Family Law
When life takes an unexpected turn, you may find yourself in need of expert help. Divorce, separation, children, money – whatever situation you face, we will be right there with you, your personal expert, strategist, and empathetic adviser. We will help to guide you through troubled waters and on to the next chapter in your life.
Managing difficult situations
With a team of family law experts we can help manage difficult situations, protect your future and help find a solution that works for you including:
- divorce and relationship breakdown: finding the best solution to enable you to move on with your life and help you fully understand your options and what your entitlements are;
- private children cases: helping you navigate the emotional difficulties that a disagreement about a child can create; and
- keeping you safe: giving you the right powers to protect a child you are concerned about, or if you are in a dangerous situation yourself.
Children in Divorce
When there are children involved in divorce, the most difficult issues and arguments can arise. Emotions run high, but the child’s best interests should always be the first and main consideration.
We have produced a complete guide on how you might successfully navigate issues that may arise with children in divorce. You can go straight to an area of interest from the Guide by clicking on one of the Chapters below.
- Parental responsibility
- Specific issue and prohibited steps orders
- Special guardianship
- Custody
- Maintenance
- Grandparents’ rights
- FAQ’s
Protecting your future
- Protecting your finances: helping you put arrangements in place to protect your business, income, inheritance or pension if your relationship breaks down
- Planning with your partner: advising on prenuptial, postnuptial and living together agreements so you have the proper protection in place
Finding a solution that works for you
You will want to overcome any concerns, issues and difficulties you face as efficiently and quickly as possible. How to do this will not be the same for everybody.
Different personalities mean different approaches are required and we can work with you to decide on the best choice for you, which may be:
- mediation;
- collaborative law;
- arbitration;
- private financial dispute resolution hearing/early neutral evaluation; or
- court application.
We will always explain what each method involves and take the time to advise you as to the pros and cons of each in your particular circumstances.
How we work with you
Whilst based in the South of England, Paris Smith acts for businesses and families throughout the UK. Technology has enabled us to provide a high level of service to our clients whether they are local to our offices or not. Our advice can be given in many ways:
- Over the telephone
- Via video conferencing
- In face to face meetings
We will talk through how you would like to be contacted and the best ways for us to meet in our early conversations with you.

Chambers and Partners Legal Directory 2024 – Band 1
What the team is known for
Paris Smith is a standout firm representing high net worth individuals in matrimonial disputes concerning trusts, inherited wealth and property, with additional expertise in drafting high-value nuptial agreements. The team also has experience in handling highly acrimonious private children matters. The firm offers litigation expertise and also provides mediation services for clients seeking an alternative, as well as collaboratively trained lawyers.
Strengths
“What is so striking is the partners all have brains the size of planets. The team is very tactical and they provide a gold standard of service.”
“Paris Smith has some of the go-to family lawyers for high net worth individuals in the area.”
“They work really well together as a team. They provide a Rolls-Royce service in Southampton.”
Notable Practitioners
Neil Davies – Band 1
Southampton-based Neil Davies has notable strength in handling high net worth matrimonial finance cases. He also has a notable practice in acting as mediator in complex matters.
“He is incredibly professional and you get the sense that he’s seen it all before. He’s completely in control and very reassuring to his client.”
“Neil is one of the leading high net worth solicitors in the area.”
Huw Miles – Band 1
Huw Miles is the managing partner of Paris Smith and also leads the firm’s family offering in Winchester. He is regularly instructed to advise on high-value financial remedies.
“Huw is a very experienced matrimonial lawyer who not only has the technical legal knowledge but is also a great tactician whilst having the ability to see the overall picture. Clients trust his judgement and he is always available for them.”
Frank Prior – Band 1
Head of the family department at Paris Smith, Frank Prior regularly handles financial disputes following divorce and separation. He is also adept at drafting prenuptial agreements involving substantial wealth and high-value assets.
“He’s not fazed by anything. He’s very down to earth and experienced with big numbers. His clients like his robust approach.”
“Frank is very thorough, collaborative and clued-in.”

Legal 500 Directory 2024 – Top Tier
Paris Smith LLP is instructed by a notable roster of high-net-worth-individuals and business owners, demonstrating significant strength in the agricultural and rural sectors. The family division is well equipped to assist clients through mediation and arbitration proceedings, as well as private financial dispute resolution hearings. Winchester-based managing partner Huw Miles is an expert on nuptial agreements and cohabitee disputes, while in Southampton, Frank Prior focuses on high-value matrimonial finance cases. Neil Davies is a highly regarded mediator, and Sarah Passemard concentrates on complex litigation claims. Rachel Osgood is knowledgeable on family trust and separation matters, and Lisa Bray deals with private Children Act issues. Heather Souter is also noted.
What clients say:
‘Huw Miles – extensive knowledge of the law and practice. Calm under pressure and instils confidence in clients.’
‘Frank Prior has a great manner with the client and is very adept at looking at all angles.’
‘Zoe Culverwell – just a fantastic legal brain with a great understanding of the issues.’
‘Frank Prior is an extremely experienced, charismatic partner at Paris Smith who is a first-rate lawyer. He gets brilliant results and is adored by clients and opponents alike.’
‘Lisa Bray is a fantastic lawyer. She is extremely good with details and her knowledge of the law is second to none.’
‘Sarah Passemard has a brain the size of a planet. She is a fantastic lawyer who gets great results and is extremely well liked by clients. She combines her knowledge of the law with commercial pragmatism which makes her a very safe pair of hands. She is a match for any of the top London firms.’
‘Rachel Osgood is brilliant. She is one of the best matrimonial finance lawyers out there. She is tactically extremely astute and combines fantastic interpersonal skills which clients love with an expert knowledge of the law and procedure.’
‘Neil Davies and Zoe Culverwell are a great team delivering pragmatic advice at a fair price.’
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