People - The Family Law Team
Alan R. Bayley – Partner
Alan has extensive experience in family law matters, and is a member of the Family Law Association.
He has been commissioned to write a book on the financial aspects of divorce law by one of Scotland’s leading law publishers. The book “Financial Provision on Divorce and Dissolution of Civil Partnerships” was published in 2008. Alan has also regularly conducted legal aid work throughout his career and has been appointed as a Peer Reviewer by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
Alan studied law at Glasgow University where he obtained his honours degree in 1989 and has worked in Hamilton for the whole of his professional life. Outwith the office, Alan’s main interest is in the theatre, having directed several touring productions including a number of shows which have been staged at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
He is married to Shirley and has a daughter – Roslyn and a son – Jonathan.
Contact Alan: alanbayley@stodarts.co.uk
Ruth McCall - Partner
Ruth is a Partner, having served her traineeship with Stodarts. Prior to that, she obtained her honours degree from Glasgow University and her Diploma in Legal Practice from the Glasgow Graduate School of Law.
Ruth is involved in a wide range of work, although she has a particular interest in conveyancing and family law matters. She has enjoyed family law since studying at university and has become more interested in the area as a result of experience throughout her traineeship, and since becoming fully qualified. Ruth has experience of acting for private clients and for those who are eligible for Legal Aid and is a member of the Family Law Association.
Ruth believes that wherever possible, negotiation and mediation should be encouraged in order to try to maintain relationships following upon a separation particularly where children are involved. When such an approach is not appropriate, she is able to deal with the matter through the court system.
Ruth has been appointed as a curator ad litem by the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and is also a serving panel member for the Children's Panel in Falkirk.
Ruth lives in Falkirk and enjoys cooking, badminton and music.
Contact Ruth: ruth@stodarts.co.uk
Lyndsey Murphy - Solicitor
Lyndsey is a Solicitor with the firm. She joined the firm in August 2006 as a Trainee and qualified in August 2008. She obtained her honours degree at Strathclyde University and her Diploma in Legal Practice from the Glasgow Graduate School of Law.
Lyndsey has a particular interest in family law and is able to carry out a range of work including divorce, financial provision, contact and residence actions in relation to children and matrimonial interdicts. Lyndsey is of the view that matters can often be resolved through mediation and/or negotiation without the necessity of court involvement. However, she appreciates that sometimes the only option is to raise a court action and she has considerable experience with court procedures in family cases.
Lyndsey is a member of the Family Law Association and undertakes work under Legal Aid and on a private basis.
Contact Lyndsey: lyndsey@stodarts.co.uk
Joanne Nicoll - Solicitor
Joanne is a qualified solicitor and is a member of the Family Law Association. Joanne has always had an interest in Family Law, having chosen to study the subject at honours level during her university degree. During her time with the firm, Joanne has gained experience in dealing with difficult and sensitive issues arising as a result of family breakdowns.
Although Joanne has a caseload consisting of divorce, contact and residence actions, she believes that court actions in relation to family matters can often be avoided. Given the very sensitive and personal nature of the issues involved, Joanne appreciates that many of her clients feel more comfortable engaging in informal negotiation and mediation sessions, which are often more amicable whilst just as effective.
Joanne is able to undertake both private paying and Legal Aid work.
Contact Joanne: joanne@stodarts.co.uk
Laura Ann Teece – Trainee Solicitor
Laura Ann is a Trainee Solicitor who started with Stodarts in June 2010. She graduated from the University of Glasgow with an honours degree in Law with Spanish Language before completing the Diploma in Legal Practice at the Glasgow Graduate School of Law.
Laura Ann is involved in all of Stodarts' legal practice areas and works closely with the Partners and Solicitors.
Outwith the office, Laura Ann enjoys running, cycling and socialising with friends and family.
