Specialist family lawyers across the East Midlands

At Nelsons, we understand that dealing with family law matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Our dedicated team of family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham is committed to providing you with the support, guidance, and expertise you need during these difficult times.

Contact us today via our online enquiry form or call 0800 024 1976 for expert advice.

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How our family law solicitors can assist

Divorce and separation

  • Navigating the process– Our solicitors are experienced in all aspects of divorcecivil partnership dissolution and separation. We guide you through the entire process, from filing the initial petition to the final decree absolute. We handle financial settlements, property division, and spousal maintenance, ensuring your rights and interests are protected. This includes the crucial aspect of obtaining a consent order.
  • Mediation and Collaborative Law – We believe in resolving disputes amicably whenever possible. Our team includes an accredited mediator and a collaborative law practitioner who can help you and your spouse find mutually agreeable solutions without the need for contentious Court battles.
  • Separation agreements – You may not want to take the step of issuing Court proceedings for divorce or civil partnership dissolution when you separate. Instead, you could formalise any agreement you reach concerning property or financial matters and/or arrangements for children in a separation agreement. Our team can provide you with expert advice about your separation agreement, as well as support you throughout the process.
  • International divorce – We also specialise in foreign and expat divorce law. If you or your spouse live outside the UK or are not originally from the UK, there can be extra issues to consider. Our vast experience in handling and advising on international divorce cases allows us to consider and analyse each situation individually to determine the best approach for you.

Children law

  • Child arrangement orders – Determining where your children will live and how they will spend time with each parent is paramount. We assist in negotiating child arrangement orders that focus on the welfare of the children, advocating for arrangements that support their best interests.
  • Parental responsibility – We advise on issues of parental responsibility, including the rights and obligations of parents regarding their children’s upbringing, education, and welfare.
  • International child abduction – Our solicitors are skilled in handling cases of international child abduction swiftly and effectively, working in conjunction with international authorities to ensure the safe return of abducted children.
  • Adoption advice – Adopting a child is a major decision with significant legal implications. Our team understand this sensitive and complex process and can guide you from the outset right up to the issue of the adoption certificate.
  • Care proceedings advice – If the Local Authority contacts you about taking your child into care, it can be very distressing for both you and your child. Our solicitors can offer expert advice and support regarding care proceedings.
  • Child relocation and holidays – If you are separated from your partner, disputes can often arise over who has the right to take your children on holiday or to live abroad. We can offer legal advice and support concerning child relocation and holiday arrangements, guiding you through the process with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to protecting the best interests of your child.
  • Parental alienation – Parental alienation happens when one parent influences a child to turn against the other parent, leading to serious emotional and psychological damage. Our solicitors recognise the deep impact of parental alienation and are committed to offering expert legal support to help you navigate these difficult situations.

Financial provision for children

  • Child maintenance – We can help you understand your legal obligations and rights concerning child maintenance. Whether you’re the parent paying or receiving maintenance, we ensure that the financial support provided is fair and meets the needs of your children.
  • Financial orders – In some cases, child maintenance alone may not be sufficient. We can assist in applying for additional financial orders to cover expenses such as school fees, medical costs, and other specific needs.

We can also advise on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements, protection from domestic violence, legal services for same sex families, and surrogacy and fertility.

Please note that we can only advise on a Legal Aid basis for public law/care proceedings.

Testimonials for our Family Law team…

  • “Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases..."

    Chambers and Partners
  • "...Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”

    Chambers and Partners (Continued)
  • "Nelsons...has an experienced family and children law practice, and is noted for its strength in cases with an international element. The family team...regularly advises high-net-worth individuals on financial relief cases..."

    The Legal 500
  • "Nelsons...is a leading firm in family law. They represent people from all walks of life and always give 110% to all of their cases. Their diversity is exceptional..."

    The Legal 500 2023
  • "...Unlike other solicitors they are always on hand to speak by phone or email, night or day or weekend. They will take the most challenging pro bono cases to ensure that clients have the best representation and advocacy."

    The Legal 500 2023 (Continued)
  • "Midlands powerhouse Nelsons Solicitors Limited houses family law specialists in each of its three offices..."

    The Legal 500 2023
  • "Superb family law team, class A and the absolute go to in children law and financial relief on divorce. They far outweigh their competitors in every aspect..."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
  • "...The people provide hands on support and client care from the outset concentrating on strategy and approach. Given their wealth of experience, they are financially competitive."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024 (Continued)
  • "Nelsons are an well-established and highly respected firm, deservedly so. They cover a number of disciplines with the utmost professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with and prominent in the local legal community."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024

Meet the team

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Why choose Nelsons for family law?

  • Specialised expertise – Our solicitors specialise in family law with a focus on divorce and children law cases in the East Midlands. The team is highly recommended by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, and also includes  Resolution accredited specialists who encourage our clients to adopt a sensible approach to the resolution of family law disputes.
  • Client-focused approach – Your needs are our priority. We provide clear communication and transparent legal advice tailored to your situation.
  • Empathy and support – We recognise the emotional challenges of family law matters and offer compassionate support throughout the entire process.
  • Proven results – Our firm has a track record of achieving favourable outcomes for our clients in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of family law solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham via our online enquiry form or call 0800 024 1976.

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 for detailed information on how we manage and protect your data.

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Family Law Solicitors FAQS

Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions concerning family law

  • 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.

  • What factors are considered in child custody cases?

    Child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. Factors include the child’s age, health, emotional ties with each parent, parents’ ability to care for the child, and any history of abuse or neglect.

  • How is child support calculated?

    Child support is calculated based on the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Each jurisdiction may have specific guidelines for determining child support.

  • Can I modify a child custody or support order?

    Yes, you can request a modification of a child custody or support order if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income, relocation, or changes in the child’s needs.

  • What is the process for adoption?

    The adoption process involves several steps, including filing a petition, undergoing a home study, obtaining consent from the biological parents, and attending court hearings. The court will finalize the adoption if it is in the best interests of the child.

  • What is a prenuptial agreement?

    A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract between two individuals before they get married. It outlines the division of assets and debts in the event of a divorce or death. It can also address spousal support and other financial matters.

  • How can I protect myself from domestic violence?

    If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can seek a protective order (also known as a restraining order) from the court. This order can prohibit the abuser from contacting or coming near you and may include other protective measures.

  • What are the legal requirements for a separation agreement?

    A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between spouses who are living apart. It typically addresses issues such as property division, child custody, and support. Both parties must agree to the terms, and it must be signed and notarized.

  • How do I enforce a family court order?

    If the other party fails to comply with a family court order, you can file a motion for enforcement with the court. The court may take various actions, such as imposing fines, modifying the order, or holding the non-compliant party in contempt.

Get in touch

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