Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call local rate
Getting started
Sometimes, the hardest step is the first.
At Stowe, we have a range of different paths tailored to your unique situation, helping you avoid unnecessary conflict, costs and time.
From help filling out divorce applications to legal guidance with mediation to a full retainer legal service, our flexible solutions give you the support you need, exactly when you need it.
But what is the right service for you? To help, you’ll find useful information to help you decide below.
It’s important to note, if you are in a relationship where there is domestic abuse or violence present some of the options below won’t be suitable. We recommend you read through our domestic abuse solicitors page to see how we can help you.
Are you currently going through a divorce or looking to start the divorce process?
We are here to help you, no matter the journey. We’ll make sure you do it right to save unnecessary time, money, and emotional stress.
To select the right Stowe service, we ask if you are looking for a divorce to help us understand your situation a little better.
Select Yes if you require a divorce or dissolution, or are currently in the process of getting a divorce. Select No if you require a different service, for example, prenuptial agreements, child custody or surrogacy.
Did you know?
A divorce has three sections.
- The legal process to end your marriage (you have to complete this to get divorced)
- Resolving your financial situation
- Making arrangements for any children
If you don’t need help with finances, property or children, our fixed-fee service is a good option.
If you need help with all three sections, we have different packages available.
Choose your divorce package
Your choice of package depends on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation between you and your spouse.
You can check your suitability and find further details about each package.
You don’t have to choose just one path. For example, you may start with mediation, then move to lawyer negotiation if issues remain unresolved. Legal advice is available at every stage to ensure you’re protected.
-
Most common
Lawyer negotiation
Full-service retainer
Best for:
- Couples struggling to communicate
- People feeling overwhelmed or unsure about their rights
- Situations involving property, children or finances that cannot be agreed upon.
- Anyone who does not want to undertake the process themselves
- Anyone in a high-conflict or abusive situation
- Anyone who doesn’t know where to start or what to expect
Lawyer negotiation is a way to resolve your divorce through solicitors, without the need to appear in court.
You each have your own solicitor who negotiates on your behalf to reach a fair agreement on finances, children and property.
It’s calm, structured and legally secure.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
-
Self-serve divorce
Legal support when you need it
Best for:
- People managing their divorce but needing legal guidance
- Those on a budget who can’t afford full legal representation
- Anyone using DIY, online divorce, or mediation who wants legal backup
- Individuals who want reassurance before making big decisions
- Low-conflict and low complexity cases
Self-serve legal services give you access to expert help from a family solicitor when you need it, with no ongoing commitment.
You pay an hourly rate for specific tasks, like strategy meetings, reviewing documents, offering advice, or helping you prepare for mediation.
It’s flexible, affordable legal support — on your terms, at your pace.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
-
Mediation support
Legal advice during mediation
Best for:
- Couples using mediation who want legal peace of mind
- Individuals unsure about financial or parenting proposals
- Anyone who wants support without full legal representation
- People looking to avoid court while protecting their interests
- Cases with no domestic abuse issues
This service offers on-demand legal advice from a qualified solicitor to support you through mediation.
Your mediator will help you to reach an agreement, while your solicitor will give you independent, confidential advice so you understand your rights and feel confident in every decision.
You stay in control of the outcome, while your solicitor ensures it’s fair and legally sound before anything is signed.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
More divorce packages
If those options don’t feel quite right, we have more packages available such as Mediation, Collaborative Law and Court Proceedings.
It’s important to speak to our friendly team for a confidential, no obligation discussion to help us understand your needs better and guide you to the right solution.
-
Other divorce packages
Along with our more common packages, we also offer Mediation, Collaborative Law and Court Proceedings.
Mediation
Best for:
- Couples who are willing to talk but need help staying on track
- Those who want to avoid the stress and cost of court
- Parents looking to make child-focused decisions together
- People aiming for a quicker, more amicable separation
- Cases with no domestic abuse issues
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a trained, neutral mediator helps you and your ex-spouse reach agreements on finances, child arrangements, and property without going to court.
The mediator doesn’t take sides or give legal advice but helps you communicate and find common ground.
It’s a constructive and cooperative path and can be more cost-effective.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
Collaborative law
Best for:
- Couples who want a dignified, cooperative divorce
- Situations involving complex assets or shared parenting
- People who value face-to-face dialogue with legal support
- Those committed to staying out of court from the start
Collaborative law is a process where you and your ex hire specially trained solicitors, and all four of you work together in joint meetings to reach an agreement. Everyone commits to resolving issues in writing without resorting to court.
Discussions can cover a wide range of topics, including finances, property, and child arrangements, with a focus on open and respectful negotiation.
It’s a structured, team-based approach that keeps control in your hands.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
Court proceedings
Best for:
- High-conflict situations where agreement isn’t possible
- Complex financial or child-related issues
- Cases involving risk, urgency, or lack of cooperation
- When all other routes like mediation or negotiation — have failed
Court proceedings are a formal legal process where a judge makes decisions about your finances, property, or child arrangements because you and your ex can’t reach an agreement. There are several hearings to give couples the opportunity to agree. If not, at a final hearing, the judge will make a legally binding decision that you and your ex must follow.
It is very rare for cases to go to court, especially to a final hearing. The court should be a last resort but if everything else has failed, it will give you protection, clarity, and finality.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
Ready to get the support you need?
You can use our online form to book a free, confidential callback at a time that suits you. The team will then guide you in the right direction and match you with a specialist lawyer if you decide you want to proceed with us.
Book free callback
What to expect when you get in touch
We understand that contacting us for the first time can be a big step. That’s why we make it as supportive and straightforward as possible from the very beginning. Find out what happens when you contact us.
How Stowe works
What our clients say
Nicola Beasley
Mar 2021
Nicola has a fantastic professionalism that reduced my anxiety almost instantly. She is sympathetic and supportive whilst still being fair, unbiased and informative. Her knowledge and skill of explaining everything so simply made what I expected to be a long stressful process so much easier.
Leaving her office after our first meeting left me with a huge sense of relief that she was in control of the process as I understood it all much better. I would recommend her services to anyone without hesitation.
—Ms R
show more
Samantha Edwards
Jun 2024
I met with Samantha Edwards and I was instantly put at ease. She was super friendly and as the meeting progressed i was very impressed with how professional, knowledgeable, and personable she was. I’ve never had to meet with a solicitor before so Samantha really did put my mind at ease with what to expect moving forward with my divorce and I really felt like she has my best interest at heart and will do all she can to represent me in the best way possible. Divorce is not something I wanted, but now I am in this position I feel more confident with Samantha as my solicitor.
—Mrs B
show more
Niamh McCarthy
Sep 2022
Niamh McCarthy was extremely professional and gave me a high level of confidence yet was very approachable. She was clear and pragmatic in laying out positions and options as well as being sensitive to dealing with my situation. I always had confidence she was on top of things and up to speed with my case.
—Legal 500
show more
Shanika Varga
Oct 2022
Shanika is able to identify the real issues in a case and work from there with purpose.
—The 2023 Chambers UK Guide
show more
Ciara Pugh
Apr 2021
I want to thank...Ciara for your endless patience with what must be the worst law firm still practising, I hope it's some time before you have to deal with them again, if never! And thank you for all your help and guidance to get to a fair resolution in the end.
—Adam
show more
Liza Gatrell
Jul 2021
Your impact on our lives has been instrumental, lasting and we will not forget it.
—Anon
show more
Emel Hamit
Feb 2023
Emel is absolutely fantastic. She is a blessing to be working with, and she is very tuned in that my child is the heart of all. Her knowledge and understanding is Far beyond what I’d expected. I’d absolutely recommend working working with Emel and Stowe Family Law
—Anon
show more
Sebastian Burrows
Nov 2019
Fantastic modern offices and expert advice from Sebastian Burrows, highly recommended for all areas of family law.
—Mr H
show more
Our other family law services
Outside of our divorce services, we specialise in agreements for those looking to move in with or marry their partner but prefer extra protection for their future.
We also support families looking to grow through assisted reproduction, donor conception or adoption.
You can see more information about these services below.
-
Agreements
Including prenup, postnup and cohabitation
Best for:
- People who want the guidance of a legal team
- Those with significant assets, inherited wealth, or children from previous relationships
- Couples with varying financial situations
- Those who want to live together, but aren’t ready to say ‘I do’
- Anyone wanting peace of mind that they have a legally sound agreement
If you’re about to move in with or marry your partner, but want to ensure that your assets are protected, our lawyers can draft a range of agreements to protect your possessions.
For those engaged, a prenuptial agreement can be written prior to the big day for peace of mind. Already married? We provide postnuptial agreements, too. This way, no matter your circumstances, our solicitors are always here to help.
Unmarried couples who live together but aren’t married have minimal rights. Therefore, it’s important to secure a cohabitation agreement from our experts to ensure your future is protected.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
-
Surrogacy & Adoption
Including legal advice for fertility treatment
Best for:
- Individuals or couples growing their families through assisted fertility
- People who want the guidance of a legal team
- LGBTQ+ couples who want legal support during this time
- Surrogates and donors who want to understand their rights
We understand that growing a family isn’t always straightforward. This is why we have expert solicitors in all areas of fertility law, so you can trust we’ll be by your side from the start.
For example, we provide specialist legal advice for couples who want to grow their family through surrogacy, assisted reproduction, donor conception, or adoption.
Fertility law is ever evolving, but our expert team are always keeping up to date with any amendments. So, you can trust us for sound advice throughout your journey to expanding your family.
Ready to speak to our team? Book a callback.
Not ready to take that first step?
That’s totally okay. You don’t have to make any big decisions right now. If you’re simply exploring or feeling unsure, you’re not alone and you don’t have to have it all figured out.
To help, visit our free hub of expert articles, guides, podcasts, and videos to understand your options and feel more informed, at your own pace.
We offer an award-winning service
Close
Newsletter Sign Up
Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.
Privacy Policy