Beth Woodward
Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law
Beth Woodward
Partner and Head of Divorce and Family Law
Specialisms:
- Family Law
- Divorce and Separation
- Change of Name
- Child Arrangements
- Children Disputes
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Collaborative Law
- Enforcement of Orders
- High Net Worth Divorce
- Jurisdiction
- Financial Provision for Children
- Financial Arrangements
- Injunctions and Occupation Orders
- Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
- Relocation of Children
- Separation Agreements
- Special Guardianship Orders
- Unmarried Couples
- Cases with a Foreign Element
Fax: 01582 768504
Tel: 01582 715234
Email: beth.woodward@nevesllp.co.uk
Office:
- Harpenden
Career History
I worked for another large regional firm for 10 years before moving to Neves in 2003. I am a partner specialising in family law.
Recent Cases
All areas of family law. In recent years a large part of my work has dealt with the financial aspects of divorce and relationship breakdown. This ranges from cases where the main asset is the family home, to cases involving family businesses, complex pension sharing arrangements, representing parents where family trusts are alleged, variation of maintenance orders, applications for sale and disputes over beneficial interests between cohabiting couples.
At the same time, I continue to act for parents and grandparents in disputes over arrangements for children (until recently known as residence and contact issues). I have experience in international abduction cases, and in cases alleging child abuse. I am on the Law Society's Panel of Family Law Specialist Lawyers. I am a trained collaborative lawyer and head of the Milton Keynes group of collaborative lawyers and a member of Resolution.
I am listed in the Legal 500 2025 edition.
Testimonial collected by Legal 500 "Beth has some skilled team members who are going from strength to strength. Beth is well known in the Bucks and Beds areas and her reputation is growing in London as being bright, experienced and sensitive to the trauma that families often go through she does her best not to compound this, always looking for the best most amicable solution in the circumstances."
Legal 500 editorial comment "The ‘dynamic and committed’ family team at Neves offers experience in a broad range of matters, including cohabitant disputes, nuptial agreements, and sensitive financial and children disputes arising out of separation. Beth Woodward is recommended for utilising alternative forms of dispute resolution."
Being recommended by Legal 500 provides clients with an independent assessment of our ability and gives a flavour of who we are and what sets us apart from other law firms.
Visit the Legal 500 rankings for more information.
What makes me human
I drifted into law in my twenties when I realised how I relished fighting clients' corners and achieving just outcomes which made my clients feel I had spoken up for them and equipped them for whatever the future held.
My life plan was to travel and to enjoy a life of pleasure pursuing my interests associated with travel. Now I find myself with a career that I love which I would never willingly give up, Plan B involves doing as much as possible outside work. Fortunately, one child shares my interest in books, theatre, art and culture. The other is into running and outdoorsy things, which suits me perfectly.
Google Five Star Review
"Beth Woodward, I wanted to say thank you for supporting me on my recent divorce. Faced with one of the most aggressive and unpleasant legal firms in London, you led me through both the family and financial divorce courts and more than achieved every one of my goals for the divorce. Most importantly, I have equal time parenting with my two girls and a really fair settlement so I can support them financially, both not even remotely offered by the other side. You listened and supported me when I really went for it, kept me sane through the FDR and court visits and also gave me the tough messages when I need to hear it. Thank you, I can’t quite explain how we did it, but we did 😊 😊 😊 😊"
The Government has announced a change to how divorcing couples are treated for capital gains tax purposes when transferring assets between themselves. The new rules take effect from 5 April 2023 and a bill to this effect is currently passing through parliament.
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I have had the pleasure of Beth representing me on financial and child arrangements over the last few years. Beth has been brilliant all round. She is personable, pragmatic and great at explaining legal matters in a way I can understand. Beth always communicates in a timely manner and never rushes me and listens to my concerns with care.