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 Assosciation.
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", is scheduled for publication in 2007. 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.
Contact Alan: alanbayley@stodarts.co.uk
Victoria Ulph - Assistant Solicitor
Victoria specialises in all aspects of family law work. She is happy to help in sorting out matters arising from a couple’s separation including resolving the division of property and arrangements for children. Victoria is experienced in pursuing family law matters through the courts but also recognises the importance of attempting to resolve the sensitive issues involved in family break-ups through negotiation wherever this is possible.
Victoria studied law at Glasgow University, graduating with Honours in 1989. She is a member of the Family Law Association and has practiced law in Ayr, Glasgow and the Cayman Islands.
Victoria enjoys travel, entertaining and watching football.
Contact Victoria: victoriaulph@stodarts.co.uk
Ruth Leonard - Assistant Solicitor
Ruth is a qualified assistant, having completed 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 it at university and has become more interested in the area as a result of practising it 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 lives in Falkirk and enjoys cooking, badminton and music.
Lyndsey Clark - Trainee Solicitor
Lyndsey is a Trainee solicitor and joined the firm in 2006. She obtained her honours degree at Strathclyde University and her Diploma in Legal Practice from the Glasgow Graduate School of Law. She is currently gaining experience in a number of areas of law, in particular conveyancing and family law.
Lyndsey lives in East Kilbride and enjoys quizzes, badminton and walking her three dogs.
Contact Lyndsey: lyndsey@stodarts.co.uk
Joanne Nicoll - Trainee Solicitor
Joanne is a Trainee Solicitor and joined the firm in 2007. She studied at Strathclyde University where she obtained her honours degree before completing the Diploma in Legal Practice at the Glasgow Graduate School of Law.
Joanne is currently gaining experience in a wide range of legal fields, in particular conveyancing and wills and executries. Although she enjoys dealing with these matters, she is also keen to explore family law issues.
Outside the office, Joanne’s main interest is athletics. A former athlete, Joanne now coaches children of both primary and secondary school age at Motherwell Athletics Club, which is based in her home town. She also likes to keep fit and plays hockey with Dalziel Ladies. She is also interested in music and enjoys going to the theatre.
