk of court office might help you with the simplified divorce.

Block your ex

Order an extract marriage certificate, print the form and the guidance and do it yourself. It does need signed by a notary public or justice of the peace but the sheriff clerk office can point you in the correct direction for this.

Have you ever been on LegalAdviceUK? Plenty Lawyers answering questions, tag it as Scottish and you're fine.