About Us

What is Family Law?

Separation, divorce and disputes over children are momentous and often traumatic events in people’s lives. Their outcome can have profound consequences for the individuals concerned. It is therefore essential that expert legal advice is sought at an early stage.

As the field of family law (by which we mean the law relating to separation and divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, children, financial issues — including maintenance and pensions — and protection from domestic violence) has grown in volume and complexity, it has become increasingly necessary for lawyers undertaking family work to specialise, rather than be general legal practitioners. It has also been recognised that a good family lawyer needs to develop a different approach to the handling of disputes from what may be appropriate in a case concerning, for example, breach of contract or personal injury. The lawyer has to be sensitive to the very personal nature of a family law dispute, and especially to the needs of any children involved

Who are we?

Ashby Family Law Practice was set up in May 1999 as a niche practice providing a specialist service by Greg O’Shea and Nick Herbert, solicitors with many years experience in all aspects of family law.  In 2005 Greg O’Shea retired and David Guthrie joined the firm.  Nick has recently retired as a partner but remains as a part-time consultant.

Our aim is to guide clients through the intricacies and complexities of family law – be it in relation to separation, divorce or dissolution, children or financial issues – in order to obtain a fair deal with the minimum of acrimony and delay.

We also advise on non-contentious family issues such as wills, cohabitation agreements, parental responsibility agreements in respect of children, and the implication of financial agreements which spouses or partners have agreed between themselves.

How can we help you?

We provide an initial 30-minute consultation free of charge. This is normally sufficient to appraise ourselves of the situation and give general advice, including advice as to our costs. Please note that public funding (legal aid) is not available.  To arrange an initial consultation, either telephone us on 01332 293 293 or contact us online.