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Our specialist family lawyers will stand by you

As experts in family law, we’re familiar with a range of family matters – and we have the understanding and expertise to support you and your family every step of the way.

We have a team of specialist family lawyers across England and Wales who provide expert, impartial advice to help resolve issues affecting families, from divorce to financial matters and dealing with domestic abuse.

Our team will provide you with advice and guidance that only comes from years of family law experience.

Together with our partner divorce coaches, mediators and other family law professionals, we build a knowledgeable, well-respected support network to give you the confidence to move forward with strength.

Our services

Divorce

No two divorces are the same, which is why we offer an assortment of divorce services. From fixed fee and online divorce to high-net-worth individuals and international divorce, our specialists have experience in it all. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting the divorce process or have been asked to respond to an application our divorce solicitors are here to guide you through the process with confidence. 

See our divorce solicitors

Child law

One of the hardest parts about separating is agreeing on arrangements for your children. You want to ensure they’re safe and happy – and if they’re with you, it’s easier to make sure this happens. However, your ex-partner will also feel the same. Our child arrangement order lawyers can work with you to put the welfare of your children as a priority and create an agreement that works for the whole family. 

See our child arrangement order solicitors
Child Law Experts - Stowe Family Law

Civil partnerships

Ending a civil partnership legally is known as a dissolution. We recognise that understanding dissolution and how to end a civil partnership isn’t well known, which is why we have a dedicated team of civil partnership solicitors. Our experts can help you navigate your dissolution with ease, answering any questions and calming any concerns you may have. 

See our civil partnership experts
Civil partnership dissolution solicitors

Unmarried couples

Cohabiting is increasing in popularity, but couples who live together but aren’t married or in a civil partnership still don’t have many rights. If that relationship breaks down, it can lead to legal complications. Our cohabitation lawyers will tailor your cohabitation agreement to your specific situation so you can have peace of mind that you have the rights that you deserve. 

See our cohabitation lawyers

Domestic abuse

Abuse takes many forms – physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and financial – and our experts know this. This is why we provide support from the very first conversation you have with us. We have a dedicated team of domestic abuse solicitors who have helped numerous survivors across the UK to feel safe and ready to move forward with life. We’ll always be here for you and can even connect you with more specialist networks to ensure you have unparalleled support during this time. 

See our domestic abuse solicitors
Domestic Abuse Solicitors - Stowe Family Law

Financial services

Finances can often cause stress, and this is particularly true during separation. A financial settlement legally divides your joint assets, but the legal jargon and technicalities can lead to even more stress. Our financial settlement lawyers can guide you through the process, ensuring you reach a fair settlement that sets you up for life after divorce. If you’re looking to prevent a complex divorce settlement, our prenuptial agreement solicitors can draft an agreement that brings peace of mind for your future

See our divorce financial settlement solicitors
Finance Solicitors - Stowe Family Law

International

If you or your family have connections with more than one country – whether that be you’ve moved abroad or have differing nationalities – it can make legal matters even more complicated. The laws vary in each country, so having a team of knowledgeable experts is invaluable to help you succeed. Stowe Family Law’s international divorce lawyers have helped numerous clients with their international family law matters, so you’re in safe hands with us   

See our international divorce lawyers
International family law

Out of court

Here at Stowe Family Law, we always provide a tailored service to each client to ensure they receive the best option for their case. Sometimes, this includes mediation or other alternative dispute resolutions. We work closely with a team of specialist mediators to provide a safe, constructive, and collaborative approach to resolution that keeps the best interests of your family paramount. Discover our range of out of court divorce solutions. 

See our of court divorce solutions
Mediation

Fertility law

If you’re hoping to grow your family but are confused by the laws surrounding surrogacy or adoption, we’re here to help. Our fertility solicitors help numerous UK families to achieve their dreams, whether that be through donor conception, surrogacy, or adoption. We’ll talk you through the process in terms you understand to ensure all legal considerations and requirements are met. This way, you and your new family begin to live life together. 

See our fertility solicitors
Surrogacy in the UK - Stowe Family Law surrogacy lawyers

Not sure which service you need?

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What is family law?

Family law is a broad area of legal practice that focuses on issues involving family relationships and lays out the rights of family members.

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While it is primarily associated with divorce proceedings, it covers many areas that impact on people’s personal and family life, including finances following separation, dealing with domestic abuse, child law, surrogacy, adoption and nuptial agreements.

We offer an award-winning service

Stowe Family Law is a nationwide firm with a huge number of extremely talented family lawyers. They are efficient and price sensitive and capable of servicing the needs of the whole spectrum of family cases. 

The divorce process

Application

One or both spouses submit a divorce application to the court using the HMCTS Portal, citing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage without assigning blame.
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20-week reflection period

After the application is filed, and your former spouse has responded to the petition, a mandatory 20-week reflection period begins. During this time, spouses may also exchange financial information using Form E and address any necessary child arrangements, including including the time your children spend with you both.

Conditional order

After the reflection period, the applicant(s) apply for a Conditional order (previously known as Decree Nisi). The court reviews the case and, if satisfied, grants the order.
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6-week waiting period

Following the Conditional order, there is a mandatory 6-week waiting period before the final step can be taken.

Final order

After the 6-week waiting period, the applicant(s) may apply for the Final Order (previously known as Decree Absolute), officially ending the marriage.
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Average 9-12 months

If more than 12 months have elapsed between obtaining your conditional order and applying for your final order, you will have to submit a short statement to support your application, explaining the delay.

Why choose us?

Why Stowe Family Law

Whatever you’re facing as a family, in whatever shape yours is, was, or will be, we’ll be here to listen to what you have to say and help with what you need to do.

As the only national law firm completely dedicated to family matters, we don’t touch anything else.

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In us, you’ll have an ally who understands what you’re going through and takes the strain.

Meaning you can move forward in life from a position of strength.

Handled with care.

  • Understanding what you're going through

  • Making family law easier to grasp

  • Helping to take the strain

  • Tailoring our services for you and your circumstances

Family law solicitor FAQs

Family law solicitor FAQs

  • Why do I need a lawyer in a family law case?

    Family law is a complex and diverse area of law, and cases can quickly become complicated, with potentially far-reaching implications on your life. It is important to seek advice from a family law specialist to ensure that you prepare for and complete paperwork and applications correctly, and ensure that the information you need is gathered together and easily accessible.

    A family lawyer also understands the processes at each stage, be it a divorce application, financial consent order or a child arrangements order, the complex language and jargon used, timeframes, and what is likely to be accepted and approved by the court, if required.

    They also help take the strain and dial down the stress, so you can approach your case with the support you need to make well-informed decisions from a calmer and more measured place.

  • Do you provide additional support outside the case?

    We understand that family law cases can be sensitive, so your family solicitor will build the right team around you and work closely with a range of other professionals including divorce coaches, financial planners, pension experts, tax experts and mediators.

    You can also access a range of free resources including our view our blog, podcast, videos and guides to get a better understanding of the different areas within family law.

  • How do I arrange a consultation with a family lawyer?

    To arrange an initial conversation with a member of our client care team, get in touch by calling us on 0330 191 4938. You can also fill out our callback form or contact your local office directly.

    Once you’ve discussed your situation during this initial call and you decide to proceed with us, we will arrange a meeting with a specialist lawyer to go over next steps.

  • How much does a family law solicitor cost?

    We offer a variety of packages depending on the type of issue you need support with.

    Using divorce as an example, we offer a fixed-fee package as well as an hourly rate package, which tends to be more appropriate for complex cases. Our family lawyers will discuss your options and circumstances with you and estimate how much work may be involved.

    This way, you will receive transparency on the estimated costs. Please note that while we make our estimates as accurate as possible, due to factors outside your family solicitor’s control costs can change. However, you will be updated on this at every step of the process.

  • Is there support available to fund my case?

    You may be able to fund your case using an external lender. They offer tailored funding to cover legal costs, taxes and fees. In some cases, you won’t have to pay anything until the case has finished.

    While we can’t recommend providers, we have working relationships with lenders such as Ampla, Novitas and Level. You should seek financial advice before considering a loan application. We do not offer legal aid but it may be available in certain circumstances.

  • What is mediation?

    Many legal cases use mediation so that disputes can be resolved fairly. A mediator is a neutral, independent person involved in the process. It is important to note that a mediator cannot provide legal advice – your family solicitor will support this aspect before and during mediation.

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