Our sectors

A very high level of legal expertise is essential, but it is not enough on its own. Our clients also expect us to be embedded in their sectors, to understand the challenges they face, and to offer strategic advice that takes them closer to their commercial goals.

“Being a trusted adviser at a time of major change in someone’s private life is a privilege as well as a responsibility. Making a difference matters and is hugely rewarding.”

Robert is a specialist in family law, recognised as a leading individual in Scotland. His practice covers the full range of family law matters including divorce, dissolution, cohabitation claims, financial provision, residence and contact, specific issue orders, and relocation.

He is a leading expert in Scotland on fertility law and family building, including surrogacy and assisted reproduction. As well as acting for couples and individuals becoming parents through surrogacy and donor conception, his work includes advising medical professionals and others working in this area. He has also written and provided commentary to the media on these topics.

Robert is often instructed in matters of unusual complexity or novelty, both financial and child-related. He is also one of Scotland’s most experienced family mediators, a FLAGS Family Law Arbitrator, and provides expert opinions on Scots Family Law for litigations in Scotland and beyond.

Areas of practice include:

Family Law

Admitted

1996: Scotland

Relevant experience

Acting for the successful applicant in the groundbreaking Supreme Court case of Gow v Grant, the leading case on cohabitation law in Scotland.
Acting for successful petitioner in application for parental order following death of other intended parent.
Acting in divorce proceedings to secure retention of matrimonial home against attempt from spouse to force sale.
Acting in complex competing Scottish/English divorce proceedings.
Advising Scottish intended parents residing overseas in securing parental orders in Scotland following surrogacy arrangements.
Advising in complex financial provision disputes involving assets in multiple jurisdictions.
Representing entrepreneurs or their spouses in Court of Session divorce proceedings involving high value and complex business interests.
Acting in high conflict Sheriff Court divorce proceedings relating to finances and children.
Advising in divorce proceedings involving complex tax and corporate insolvency issues.
Advising parents relocating to Scotland on legal parentage of children born through surrogacy overseas.
Negotiating complex pre-nuptial agreement for clients involving substantial pre-marriage wealth, both in Scotland and elsewhere.
Advising separating clients with large crypto assets.
Acting as an expert witness on Scots Law in overseas divorce proceedings.
Acting as expert witness in professional negligence cases.
Advising fertility clinics on practice and procedure implications of legal developments.

Professional bodies

2012: Accredited Family Law Mediator
2013: Accredited Family Law Specialist

“From the very beginning, Robert Gilmour was sensitive and empathetic. He was always careful and insightful in his thinking, advice, explanations and recommended course of action at every step.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth (2026)

Further testimonials

“Technically brilliant.”

Chambers and Partners UK Guide (2027)

“Robert Gilmour deeply understood the mechanisms and routes available to me. He was able to grasp complex financial information and changes. His advice was appropriate, personal and tailored.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth (2026)