Sheriff Upholds Equal Shared Care in Parental Conflict Case

12 October 2026

In a recent case that underscores the complexities of shared parenting, a Scottish sheriff has ruled against a father's attempt to alter an existing equal shared care arrangement for his two daughters. This decision highlights the court's commitment to prioritizing children's welfare amidst parental conflicts.

The parents, who separated in 2020, had been following an equal shared care arrangement since 2021. The father sought to change this to have the children spend more time with him, proposing an eight-to-six night split in his favor. However, the sheriff found no compelling welfare-based reason to support this change, especially since both daughters, aged 12 and 10, expressed contentment with the current setup.

Parental disputes can be emotionally taxing, but it's crucial to remember that the court's primary concern is the well-being of the children involved. In this case, the existing arrangement was deemed to serve the children's best interests, and the father's proposal was seen as lacking sufficient justification.

For parents navigating similar situations, this ruling serves as a reminder that any proposed changes to custody arrangements must be firmly rooted in the children's welfare. Courts are likely to maintain established routines that work well for the children, unless there's clear evidence suggesting a need for change.

At Thompson Family Law, we understand the emotional challenges that come with custody disputes. Our experienced team is here to provide compassionate and practical advice, ensuring that your children's best interests remain at the forefront of any legal proceedings.