Specialist family lawyers across the East Midlands
Family breakdown is devastating. Whether you’re facing divorce, child arrangements or domestic violence, our family law solicitors provide expert legal guidance with genuine sensitivity and understanding.
We’ve supported families across Leicester, Nottingham and Derby for over 40 years. Family law matters are deeply personal and often involve vulnerable people, especially children. We approach every case with compassion whilst fighting for the best outcome for your family’s future.
Get compassionate legal advice from our family law solicitors today on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
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Family law services we provide
Divorce and relationship breakdown – We guide you through divorce with minimal stress and maximum protection. Since the introduction of no-fault divorce, the process is less adversarial, but complex issues around finances and children still need expert support. Our specialists handle uncontested divorces efficiently and offer strong representation in contested cases involving significant assets or international elements. We understand the emotional impact and aim for fair, lasting outcomes while preserving key family relationships where possible.
Child arrangements and contact disputes – Children’s welfare is central to our work. We secure contact and residence arrangements that serve their best interests and protect parent-child bonds. Child arrangement orders offer flexible solutions for modern families. We manage complex cases involving parental alienation, international relocation, and safety concerns. Our specialists work to reduce disruption and ensure both parents maintain meaningful relationships where safe.
Financial settlements and asset division – Fair divorce financial settlements are vital for future security. We ensure equitable division of assets, pensions, businesses, and property. Financial remedy cases can be complex, especially with high-value estates or international assets. We collaborate with forensic accountants, pension experts, and valuers to identify assets and structure fair settlements, considering tax implications.
Domestic violence and protection orders – Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or psychological. We offer urgent legal protection through emergency injunctions, non-molestation, and occupation orders. Our domestic violence specialists provide sensitive, confidential support and work with local agencies to arrange safe meeting spaces and manage cases where victims cannot attend court.
Adoption and permanency planning – Adoption creates permanent legal family ties and requires careful handling. We support stepparent, relative, and same-sex couple adoptions. Our specialists manage complex cases including contested and international adoptions, and special guardianship. We work with agencies and courts to meet legal requirements and support families through this emotional process.
Cohabitation and civil partnership issues – We protect all family structures. Unmarried couples have limited rights, making cohabitation agreements key for asset and financial protection. We draft agreements covering property, contributions, and separation terms. For civil partnerships, we offer similar services to marriage, including dissolution and financial arrangements, with expertise in property law affecting unmarried couples.
Our family law process
Our family law solicitors handle cases sensitively whilst working towards positive outcomes for all family members, especially children.
- Confidential initial consultation
We listen to your concerns in a supportive setting. Understanding your priorities and challenges is key to developing effective strategies. Our family law solicitors assess your situation thoroughly, explain legal options clearly, and offer honest guidance on likely outcomes. We address children’s needs, financial matters, and safety concerns while helping you navigate the legal framework. - Strategic case development
Every family situation is unique, requiring tailored strategies that focus on your goals, reduce conflict, and protect children’s interests. We explore all options—negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, and court—advising on the best approach for your circumstances, considering both immediate needs and long-term effects. - Alternative dispute resolution
We aim for amicable solutions through collaborative law, mediation, and round-table talks to reduce costs, stress, and impact on children. Mediation works well for couples who can communicate reasonably. Collaborative law involves both parties’ lawyers working together to reach fair agreements without going to court, often preserving key relationships. - Court representation when necessary
If negotiation fails, our experienced advocates provide strong court representation while staying focused on the best outcomes for your family. We prepare thoroughly, present cases clearly, and ensure children’s voices are heard, with their welfare as the top priority.
Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.
Why choose Nelsons for family law?
Recognised Family Law Expertise – Our family law solicitors are highly regarded by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, with decades of experience handling complex family disputes across Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and throughout the East Midlands. We regularly handle high-value financial cases, complex children matters, and international family disputes whilst bringing this expertise to benefit all clients regardless of case complexity.
- Child-focused, sensitive approach – We understand that family legal help is often needed during life’s most distressing periods. Our family lawyers combine professional expertise with genuine empathy, always prioritising children’s welfare whilst working to minimise the long-term impacts of family breakdown. We’re trained in recognising signs of domestic abuse and understanding children’s developmental needs.
- Comprehensive support and continuity – From initial separation through to final orders and beyond, we provide continuity with your dedicated family law solicitor managing your case throughout. We understand the practical challenges of rebuilding your life and guide you on related matters, including tax implications and coordination with other professionals such as financial advisers and counsellors.
- Flexible dispute resolution options – We offer various approaches, including traditional litigation, collaborative law, mediation, and hybrid approaches combining different methods as appropriate. Our family lawyers are trained in alternative dispute resolution techniques and always consider the most cost-effective, least adversarial approach that can achieve your objectives whilst protecting your family’s interests.
Ready to discuss your family law matter? Get compassionate legal advice from our family law solicitors today on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
Offices in Leicester, Nottingham and Derby.
Meet the team
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Emma DaviesPartner & Solicitor
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Melanie BridgenPartner & Solicitor
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Gayle RowleyPartner, Solicitor & Mediator
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Hannah BridgwoodLegal Director & Solicitor
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Rina MistryLegal Director & Solicitor
Testimonials for our Family Law team...
Make an enquiry
If you wish to contact us, please complete the form below. A member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
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Family Law Solicitors FAQS
Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning family law
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How do I file for divorce?
To file for divorce, you need to submit a petition to the family court in your jurisdiction. The process typically involves providing grounds for divorce, serving the petition to your spouse, and attending court hearings.
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How long does divorce take in the UK?
Since no-fault divorce introduction, uncontested divorces typically take four to six months from application to final order, provided paperwork is completed correctly. Contested cases involving complex financial arrangements or significant disagreements about children may take twelve to eighteen months or longer.
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Do I need a solicitor for an amicable divorce?
Even in amicable cases, legal advice ensures you understand your rights and don’t overlook important financial or children matters. We can review agreements, handle paperwork efficiently, and provide peace of mind that everything is legally sound. Many clients use our services for guidance while maintaining control over decisions.
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Will I have to go to court for my divorce?
Most divorces are resolved without court hearings, particularly with online divorce applications and no-fault procedures. We focus on negotiation, mediation, and collaborative approaches to achieve amicable solutions. Court proceedings are typically only necessary when parties cannot agree on arrangements or in domestic abuse cases requiring protection orders.
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How are matrimonial assets divided in divorce?
Courts consider various factors including marriage length, each party’s financial contributions and earning capacity, caring responsibilities, age and health, and standard of living during marriage. The starting point is often equal division, but this can be adjusted based on individual circumstances, with children’s welfare being paramount.
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What happens to the family home in divorce?
Various options exist including one party keeping the property (often with other assets going to their spouse), selling and dividing proceeds, or deferred sale until children reach 18. The decision depends on your financial circumstances, children’s needs, and ability to afford mortgage payments and maintenance.
Get in touch
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