Partner and Team Leader of the Family Team

Anne qualified in 2007 and has practised family law in Plymouth since 2009. Anne joined Nash & Co in January 2018 and specialises in divorce cases and in resolving financial matters that arise from the breakdown of a relationship. Anne also prepares cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements and separation agreements.

Anne Shears

ashears@nash.co.uk
01752 827015

Anne recognises that very few clients wish to go to Court and seeks to resolve disputes through careful negotiation outside of a Court managed process if possible. However, she is clear in her advice as to when an application is required and has expertise in representing clients if such steps are necessary to bring about a conclusion as swiftly as possible.

Anne is a member of Resolution which is a national organisation encouraging family law cases to be pursued and resolved in a non-antagonistic and constructive manner. Anne has also achieved the status of Resolution Accredited Specialist in Complex Financial Remedies, Cohabitation and TOLATA (Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996).

Anne Shears is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.

Accreditations

Family client reviews

Family insights

Insights

Do unmarried couples have rights to the family home after a breakup?

There is often a lot of confusion around what happens to the family home when a couple separates.

Often, it is assumed that what applies to a married couple will also apply to an unmarried couple, but this is not the case.

Read More →

Domestic Abuse and the Beautiful Game - UEFA Euro 2024

We all know that Euro 2024 is well underway and there has already been excitement (and upset) along the way for all the nations, not least England. Sadly, the harsh reality is the beautiful game does not always mean excitement for all and particularly those in a high risk or abusive relationship.

Read More →

What is Collaborative Law and how can it help?

The court system in England and Wales is an adversarial system, meaning that parties become two opposing sides, presenting their case to a judge for a decision. This approach can, unfortunately, create or amplify conflict, lead to expensive legal costs on both sides, as well as heavy emotional cost.

Read More →

An Overview of Divorce

Divorce is a concept almost everyone is familiar with but we are commonly asked ‘what is divorce’ and ‘how do I get divorced?’.

Read More →

Will the increase in Court fees apply to the divorce application fee?

The Ministry of Justice has announced changes to Court fees scheduled for May this year. 172 Court fees are going to increase, but how will this affect the fee for the application for divorce?

Read More →

What rights do i have to my family home during a divorce

The end of a marriage is a difficult time for all, even moreso when you own a home. Understandably, one of the main questions faced by Family lawyers is ‘Can I stay in my home once we have divorced?’ This is particularly the case if you have young children living with you.

Read More →

Can I take my child on holiday abroad, even if the other parent does not agree?

The simple answer is that it depends on individual circumstances. Unfortunately, what feels like an innocent holiday could be considered a criminal offence and so it is very important to understand the law before booking a holiday abroad.

Read More →

International Women’s Day Insights: Eleanor Barber, Partner & Solicitor

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re starting with Eleanor Barber, who heads up our Family Team.

Read More →

International Women’s Day Insights: Chelsea McVicker, Chartered Legal Executive

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Chelsea McVicker, a Chartered Legal Executive in our Family team.

Read More →

International Women’s Day Insights: Rhianna Greenley, Solicitor

This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Rhianna Greenley, a Solicitor in our Family team.

Read More →

Divorce Glossary: Key Terms Explained

In 2022, we saw an overhaul of the divorce process, which saw the end of “fault-based” divorces, so that neither party could blame the other for the end of the marriage. It was hoped the new terms would remove outdated phrases and simplify the different stages and the process.

Read More →

Create Your Ideal Parenting Plan: A Step-by-Step Collaborative Guide

Separating from your partner can be a difficult time, filled with emotional and logistical challenges, especially when children are involved. Navigating the complexities of child arrangements can be daunting, making it difficult to find common ground.

Read More →