What can I do for you?
I am a specialist family solicitor with over 16 years of experience and also head up our private client services across the firm. My expertise is based around complex financial cases involving family businesses, farms and trusts. I also have considerable experience in the drafting of pre and post marital agreements, cohabitation disputes and private Children Act proceedings.
A large part of my practice involves landed estates and farm businesses and I’ve drawn on that experience in co-authoring the book Divorce and the Farm. I have also lectured other professionals on this and other areas of family law and my recent article, entitled Dynasticism on Divorce: Anticipating the Dangers, was published by Private Client Business in November 2010.
Supporting my clients’ objectives
I believe that most clients wish to reach a negotiated settlement that is fair to both sides. I know that you need to be listened to in how your case is approached. As a firm, we do not believe in a one size fits all approach. What is right for one client is not right for another. Some cases can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or collaborative law; others need the involvement of the court. As far as I am concerned, a great outcome for the client is one in which you are fully involved, having received clear and straightforward advice.
What do others say?
I was pleased to be named as a "leading lawyer" in the City Wealth Leaders List in 2010 and 2011.
My colleagues and I pride ourselves on giving excellent clear advice tailored to the individual needs of our clients.
Legal 500 comments: "Exemplary in all areas, diligent, experienced and used to dealing with high-value claims, Mills & Reeve LLP’s 16-strong team …. is the region’s largest offering and provides a service on a par with London firms .… always one step ahead, Nick Stone puts clients at ease."
We are the only family law team in East Anglia ranked in tier 1 in Chambers UK 2011, which comments: “As well as being a national leader, Mills & Reeve is the pre-eminent firm in East Anglia for family law. The three-partner group has the strength to deal with cases efficiently and comprehensively. It handles all aspects of private family work including prenuptial agreements and ancillary relief. It also has a niche specialism in farming divorces. It offers vigorous representation and a strong client service ethic."
When it comes to our wider service to private clients, Chambers UK 2011 acknowledges that: "The firm’s private client group is fast becoming one of the largest and most highly respected in the UK."
What else should you know?
I am a trained collaborative lawyer and member of Resolution, which is an association of family lawyers with a code of practice based on conciliation wherever possible.
Within the team, we run a website, www.divorce.co.uk, which offers free advice to individuals on all aspects of relationship breakdown.