Family Law Solicitors in Plymouth

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 £185 + 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.

Yes, in many situations parents are able to agree arrangements for their children without the need for court proceedings. This may involve discussions directly between parents, through solicitors, or with the help of mediation.

Reaching an agreement outside of court is often less stressful, less confrontational and allows parents to retain greater control over the decisions being made. Where agreements can be reached constructively, this is usually in the best interests of the children involved.

If an agreement cannot be reached, or if there are concerns about a child’s welfare, court proceedings may become necessary. Our family law solicitors can help guide you through either approach and explain the options available to you.

Military pensions can be significantly different from civilian pension schemes and often require careful consideration during divorce or separation.

The value of a military pension may form part of the overall financial settlement, alongside property, savings and other assets. Depending on the circumstances, this could involve pension sharing or other arrangements designed to achieve a fair outcome.

Because these pensions can be complex, it is important to fully understand their value and long-term impact before decisions are made. Our family law team regularly advises serving personnel, veterans and military families, helping them navigate these issues with clarity and care.

A divorce does not automatically mean that a business must be sold or divided. However, where one or both parties own a business, it is important that the value of the company and the wider financial position are properly understood.

In many situations it is possible to reach a settlement that protects the ongoing stability of the business while also achieving a fair outcome for both parties. This may involve considering other assets, future income, shareholdings or specialist valuations.

Our family law solicitors regularly advise business owners, directors and professionals whose financial arrangements are more complex, helping them approach these situations in a careful and strategic way.

Both people involved in a financial settlement are expected to provide full and honest disclosure of their finances. This includes information about property, income, savings, pensions, investments and business interests.

If there are concerns that assets may not have been disclosed properly, there are legal steps that can be taken to obtain further information and investigate the financial position more fully. In some situations, the court can impose serious consequences where someone has deliberately failed to provide accurate disclosure.

If you are worried about hidden finances or incomplete information, it is important to seek advice as early as possible so that the situation can be addressed carefully and appropriately.

Prenuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in England and Wales in the same way as a standard contract. However, the courts increasingly recognise properly prepared agreements, particularly where they are fair and both people entered into them freely and with a full understanding of their implications.

For a prenuptial agreement to carry significant weight, both parties should receive independent legal advice and provide clear financial disclosure before signing.

Many couples choose to put a prenuptial agreement in place where there are existing assets, businesses, family wealth or children from previous relationships. A carefully prepared agreement can provide clarity and help avoid uncertainty in the future.

Many people wait weeks or months before seeking legal advice, often because they hope matters may improve or because the situation feels emotionally overwhelming. However, speaking to a solicitor early on can often provide reassurance, clarity and a much better understanding of your options.

Seeking advice does not mean you are committing to court proceedings or making irreversible decisions. In many cases, people simply want to understand where they stand legally and what practical steps may be available to them.

Early advice can also help prevent misunderstandings, avoid unnecessary disputes and allow important decisions to be approached in a calmer and more informed way