Specialist family lawyers across the East Midlands
When family life breaks down, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Whether you’re separating, arranging care for your children, or facing domestic abuse, our family law solicitors are here to help you find a way forward with clear advice and steady support.
We understand that these situations can be stressful and emotionally draining. That’s why we take the time to listen and explain things in plain language, so you always feel informed and in control. Every family is different, and we’ll tailor our approach to your individual circumstances, guiding you through each stage with sensitivity and professionalism.
For over 40 years, we’ve supported families across Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. Our focus is always on practical solutions that protect your well-being and help you make decisions that are right for your future.
If you need advice or simply want to understand your options, our team is ready to talk. Give us a call on 0800 024 1976 or contact us through our online enquiry form to speak with one of our family law specialists.
Contact Us TodayRelated services
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Alternative dispute resolution – We aim for amicable solutions through collaborative law, mediation, and Resolution Together 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. Resolution Together allows separating or divorcing couples to work with a single, impartial lawyer to resolve matters such as finances and child arrangements.
4.Court representation when necessary – If negotiation fails, our experienced solicitors 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?
Recommended expertise – Our family law solicitors are highly regarded by The 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, Resolution Together, 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
-
Emma DaviesPartner & Solicitor
-
Melanie BridgenPartner & Solicitor
-
Gayle RowleyPartner, Solicitor & Mediator
-
Hannah BridgwoodLegal Director & Solicitor
-
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.
When you submit this form, you are consenting to a member of our team to contact you via phone or email regarding your request.
We encourage you to review our Privacy Notice
Main Contact Form
Used on contact page
Family Law Solicitors FAQS
Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning family law
-
How can a family law solicitor help me?
Family law covers a wide range of issues. Our solicitors can help with separation, child arrangements, financial agreements, domestic abuse protection, cohabitation disputes, and adoption. We provide clear, practical advice tailored to your situation and guide you through the process from start to finish.
-
Do I have to be married to get legal advice about a relationship breakdown?
No. Many couples live together without being married, but legal rights can differ significantly. If you’re separating from a partner you’re not married to, we can help you understand your position regarding property, finances and children, and create fair agreements that protect everyone involved.
-
How are arrangements for children decided?
The law focuses on what’s best for the child. If parents can agree on arrangements for where children live and how much time they spend with each parent, that agreement can often be recorded in writing or made legally binding through a Child Arrangements Order. If there’s disagreement, mediation or court proceedings may be needed. Our solicitors will help you prioritise your children’s welfare while working towards a practical outcome.
-
What legal protection is available in cases of domestic abuse?
If you or your children are at risk, legal protection can be arranged quickly. We can help you apply for emergency injunctions such as Non-Molestation Orders (to prevent contact or harassment) and Occupation Orders (to regulate who can live in the family home). We also work closely with local agencies to ensure your safety and provide ongoing support.
-
How are finances and property divided after separation or divorce?
Financial settlements depend on many factors, including each person’s income, contributions, housing needs, and children’s welfare. The goal is fairness and long-term stability. We’ll help you identify assets, negotiate reasonable agreements, and apply to court where necessary to finalise the settlement.
-
What happens if we can’t agree on arrangements or finances?
We always encourage open communication and negotiation to avoid unnecessary conflict. Mediation, collaborative law and Resolution Together can often resolve issues without going to court. However, if agreement isn’t possible, we’ll represent you in court while keeping the focus on achieving a fair, constructive outcome.
-
Can grandparents or other relatives apply for contact with children?
Yes. Grandparents and other relatives can apply to the court for permission to spend time with children if contact has been restricted. The court’s main concern is always the child’s best interests. We can help you understand your rights and apply for the appropriate orders if informal contact cannot be agreed.
-
What support is available for adoption and special guardianship?
Adoption and special guardianship can be complex processes involving legal, emotional and practical steps. We guide families through applications, assessments, and court hearings, making sure all legal requirements are met and that you have the right support at every stage.
Get in touch
Speak to us now on 0800 024 1976Email Us
