Salford (by appointment only)

Expert Legal Services in Salford

Launched in 2023, the Salford office of Woodcocks, Haworth & Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors is located at Centenary House, on the edge of Media City. Individuals, families, and businesses in Salford looking for specialist solicitors can access a wide range of legal experts and comprehensive services at WHN Solicitors.

Anybody in Salford looking for specialist solicitors can access a wide range of legal experts at WHN Solicitors. Whether you need family law advice, are going through divorce, buying property in the area, resolving a business dispute, or require assistance with wills and probate, our Salford-based solicitors are here to help.

Many of our experts are ranked nationally for their work. Our local solicitors have built up a strong reputation across Salford and Greater Manchester, not just for their expertise but for their personal approach, helping clients deal with complex legal challenges. WHN Solicitor’s Salford office has been commended by leading national legal guide, Chambers and Partners. It has praised our team for its commitment to client service and says that ‘WHN’s teams of specialist, friendly lawyers are committed to delivering outstanding results and exceptional service to businesses, individuals and families’.

How Our Salford Solicitors Can Help

Our Salford office comprises specialist solicitors across a number of disciplines from family law and divorce to commercial property, conveyancing, wills and probate.

Family Law and Divorce Solicitors in Salford

Our Salford family law team combines technical legal expertise with genuine empathy and understanding. We provide expert support to individuals and families across Salford and Greater Manchester during life’s most challenging moments. Our focus, at all times, is on helping you achieve the best possible outcome based on your circumstances — while minimising conflict wherever possible.

Divorce and Separation

Going through divorce in Salford? Our specialist solicitors are on hand to guide you through every stage of the process with the utmost sensitivity and efficiency. We understand that relationship breakdown is emotionally draining, and we’re here to make the legal process as straightforward as possible.

Our Salford divorce solicitors assist with:

• Divorce proceedings for straightforward separations.
• Contested divorce when disputes arise.
• Financial settlements and division of assets.
• Civil partnership dissolution.
• Legal separation advice.

David Connor, a director within our family law team, is personally recommended by Legal 500 for his ‘proficiencies in divorce and cohabitation disputes, acting in cases involving hidden finances and pension structures.’

What does the divorce process involve? The divorce process in England follows several stages: filing the divorce petition, your spouse responding, resolving financial settlements and child arrangements, obtaining the conditional order (provisional divorce), and then the final order. Our Salford divorce solicitors guide you through each stage, handling paperwork and representing your interests throughout. We explain each step clearly and keep you informed of progress.

How much does divorce cost? The costs associated with a divorce will escalate significantly depending on the complexity involved in your case. For example, if your separation involves business ownership, multiple properties, overseas assets, or disputed finances, you can expect the costs to be higher than a more straightforward case.

Geography affects costs, with London solicitors typically charging more than regional firms. During your consultation at our Salford office, we’ll provide a clear estimate based on your specific circumstances.

How long does divorce take? A divorce where both parties agree about finances and children typically takes 4-6 months from petition to final order. Cases with complex financial disputes may take 12-18 months or longer. Our Salford divorce team works efficiently to progress your case as swiftly as possible whilst protecting your interests throughout the process.

Financial Settlements

Dividing finances during divorce requires expert legal advice. Our Salford financial settlement solicitors handle:

• Property division and transfers.
• Pension sharing orders.
• Spousal maintenance arrangements.
• Business valuations for divorcing business owners.
• Financial disclosure and asset tracing.
• Consent orders to make agreements legally binding.

How are assets divided in divorce? Courts in England aim for fair division of matrimonial assets based on multiple factors including marriage length, financial contributions, needs of any children, earning capacity, and standard of living. There’s no automatic 50/50 split. Our Salford financial settlement solicitors work to achieve fair outcomes that protect your financial future, whether through negotiation or court proceedings if necessary.

What happens to pensions in divorce? Pensions are often matrimonial assets which are divided through three methods: pension sharing (most common, creates immediate clean break with the receiving spouse taking ownership), pension offsetting (trading pension value for other assets like property), or pension earmarking (directing future benefits to ex-spouse, less common due to ongoing dependency).

Pension valuation can be complex, requiring actuarial expertise. Our Salford solicitors work with trusted pension experts to ensure fair treatment of pension assets in your financial settlement.

Will I have to sell the family home? Not necessarily. Options include selling and splitting proceeds, one party buying out the other, postponing sale through a Mesher Order (until children finish education) or Martin Order (until remarriage/for life), or transferring ownership to one party outright. The solution depends on children’s needs and both parties’ financial circumstances.

Our Salford solicitors advise on the most practical solution for your family’s specific situation, considering stability for children and long-term financial security for both parties.

Child Arrangements

When parents separate, making arrangements for children is paramount. Our Salford family law solicitors help parents reach agreements about where children will live as well as contact arrangements, always prioritising children’s welfare.

We advise on:

• Child Arrangement Orders.
• Parenting plans and mediation support.
• Parental responsibility for unmarried fathers.
• Grandparent contact rights.
• Relocation disputes.

What is a Child Arrangement Order? Child Arrangement Orders replaced the old terms “custody” and “access” in 2014. These orders determine where children will live (residence) and how much time they spend with each parent (contact). Courts focus on the child’s welfare as the core consideration. Our Salford family law solicitors help parents reach agreements about child arrangements, using negotiation and mediation where possible, and court proceedings when necessary to protect children’s interests.

What are fathers’ rights in child custody? Fathers have equal rights to mothers if they have parental responsibility. Married fathers have automatic parental responsibility. Unmarried fathers have it automatically if on the birth certificate for births registered after 1 December 2003. Others must obtain a Parental Responsibility Order or formal agreement with the mother.

Our Salford solicitors advise fathers on establishing parental responsibility and securing meaningful contact with their children through negotiation or court proceedings.

Other Family Law Services

Our Salford family law solicitors also provide expert advice surrounding:

• Unmarried Couples: Cohabitation agreements, property disputes, and protecting your interests.
• Domestic Abuse: Urgent protection orders and legal support.
• Prenuptial Agreements: Asset protection before marriage for business and property owners.
• Adoption: Step-parent adoption and kinship adoption.
• Change of Name Deeds: Formal name change documentation.

Contact our Salford family law solicitors on 0161 761 8099 for expert family law support.

Conveyancing Solicitors in Salford

Buying or selling property in Salford? Our conveyancing solicitors provide efficient residential and commercial property legal services throughout Salford and Greater Manchester.

Residential Conveyancing

Whether you’re purchasing your first home in Salford Quays, moving to Eccles or Worsley, selling your Salford property, or remortgaging, our conveyancing team ensures smooth transactions.

Our residential conveyancing services include:

• Freehold purchases and sales.
• Leasehold conveyancing for apartments across Salford.
• New build properties in Media City and Salford Quays.
• Remortgaging and transfer of equity.
• Help to Buy schemes and Right to Buy.

Our Salford conveyancing solicitors know the local property market and handle searches, contracts, and Land Registry matters efficiently.

How long does conveyancing take? A straightforward residential transaction typically takes 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Timeframes vary based on chain length, mortgage requirements, and local authority search times. Properties without chains can complete faster, while remortgages typically take around four weeks once instructions are received.

Our Salford conveyancing solicitors work efficiently to progress your transaction swiftly whilst conducting thorough due diligence to protect your interests throughout the process.

What is the conveyancing process? Conveyancing involves six stages: instructing your solicitor after offer acceptance; commissioning property searches; reviewing the contract pack and raising enquiries; compiling a contract report and exchanging contracts (legally binding commitment); completion day when money transfers and keys release; and post-completion registration at Land Registry.

Our Salford conveyancing team handles the entire process, keeping you informed at each stage and explaining everything in plain English without legal jargon.

Commercial Conveyancing

Salford businesses benefit from our commercial property expertise. Our team is led by Nicola Phelps, who is recognised as a leading lawyer by both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Alongside associate Katie Hall, our solicitors assist with commercial property purchases, lease negotiations, and investment property transactions.

For conveyancing in Salford, call 0161 761 8099 for a quote.

Legal Services for Salford Businesses

Our Salford office provides expert commercial legal advice to businesses of all sizes across the whole of Greater Manchester. From start-ups to established corporations, we support business owners, directors, CEOs, and financial officers with the legal expertise needed to start, run, and grow successful businesses.

We have expert knowledge of the legal issues surrounding starting, running, and selling a business, as well as a strong understanding of many specialist sectors. Using WHN Solicitors gives you the assurance that you are dealing with highly qualified, professionally trained solicitors who do the job properly.

Corporate and Commercial Law

Paul Matthews, head of WHN’s corporate and commercial team, is personally recognised in Chambers and Partners for his work in mergers and acquisitions and his support for SME and owner-managed businesses across Salford and Greater Manchester.

Our Salford commercial solicitors advise on:

• Business sales and acquisitions.
• Mergers and acquisitions.
• Shareholder and partnership agreements.
• Commercial contracts and terms.
• Business start-up advice.

Commercial Property

We have a number of business law specialists and teams that rank nationally for their expertise in renowned directories such as Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

WHN’s commercial property specialists Nicola Phelps and Katie Hall are personally recommended by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Director Paul Matthews is similarly recognised for his corporate and commercial expertise.

Business Disputes and Litigation

CEO Michael Shroot and director Sara Beaumont have been ranked by Legal 500 for their ‘professional and efficient’ advice in dispute resolution and property litigation, with director, Daniel Long, described as being at ‘the top of his game’ within property litigation. Director, Eleanor Longworth, is also recognised as a ‘rising star’.

Daniel Long is also personally recognised in Chambers and Partners for his expertise in resolving disputes between commercial landlords and tenants.

How our solicitors can help Salford businesses:

• Business disputes and commercial litigation.
• Corporate and commercial law.
• Commercial property acquisitions and leases.
• Commercial property dispute resolution.
• Debt recovery.
• Employer protection scheme.
• Employment law.
• Long leasehold dispute resolution.

For business law advice in Salford, contact 0161 761 8099.

Why Choose Our Salford Solicitors?

Nationally Recognised Expertise

Many of our Salford solicitors are ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for their specialist knowledge. When you instruct WHN Solicitors’ Salford office, you benefit from:

• Award-winning legal expertise recognised nationally.
• Personal service from experienced local solicitors.
• Clear communication in plain English.
• Competitive fees with transparent pricing.
• Part of a law firm with over 200 years of heritage and tradition.

Part of a Wider Network

As part of WHN Solicitors, our Salford office benefits from resources and expertise across our network of offices in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslingden, and Rawtenstall, whilst maintaining personal service for Salford clients.

Serving Salford and Greater Manchester

Our Salford office serves clients throughout the wider Greater Manchester area, including:

• Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.
• Salford Central.
• Eccles and Monton.
• Swinton and Pendlebury.
• Walkden and Little Hulton.
• Worsley and Boothstown.
• Irlam and Cadishead.
• Pendleton.
• Throughout the City of Salford.

We also serve clients from Manchester city centre, Trafford, Prestwich, and across Greater Manchester.

Where to Find Our Salford Office (by Appointment Only)

Located on the edge of Media City, WHN’s Salford office is easily accessible by car, tram, bus or train. Please note that all visits are by pre-arranged appointment.

Address:
WHN Solicitors Salford
4th Floor, Centenary House
1 Centenary Way
Salford, M50 1RF

By Tram: MediaCityUK Metrolink station is a 5-minute walk from our Salford office.
By Car: Parking available at Centenary House. Postcode for sat-nav: M50 1RF.
By Bus: Multiple bus routes serve Media City and Salford Quays.
Office Hours for Appointments: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.

About WHN Solicitors in Salford

Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall (WHN) Solicitors is an award-winning North West law firm, which advises businesses, individuals and families across the North on a full range of legal matters.

WHN employs over 100 staff in offices in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Clitheroe, Great Harwood, Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Salford.

The firm is renowned nationally for its work, with many of its specialist lawyers and teams ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners guides to the UK’s best lawyers.

The firm is driven by a philosophy to put the client experience at the heart of every action, behaviour, decision, innovation and change.

Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors was created following the merger of Woodcocks Solicitors and Haworth and Nuttall Solicitors in 2012.

The origins of Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall date back over 200 years. Woodcocks was founded in 1791 while Haworth and Nuttall first opened its doors in 1877.

Contact Our Salford Solicitors

For expert legal advice in Salford, contact WHN Solicitors today by telephone 0161 761 8099

For more information about our legal services in Salford and how we can help you please contact us on 0161 761 8099 or send an enquiry below.