Family Law Solicitors in Plymouth
Family life does not always unfold in the way we hope. When relationships change or difficult decisions need to be made, it can leave you feeling uncertain about what happens next. Our family law solicitors in Plymouth help individuals and families across the city and surrounding areas navigate these moments with clear, thoughtful legal advice. Whether you are facing separation, going through a divorce, worried about arrangements for your children, or trying to understand a complicated financial situation, having someone you trust to guide you through it can make an enormous difference.
Our role is to help you understand where you stand and what your options are. We take the time to listen carefully to what is happening in your life, explain things clearly, and offer practical advice that helps you move forward with confidence. We believe good legal advice should feel clear and supportive, not overwhelming. You will not be faced with unnecessary legal jargon or pressure to make decisions before you are ready. Instead, we work at your pace, focusing on what matters most to you and your family.
When you contact Nash & Co, you will speak directly with an experienced member of our family law team. From that first conversation, we aim to make things easier by helping you understand the situation you are facing and the steps that may lie ahead. We know that reaching out for help can feel like the hardest part, and we do everything we can to make that first step feel comfortable and reassuring.
Our Family Law Services
Divorce Solicitors
Children & Family Law
Child Arrangement Orders
Financial Settlements & Divorce
Complex Financial Issues
Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
Cohabitation Agreements
Prenuptial Agreements
Domestic Abuse Solicitors
Grandparents Rights
Adoption Solicitors
Armed Forces Family Law
Where you are right now
Many people come to us at a time when their thoughts feel overwhelming.
You may find yourself lying awake at night going over the same questions again and again. What will happen to the house? How will this affect the children? Will everything become complicated and expensive? What if you make the wrong decision? You may have been living with these worries for weeks or even months already. Perhaps you have been searching online for answers, reading different articles and trying to piece together what the future might look like.
One of the most difficult parts of family law issues is the uncertainty. Until you have spoken to someone who understands the legal and practical realities, it can be hard to see the full picture. That uncertainty often makes everything feel more stressful than it needs to be.
From your first conversation with our family law team, our aim is to bring some clarity to the situation. We will talk through what is happening in your life, explain how the law applies to your circumstances, and outline the options that may be available to you. That clarity can make an enormous difference. It does not mean everything suddenly becomes simple, but it often replaces uncertainty with understanding. You begin to see what the next steps might look like and how decisions can be made in a calm, considered way.
Our team has helped many families across Plymouth, Devon and the South West navigate these moments. We understand how personal these situations are, and we approach every conversation with care, discretion and respect.
Why clients trust Nash & Co Solicitors for family law
Choosing the right family lawyer is an important decision. At a time when life already feels uncertain, you need advice you can trust and people you feel comfortable speaking to.
Many of our clients tell us that what mattered most to them was feeling listened to and understood from the very beginning. Family law issues are deeply personal, and we believe good legal advice starts with taking the time to properly understand what matters to you.
Alongside that supportive approach, our family law team is widely recognised for the quality of its work. We are ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, two of the most respected independent legal directories in the profession. Anne Shears and Gemma Stevens are Resolution Accredited Specialists, and members of our team hold the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation.
Every one of our family lawyers is also a member of Resolution, an organisation committed to resolving family issues in a constructive and thoughtful way. This reflects our belief that family matters should, wherever possible, be handled with care, respect and a focus on long-term outcomes.
We are also open and transparent about costs. We offer an initial consultation of up to one hour with an experienced family lawyer, followed by a personalised advice letter, for £175 + VAT. For those seeking a straightforward divorce, our fixed fee divorce package starts from £650 + VAT. For more complex matters, we will agree costs with you in advance and keep you informed throughout the process.
Nash & Co has over 620 Google reviews with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5. Each review reflects the experience of someone who trusted us to help them through an important and often difficult period in their life.
When finances are more complex
For some couples, separation involves more than simply deciding what will happen to the family home. There may be several properties, significant savings or investments, pension arrangements built up over many years, or other financial interests that need careful consideration. Situations like this require time, clarity and a full understanding of the financial picture. The goal is not simply to divide assets, but to reach an outcome that is fair and allows both people to move forward with stability and security.
Our family law solicitors regularly advise clients whose finances are more involved, helping them understand how the law approaches property, pensions and other assets. In some cases it may be appropriate to involve trusted professionals such as accountants, pension specialists or valuers so that decisions are made with a clear and accurate understanding of the finances involved.
What matters most is ensuring that the final agreement reflects the reality of the financial situation and supports the long-term wellbeing of everyone involved.
If one or both of you own a business
When one or both partners own a business, separation can raise additional questions and concerns. For many people, a company represents years of hard work, commitment and personal investment, and the thought of it being affected by a relationship breakdown can feel deeply unsettling.
Family law does not automatically mean that a business must be divided or sold. The focus is on achieving a fair financial outcome, and there are often ways to structure settlements that allow the business itself to continue operating without disruption.
Understanding the value of the business and how it fits into the wider financial picture is an important step. In some situations, specialist reports may be needed to assess the company’s value or income, helping both parties and the court reach a clear and informed view.
With careful planning and thoughtful advice, it is often possible to resolve financial matters while protecting the stability of the business that has been built.
You may also want to read our insight post about divorce when you own a business.
Understanding pensions and long-term financial security
Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets within a marriage, yet they are sometimes overlooked when couples begin discussing financial arrangements.
Different pension schemes can be complex, particularly where they have been built up over many years or where one partner has a public sector or military pension. Understanding their true value and how they fit within the overall financial settlement is an important part of reaching a fair outcome.
There are several ways pensions may be addressed during divorce or separation. In some cases a pension sharing order may transfer part of one pension into the other person’s name. In others, the value of the pension may be balanced against different assets, such as property or savings.
Because pensions affect financial security later in life, these decisions can have long-term consequences. Taking the time to understand them properly helps ensure that important choices about the future are made with clarity and confidence.
Discretion, care and thoughtful advice
Family law matters are deeply personal. Whether you are discussing arrangements for your children, financial decisions following a separation, or concerns about the future, these conversations often involve some of the most private aspects of your life.
Many of the people who come to us are navigating sensitive situations involving property, businesses, pensions or family finances built up over many years. Others simply want calm, clear advice at a time when life feels uncertain. In every case, our approach is the same. We take the time to understand your circumstances properly, listen carefully to what matters most to you, and provide thoughtful advice that helps you make well-informed decisions.
Everything is handled with discretion and respect. Our role is not simply to guide you through the legal process, but to help you move forward with clarity and confidence about the next stage of your life.
Email us at family@nash.co.uk or call us on 01752 827030
Understanding our family law fees
One of the first questions many people have is how much legal advice will cost. We believe in being open and straightforward about fees from the outset.
An initial consultation with an experienced family lawyer lasts up to one hour and is followed by a personalised advice letter outlining your options. The cost of this consultation is £175 + VAT.
For straightforward cases where both parties agree, our fixed fee divorce package starts from £650 + VAT.
Where matters involve finances, property, pensions or arrangements for children, the work can become more detailed. In these situations we will explain how fees work in advance and keep you informed as the matter progresses so there are no unexpected surprises.
For some cases, including those involving domestic abuse or care proceedings, Legal Aid may be available.
If you would like to discuss your situation and understand the likely costs involved, our family law team will be happy to help.
Meet Our Family Law team
Our Family Law Services in Plymouth
Every family situation is different. Some people come to us when a relationship has already ended. Others are looking for advice before making an important decision. Many simply want to understand their options and what the future might look like.
Our family law solicitors in Plymouth support individuals and families across a wide range of situations, from straightforward matters to complex cases involving property, businesses, pensions or arrangements for children. Whatever you are facing, our role is to provide clear, practical advice that helps you make thoughtful decisions about the next stage of your life.
Below you will find an overview of the areas we regularly help people with. Each section links to more detailed information about the service and how we can support you.
Divorce Solicitors
Deciding to end a marriage is rarely easy. Even when both people agree that divorce is the right step, the process can feel emotionally and practically overwhelming. Many people come to us simply wanting to understand how divorce works and what it will mean for their future. The legal process itself is usually straightforward, but divorce often raises wider questions about finances, property, pensions and arrangements for children. Taking time to understand these issues properly can make a significant difference to the outcome and to the stability of life afterwards.
Our family law solicitors guide clients through the divorce process with clarity and care, helping them understand each stage and what decisions may need to be made along the way. Wherever possible, we aim to keep matters constructive and focused on reaching fair and workable solutions. Whether your situation is relatively straightforward or involves more complex financial arrangements, our role is to help you move through the process with a clear understanding of your options and what the next chapter may look like.
Children and family law
When family life changes, children often feel the effects most deeply. Decisions about where a child will live, how much time they spend with each parent, and how important choices about their upbringing are made can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.
Our family law solicitors in Plymouth help parents navigate these decisions with care and clarity. The courts now refer to these arrangements as child arrangements, rather than using older terms such as custody or access, but the principle remains the same: creating stable, supportive arrangements that allow children to maintain meaningful relationships with the people who care about them.
Where possible, we aim to help families reach agreements without the need for court proceedings. When court involvement becomes necessary, we provide calm, experienced guidance throughout the process while keeping the focus firmly on what is best for the child.
Child Arrangement Orders
When parents are unable to agree arrangements for their children, applying for a Child Arrangement Order can provide clarity and structure for the future.
These court orders determine where a child will live and how they will spend time with each parent or other important people in their life. Understandably, discussions around these arrangements can be emotional and complex.
Our family law team helps parents work towards practical agreements wherever possible. If a court application becomes necessary, we will guide you through the process step by step, helping you understand what to expect and how decisions are made.
Throughout the process, the child’s welfare remains the court’s central concern, and we ensure that every step keeps that principle at the forefront.
Financial settlements and divorce
The financial decisions made during a separation or divorce often shape the next stage of your life. Property, savings, pensions, and other assets all need to be considered carefully so that a fair and sustainable outcome can be reached.
Our family law solicitors regularly advise individuals and couples whose financial arrangements include family homes, investments, business interests and pension provision. We help you understand how these assets are viewed under family law and what a fair settlement may look like in your circumstances.
Many matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation, allowing both parties to reach an agreement without lengthy court proceedings. Once an agreement is reached, it is important that it is formalised through a financial consent order, which provides legal certainty and protects both parties in the future. Our role is to guide you through the process calmly and clearly, helping you reach decisions that support your long-term financial security.
Complex financial cases
Some separations involve financial arrangements that are more intricate. These might include family businesses, multiple properties, substantial pension arrangements, trusts or other investments. Situations like this require careful analysis and thoughtful planning. Our team regularly works alongside specialist professionals such as forensic accountants, pension experts and valuers to ensure that the full financial picture is understood before decisions are made.
Many of our clients are business owners, professionals or individuals with complex financial lives. We understand the importance of protecting long-term financial stability while also reaching a fair outcome for both parties. Every case is handled with discretion and care, and we provide clear, straightforward advice throughout the process.
Dissolution of Civil Partnerships
Ending a civil partnership involves many of the same legal and financial considerations as divorce. Property, savings, pensions and sometimes arrangements for children all need to be addressed with care.
Our family law solicitors guide clients through the dissolution process in a calm and supportive way, helping them understand the steps involved and the decisions that need to be made. As with divorce, our focus is always on achieving a fair outcome and providing clarity about the future.
Cohabitation Agreements
Many couples live together without realising that the law does not provide the same protections as marriage or civil partnership. Despite common belief, there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales.
A cohabitation agreement allows couples to set out clearly how property, finances and other practical matters will be handled if the relationship were to end. For many people, it provides reassurance and clarity at a time when life together is beginning.
Our family law team can help you create a cohabitation agreement that reflects your circumstances and provides practical protection for the future.
Domestic abuse support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or you are concerned about the safety of yourself or your children, it is important to know that help is available.
Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological or financial abuse. Speaking to a solicitor about the situation can feel daunting, but conversations with our team are handled with complete discretion and understanding.
We can assist with urgent protective measures such as Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, often at very short notice. Legal Aid may also be available for people in these circumstances.
Our priority is to help you feel safe and supported while ensuring that the appropriate legal protections are put in place.
Grandparents and family relationships
Grandparents often play a significant role in a child’s life, providing care, stability and support. When family relationships break down, it can be deeply upsetting if contact with grandchildren becomes difficult or stops altogether.
Although grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to see their grandchildren, the law does recognise the importance of these relationships. In many situations it is possible to reach agreements within the family, and when necessary the court can consider arrangements that allow the relationship to continue.
Our family law solicitors can help you understand the options available and guide you through the process with sensitivity and care.
Premarital and prenuptial agreements
Talking about finances before marriage can sometimes feel uncomfortable. However, for many couples a prenuptial agreement is simply a sensible way of creating clarity about financial arrangements in the future.
This can be particularly important where one or both partners have existing assets such as property, businesses, savings or family wealth. A well-prepared agreement allows both people to enter marriage with a clear understanding of how finances would be handled if the relationship were ever to end.
Our family law solicitors help couples prepare agreements that are fair, carefully considered and tailored to their individual circumstances.
Adoption
Adoption is one of the most meaningful ways a family can grow, but the legal process involved can feel complex and unfamiliar.
Our adoption solicitors guide individuals and families through every stage of the legal process, helping them understand what is required and ensuring that everything progresses as smoothly as possible. Our aim is to make the legal aspects straightforward so that you can focus on the future you are building as a family.
Armed forces family law
Plymouth has one of the largest military communities in the United Kingdom, with Devonport Naval Base, HMS Drake and the Royal Citadel forming an important part of the city’s identity.
Family law matters involving members of the Armed Forces can present unique considerations. Military pensions operate differently from civilian schemes, and factors such as deployment, relocation and service accommodation can affect arrangements for finances and children.
Our family law solicitors understand these complexities and provide advice that takes the realities of military life into account. Whether you are currently serving, a veteran, or the partner of someone in the Armed Forces, we can help you navigate the legal issues involved with clarity and care.
Click below if you would like us to call you
Supporting families across Plymouth and the surrounding areas
Our family law team advises individuals and families throughout Plymouth and the wider South West, including areas such as Plymstock, Plympton, Saltash, Ivybridge and Tavistock.
Many of the people who come to us live or work in Plymouth, while others have connections to the city through family, property or business interests. Whatever your circumstances, our role is to provide clear and thoughtful advice that helps you navigate difficult decisions about the future.
If you would like to speak with a member of our family law team, we will be happy to arrange a convenient time to talk.
Speaking to our family law solicitors
If you are facing a difficult situation in your family life, speaking to an experienced solicitor can often bring a sense of clarity and reassurance. Many people tell us that the hardest step is simply making that first call.
You may not be certain what your options are yet. You might just want to understand how the law applies to your situation, or what the next step might look like. That is completely normal. Our role is to listen carefully, understand what matters to you, and help you see the path ahead more clearly.
When you contact Nash & Co, you will speak with a member of our family law team who understands the issues you may be dealing with. We will take the time to talk through your circumstances and answer any questions you have, in clear and straightforward language.
We offer an initial consultation of up to one hour with an experienced family lawyer, followed by a personalised advice letter, for £175 + VAT. This gives you the opportunity to understand your position and the options available to you before deciding how you would like to move forward.
If you would like to speak with one of our family law solicitors, you can contact our team by phone or email and we will arrange a convenient time to talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
It is possible to apply for a divorce without using a solicitor, and some people choose to do so when their situation is very straightforward. However, many people find it helpful to have legal advice so they fully understand the financial implications of the decisions they are making.
Divorce itself is often the simplest part of the process. The more complex issues usually involve finances, property, pensions or arrangements for children. Speaking to a solicitor allows you to understand your position clearly and ensure that any financial agreement is properly formalised through a court order so that it cannot be challenged later.
Even if you decide to handle parts of the process yourself, obtaining advice at the beginning can help you avoid costly mistakes.
-
In England and Wales, the divorce process usually takes around six to eight months from the initial application to the final order. This timeframe assumes that both parties cooperate with the process and that there are no delays.
However, divorce and financial matters often run alongside each other. Reaching a financial settlement can sometimes take longer, particularly where property, pensions, businesses or other complex assets are involved.
Our role is to help you move through the process as smoothly as possible while making sure that the financial arrangements are carefully considered and properly recorded.
-
For many people, the family home is the most significant asset involved in a divorce. Deciding what should happen to it depends on a range of factors, including the needs of any children, the financial resources available to both parties, and the contributions made during the marriage.
In some situations the property may be sold and the proceeds divided. In others, one person may remain in the home while the other receives a larger share of other assets. Sometimes arrangements are made that allow the children to remain in the home until they are older.
Every situation is different, and it is important to understand how the law approaches these decisions before reaching an agreement.
-
The law in England and Wales aims to achieve a fair outcome, but fairness does not always mean an exact 50/50 division of assets.
The court considers a number of factors when determining a financial settlement. These include the financial needs of each person, the welfare of any children, the length of the marriage, the contributions made by each party, and the standard of living during the relationship.
Assets that may be considered include property, savings, investments, pensions and sometimes business interests. The goal is to reach an arrangement that allows both people to move forward with financial stability wherever possible.
-
When a family business is involved, divorce can become more complex. The business may represent a significant part of the couple’s financial resources, and careful analysis is often required to understand its true value and how it fits into the wider financial picture.
In some situations, specialist experts such as forensic accountants may be asked to value the business or assess future income. The aim is usually to avoid disrupting the business itself while ensuring that the financial settlement remains fair to both parties.
Many business owners understandably worry about protecting the company they have built. With the right advice, it is often possible to reach solutions that preserve the stability of the business while resolving the financial issues arising from the divorce.
-
Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets in a marriage, yet they are sometimes overlooked during divorce discussions.
There are several ways pensions can be addressed. One option is a pension sharing order, where a portion of one person’s pension is transferred into a pension in the other person’s name. Another approach may involve offsetting, where the value of a pension is balanced against other assets such as property or savings.
Understanding the true value of a pension and how it fits within the overall financial settlement is essential. In more complex cases, specialist pension experts may be involved to provide detailed reports that help guide the final arrangement.
-
A financial consent order is a legally binding court order that records the financial agreement reached between divorcing spouses.
Without a consent order, financial claims between former spouses can remain open for many years. This means that even after the divorce has been finalised, one person could potentially make further financial claims against the other.
A consent order provides certainty and protects both parties by formally recording the agreement approved by the court.
-
Not always. In many cases, couples are able to reach agreements through negotiation or mediation without the need for court proceedings.
Mediation can provide a structured environment in which both people can discuss financial matters or arrangements for children with the support of a trained mediator. This approach is often quicker, less stressful and less expensive than court proceedings.
However, court involvement may become necessary if agreements cannot be reached or if there are concerns about safety or fairness. In those situations, having experienced legal guidance becomes particularly important.
-
Many people are surprised to learn that living together for a long time does not automatically create the same legal rights as marriage or civil partnership.
When unmarried couples separate, disputes about property or finances are usually resolved under property law rather than family law. This can make situations more complex and sometimes lead to outcomes that people were not expecting.
Taking legal advice can help you understand what rights you may have and what options are available to resolve the situation.
-
We understand that cost is often one of the first questions people have when considering legal advice.
At Nash & Co we offer an initial consultation of up to one hour for £175 + VAT, which includes a personalised advice letter following the meeting. This allows you to understand your situation clearly and decide how you would like to proceed.
For straightforward divorces we offer a fixed fee package starting from £650 + VAT, and for more complex matters we will discuss costs with you openly so that you know what to expect.
Helpful family law resources
If you are dealing with a family law issue, there are several organisations that provide reliable information and support. Some offer guidance about the legal process, while others provide practical help for families and individuals going through difficult situations.
The organisations below may be helpful if you are looking for additional information or support.
CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
CAFCASS works with children and families involved in family court proceedings, helping the court understand what arrangements may be in the best interests of the child.
https://www.cafcass.gov.uk
Child Maintenance Service
The government’s Child Maintenance Service provides information about financial support for children after separation, including how maintenance can be arranged between parents.
https://www.gov.uk/child-maintenance
Legal Aid Eligibility Checker
Some family law matters, particularly those involving domestic abuse or care proceedings, may qualify for Legal Aid. The government’s eligibility checker can help you understand whether financial support may be available.
https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
Resolution
Resolution is a national organisation of family justice professionals who are committed to resolving family issues in a constructive and respectful way. All of our family lawyers are members of Resolution.
https://resolution.org.uk
Family Justice Council
The Family Justice Council works to improve the family justice system in England and Wales and provides guidance on a wide range of family law issues.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/family-justice-council
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
A free and confidential 24-hour helpline for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or worried about someone else’s safety.
Telephone: 0808 2000 247
Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service
A local service offering specialist support for individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse in Plymouth.
https://www.plymouthdas.org.uk
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provides independent information on a wide range of issues, including separation, finances and housing.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Family Law Insights
Get in touch
Fill out the form below and let us know whether you would like us to call you, or email you. One of our family team will be in touch as soon as we can.
If your inquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827030