Stevens & Bolton LLP
Managing associate assisting clients on a broad spectrum of family matters ranging from complex high value financial proceedings following divorce to disputes in relation to children.
England - South East • Private client
Stevens & Bolton LLP
The family law practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP regularly advises individuals in the medical profession, hedge fund managers, accountants, property developers and lawyers on complex financial matters after relationship breakdown, pre-nuptial agreements as well as private law children proceedings. Situated in Guildford, the team collaborates with the tax and trusts team to offer assistance with generational financial planning work. Team leader and Resolution trained collaborative lawyer Nicola Harries specialises in pre-nuptial agreements for ultra and high-net-worth individuals. Promoted to partner in 2022, Grace Parker-White, also an accredited hybrid mediator, offers assistance with a range of matters including divorce and separation mandates, while managing associate Sean Hilton has particular expertise in advising on third-party interventions. Other key lawyers include Victoria Batstone, who handles international child matters including child abduction cases in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The family team are, to my mind, the best firm outside of London. They are much better than most the London firms too, but their USP should be that they can ably compete with the capital's best family law solicitors whilst charging only a fraction of the price. They are a full-service law firm and so are able to offer cross-departmental advice on the same case. If my friends ask for a recommendation, I tell them to see Stevens & Bolton.'
- 'Sean Hilton is an amazing lawyer with extensive knowledge and great insights in terms of how to handle cases and the people involved. When acting on their behalf. Sean stands out from the competition as he’s calm and composed uses those qualities to achieve the best result for his clients. I would recommend Sean to anyone needing a family lawyer at any level or complexity.'
- 'The team is spearheaded by Nicola Harries, whom I have had the benefit of working with for years. She is highly astute and a very strategic lawyer. She predominantly works with HNW/ultra HNW clients, all of whom feel very comfortable in her hands. In short, she is 'untrickable' and has excellent judgement.'
- 'Grace Parker-White and Sean Hilton - both of these stars could run firms in their own right.'
- 'The family team is extremely professional, very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with. They are always helpful and available to address any questions and go about their business in the most professional and pleasant way.'
- 'Sean Hilton and Victoria Batstone advise clients correctly from the very start of the matter. Their communications with the other side are always well drafted, concise and contain the appropriate level of detail and argument.'
- Sean Hilton is very popular with clients, and clear and concise with this advice which is always accurate and correct on the law.'
- 'Grace Parker-White was amazing during a very difficult divorce. She listened to my suggestions, talked me down when I was worried, and gave sane and very sound advice throughout.'
Work highlights
- Acted as a mediator for parties in a matter which involved complex international assets of approximately £7m, including a ski chalet.
- Successfully representing a fund manager seeking to remain at his country estate while also protecting his valuable future carry payments from being fully shared.
- Acting for the founding director of a multi-million pound company seeking to protect his business interests in divorce negotiations.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Stevens & Bolton LLP
Partner and head of family. Nicola deals predominantly with medium and high net worth ancillary relief cases, as well as advising in relation to pre – and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, cohabitation issues and children matters, including child abduction. Many of her cases involve complex or overseas assets. Nicola has given professional comment on BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio London and has written numerous articles on family related issues for a variety of professional and other publications. She is also a trained collaborative lawyer.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Nicola Harries