Anne Shears
Associate Solicitor in the Family Team
Anne qualified in 2007 and has practised family law in Plymouth since 2009. Anne joined Nash & Co in January 2018 and specialises in divorce cases and in resolving financial matters that arise from the breakdown of a relationship. Anne also prepares cohabitation and pre-nuptial agreements and separation agreements.
Anne recognises that very few clients wish to go to Court and seeks to resolve disputes through careful negotiation outside of a Court managed process if possible. However, she is clear in her advice as to when an application is required and has expertise in representing clients if such steps are necessary to bring about a conclusion as swiftly as possible.
Anne is a member of Resolution which is a national organisation encouraging family law cases to be pursued and resolved in a non-antagonistic and constructive manner. Anne has also achieved the status of Resolution Accredited Specialist in Complex Financial Remedies, Cohabitation and TOLATA (Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996).
Accreditations
Family client reviews
Family insights
The simple answer is that it depends on individual circumstances. Unfortunately, what feels like an innocent holiday could be considered a criminal offence and so it is very important to understand the law before booking a holiday abroad.
This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re starting with Eleanor Barber, who heads up our Family Team.
This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Chelsea McVicker, a Chartered Legal Executive in our Family team.
This International Women's Day, we're highlighting the journeys, challenges, and experiences of our female lawyers. Their stories show the importance of diversity, resilience, and empowerment in shaping an inclusive legal community. We’re joined by Rhianna Greenley, a Solicitor in our Family team.
In 2022, we saw an overhaul of the divorce process, which saw the end of “fault-based” divorces, so that neither party could blame the other for the end of the marriage. It was hoped the new terms would remove outdated phrases and simplify the different stages and the process.
Separating from your partner can be a difficult time, filled with emotional and logistical challenges, especially when children are involved. Navigating the complexities of child arrangements can be daunting, making it difficult to find common ground.
The breakdown of a relationship is invariably a challenging time for all involved, particularly when there are children involved. This is where a well-considered Parenting Plan comes into play, providing a structured approach to addressing any issues that may arise and facilitating a collaborative co-parenting environment.
It is a common misconception that when you divorce, the financial links you have with your spouse come to an end. Until you have a Financial Order, either by consent or at the end of Court proceedings, you remain financially linked to your former spouse. You do not have to have a lawyer to assist you but not using one could mean that you end up with unresolved financial claims or a Financial Order that does not do what you thought.
The short answer is no, you do not. It has never been a legal requirement to instruct a solicitor to be divorced and many people do complete the process without a lawyer.
Buddy and Holly were settling into their new home well; their home was filled with couple (s)elfies and Buddy didn’t object to the garish Christmas prints filling their home. It wasn’t long after they moved in that Holly approached Buddy about protecting their individual assets.
Frequently I am asked whether a parent has rights in respect of their child and what this means for them as a parent. Simply, there will be a question about whether the parent has Parental Responsibility and if they don’t, how they can get it.
Are you dreading making arrangements for Christmas contact with your former partner? As the festive spirit approaches, Gemma Stevens shares how making plans early can help reduce the risk of conflict ruining the holiday periods.