Property and Finance

Let us do the talking

When a marriage or relationship ends it is necessary to sort out how assets such as property, shareholdings, business assets, investments and pensions, might be shared reasonably and fairly. The division of property and finance related assets and capital can very often create tension between the parties at a time when emotions might already be running quite high.

Our skilled legal team will ensure that all of the family finances are openly and transparently disclosed in accordance with legal principles that are designed to protect your financial interests.

Once financial disclosure has taken place we will decide whether or not any expert evidence is required.  When all of the relevant disclosure and evidence has been dealt with we will try to find solutions that match your financial expectations, whilst at the same time are realistic.  We will have no hesitation in putting offers forward on your behalf with a view to settling your case and we will help you “take a view” on what might be realistically achieved.

We will always seek to protect your interests, keep your case out of Court (unless there is no other solution).  We will seek to protect your finances and deal with your case in a cost-effective and proportionate way.

We are able to provide advice and solutions in connection with private limited companies, partnerships and other business entities, eg farming cases.  Where a case cannot be settled we will use our expert knowledge of family law and rules to promote your case through the Court process.

With decades of experience, our family law team at Berrymans Solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with the property and financial elements of a separation.

We work with  you to deliver the best possible outcome for  you and  your family, and know how to handle sensitive situations with both careful thought and firmness.

Berrymans Solicitors can help you with advice on:
  • Selling and transferring property giving consideration to potential Capital Gains Tax consequences
  • Transferring one spouse’s assets in the form of a cash sum
  • Deciding if one party should remain in the family home (e.g. until children are grown up) with the other party having a secured loan over the house.
  • Pension sharing
  • Debts or shared loans
  • Other assets that may need to be shared

If you need advice from a property and finance specialist, get in touch to book an initial consultation.

Speak to a Property and Finance Law specialist

Meet the Family Law Team


Sophia Mellor

Sophia Mellor

Position: Partner

Sophia has specialised in family law since 2007. She heads our family law Department, having previously headed a childcare Department and throughout her practice has always focused on providing excellent client care.

Sophia has an understanding and personable demeanour and is able to understand the needs of clients during this difficult period of their lives. She is also able to take a robust view and is realistic about what can be achieved in terms of reaching a settlement.

Sophia understands the financial challenges that need to be overcome to reach a financial settlement that is fair and reasonable, meets the needs of the parties and in accordance with the law puts the children first. She is able to advise clients in connection with the options that are available to them and assist them in making important decisions regarding the settlement of finance and property cases. Sophia also has the tenacity to take matters through the court process where cases do not settle.

Sophia has experience of dealing with finance and property matters and understands the dynamics of business whether in the guise of a private limited company, partnerships or professional entities.

Sophia is a member of Resolution, a member of the Association of lawyers for Children and an accredited member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.

Sophia is able to provide clients with expert legal advice in respect of any family matters including:

  • Divorce
  • Financial matters
  • Children act issues including guardianship issues and acting for grandparents.
  • Civil partnerships
  • Pre-nuptial agreements
  • Separation agreements
  • Cohabitation agreements
  • Injunctive proceedings including freezing orders.

Away from the office, Sophia is the Legal Advisor and Chair of a local Fostering Agency dealing with applications of prospective foster carers. Sophia is also a school Governor of a primary school and provides language tuition in her spare time.

Outside of work, Sophia loves to spoil her two little boys and keeps them busy and entertained. She loves to read, listen to music, run (when time allows) and long country walks. She also enjoys a full social life including music shows, cinema, dancing, dining and wining especially when her best friend, Champagne, is available.

T: + 44 161 3940532 E: [email protected]

Berrymans Solicitors is the trading name of Berrymans Solicitors LLP which is a Limited Liability Partnership – Company number 02675190. Incorporated on 6 January 1992. Registered Office: C/O Berrymans Lace Mawer, 2 New Bailey Square, Stanley Street, Salford, England, M3 5GS. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A reference to a partner of Berrymans Solicitors means a member or an employee, with partner status, of Berrymans Solicitors LLP. A list of partners is available for inspection at the Registered Office.

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