What is this event?
This event is for anyone who identifies as part of a non‑traditional family. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
- same‑sex parents
- families involving known biological donors
- multiple‑parent families
- plural or polyamorous relationships
- families that don’t fit the assumed sexual relational model
- solo parents, solo adults planning families, or solo people
In Scotland and the wider UK, the legal system is built around a very specific idea of family: a heterosexual, monogamous couple raising children. Families that look different from this model are often less visible in law and policy, and can be marginalised as a result. Yet all families — traditional or not — need legal structures that support relationships, protect vulnerable people, and provide clarity around inheritance and succession.
This workshop has two main aims:
- To learn from you. I want to understand more about the non‑traditional families that exist locally and the challenges you face, so that my research can better reflect and support your realities.
- To raise awareness. I’ll highlight legal issues that may affect you, including some you might not yet know about, so you can make informed decisions about whether you need further advice or planning.
This event is not legal advice — I’m not a practising solicitor — and it is not a therapeutic session, though you may find it helpful to name and discuss issues that matter to you.
Why should you come?
You may want to attend if:
- you’re concerned about being overlooked or treated unfairly because your family doesn’t fit the dominant legal or social model
- you would benefit from talking about your experiences and having them recognised
- you suspect the law doesn’t fully support or protect your family, and you want to understand how and why
- you want your experiences to help shape research that aims to improve the lives of non‑traditional families
- you want to increase the visibility of the issues your family faces
Who will facilitate the workshop?
I’m Dr Rob Clucas, an Associate Professor of Law at Edinburgh Napier University, where I teach Family Law. I’m also a member of the queer community. My research focuses on trans rights, contemporary families, and other issues connected to equality and social justice. I’m especially interested in how traditional legal ideas can exclude or marginalise people whose lives don’t fit conservative expectations.
My aim is to influence the people who shape and interpret the law — such as lawyers, policymakers and government officials — by showing how current rules and practices can unfairly overlook or disadvantage certain groups. Through this work, I hope to support positive change.
If you have any questions, please contact me, Dr Rob Clucas, at r.clucas@napier.ac.uk