Protecting your legacy. Supporting your future

Running a family business means more than managing operations - it means safeguarding relationships, planning for the future, and protecting what you’ve built together. At Porter Dodson, we understand the unique dynamics of family-run enterprises and offer tailored legal advice to help you thrive across generations.

Whether you're formalising agreements, planning succession, or navigating sensitive disputes, our team is here to provide clarity, confidence, and practical solutions.

Legal services for family businesses

We offer a comprehensive range of legal services designed to support the unique needs of family-owned businesses:

Family Business Agreements
Set clear expectations and responsibilities with bespoke agreements that protect both the business and the family.
Estate Planning
Ensure your personal and business assets are structured for long-term security and tax efficiency.
Succession Planning
Plan for leadership transitions with strategies that preserve harmony and business continuity.
Dispute Resolution
Resolve internal conflicts with sensitivity and a focus on preserving relationships and business stability.
Commercial Property
Legal support for buying, selling, leasing, or developing property used by the business.
Employment Law
Advice on contracts, policies, and HR matters—whether your team is family or not.
Divorce & Separation
Protect the business during personal changes with expert legal guidance.
Nuptial Agreements
Safeguard business interests with pre- and post-nuptial agreements tailored to your circumstances.

Why choose Porter Dodson for your Family Business?

Recognised excellence – Ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise in Corporate Commercial, Private Client services, Commercial Property and Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Specialist Understanding
We know the legal and emotional complexities of running a family business.
Joined-up legal support – Our team works seamlessly across property, corporate commercial, litigation, family and private client to protect your personal and business interests.
Trusted by generations – With deep roots in the community, we’ve supported families and business owners across the South West and beyond for decades.

I am absolutely delighted with the service I received from Hannah Richards at Porter Dodson regarding with the sale of my property. Extremely informative from the very start. Providing updates along the way and responding to enquiries very quickly and efficiently. As with all sales it can be quite stressful especially at the last hurdle, but Hannah's reassurance and friendly and professional manner kept me calm throughout the process. I would highly recommend Hannah and will certainly be in touch with my next purchase. Well done Hannah!

Debbie

Reena Raval is well known as the most knowledgeable and experienced conveyancing solicitor in the South West. That reputation, in our experience, is fully justified. Reena grasped all the issues and negotiated, on our behalf, with ‘the other side’. Reena is kind, efficient and experienced. My wife and I are very, very grateful and recommend her without hesitation.

Nicholas

I have used Porter Dodson over very many years. Their level of personal service, professionalism and understanding is incomparable. I would be very happy to recommend and appoint Porter Dodson for any legal advice. In particular I would like to express my personal thanks to Vicki Thyer who has advised, guided me and given me such confidence through several matters but very recently the recent probate of my late Father. I cannot thank you enough.

Andrew

It has always been a great pleasure to deal with Marie as she is friendly, warm and courteous and what is more, she has always responded promptly to my emails as well as answering any queries I may have had in a most helpful and reassuring manner which I have very much appreciated. Based on my recent experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Marie's professional services.

Catherine