Family law solicitors & divorce lawyers Reading

Divorce costs depend on your specific circumstances, particularly if there are financial matters or child arrangements to resolve. Your solicitor will be able to give you an initial cost estimate. For more detailed guidance on costs for more complex cases, read our guide on divorce costs and our pricing information. We also provide a fixed-fee option for straightforward, uncontested divorces.

You will likely attend the Reading County and Family Court, which can be found at:

160-163 Friar Street
Reading
RG1 1HE

Along Friar Street, there are numerous bus stops that are no more than a 5-minute walk to the Court. Reading Train Station is also a 4-minute walk away via either the Belgrave Street or Station Road exits. The Elizabeth line also stops at Reading Railway Station if you are taking the tube.

If arriving by car, the Queens Road car park is an 8-minute walk to the Court. There is also the Holy Brook car park (near The Oracle shopping centre), which also takes an 8-minute walk.

We understand that going to court isn’t the right solution for every family. So much so, that over 80% of our cases are settled out of court.

We do this through our range of non-court dispute resolution solutions, such as mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration. On top of this, our Reading family lawyers are Resolution members and specialists. For example, our Managing Partner, Samantha Armour, is a Resolution member, meaning she approaches all cases from a non-confrontational perspective. She will negotiate for you and keep things out of court if possible – saving you time and money.

If you’re not sure which option would be right for your situation, please don’t worry. Our team will be able to advise the best strategy for your circumstances.

If you are about to begin legal proceedings or are partway through and unsure what to do next, it is recommended that you seek legal advice.

Our family law solicitors have helped numerous families across Reading. For example, we have helped Wokingham clients with their divorce, Henley individuals with their financial settlements, and Bracknell couples with their fertility journey.

Whatever your situation, our legal experts are here to help. With 91% of our clients recommending our services to their friends and families, you can trust that you’ll be in safe hands with us.

If you’re ready to get legal advice, get in contact with our team today.

Here at Stowe Family Law, we always strive to provide the best for each of our clients, and a non-confrontational resolution is sometimes the right solution. We offer three different types of alternative dispute resolutions (ADR), including collaborative law, arbitration, and mediation. ADR often creates a more amicable atmosphere throughout your case, with dialogue encouraged in a neutral environment. This is so important – especially when children are involved.  

Our solicitors are also members of Resolution, an organisation that highlights the importance of non-confrontational options for family law matters. So, you can trust that our Reading law team has the skills to guide you through this process. Our lawyers will be able to advise on the best solution for your individual case – get in touch with us to find out more. 

All marriages are unique, and finances are no exception. Especially if you have been married for multiple years, dividing the finances during divorce can be extremely overwhelming. Our divorce lawyers have helped numerous Reading clients with their financial settlement, so you can trust you’re in safe hands with us.  

We’ll cover everything – from pensions and property to investments and international assets. Have assets from before you were married? We’ll be sure to include those, too. No matter how complex your case is, our solicitors are here to help you reach a fair financial settlement. 

The length of a UK divorce is typically 6-8 months, from the initial advice stages to getting your conditional and final orders. However, this can take longer due to complications such as a complex financial settlement, agreeing to parenting plans, and delays at the local Family Court.

Our Reading divorce solicitors will listen to your unique situation and be able to provide an estimate of how long your divorce will take.

Yes. We understand that the price of divorce can be intimidating and even keep you in an unhappy marriage if it’s too high. That’s why we offer a fixed-fee divorce service so that you can still get divorced even with limited finances.

Solicitor’s tip: Due to the nature of fixed-fee divorce, this option isn’t suitable for all situations. Our Client Care team will be able to advise you on the best solution for your circumstances.

We recommend gathering the following documents so you can begin the divorce process:

• Marriage certificate – make sure this is your actual certificate or a certified copy
• Details of both parties – full name, addresses, date of birth, email addresses
• Deed poll – only needed if you have changed your name after marriage

This information should be enough to begin the process as you can prove your jurisdiction details and evidence that your marriage is valid.

If you’re unsure where to begin, check out our beginner’s guide to divorce to help you get started.

No, you do not need to have a prenuptial agreement prior to marriage. However, the previous pessimistic viewpoint is starting to diminish as people understand the importance of this type of agreement.  

Our solicitors in Reading have years of experience in drafting both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, so no matter your circumstances, we’re here to help you protect your finances and assets. 

Deciding to end a civil partnership can feel like a scary and ‘final’ step. Unlike the concept of divorce, the path to dissolving a civil partnership can seem much less clear to some people.

Divorce for a civil partnership is known as dissolution and can only be instigated after being in the partnership for a year or more. The same arrangements need to be made as in a divorce, including child custody (child arrangements order) and the sharing of assets. Our civil partnership solicitors can provide practical guidance through the civil partnership dissolution process and help you to achieve your desired outcome.

Ensuring the Best Interests of Your Children with Expert Legal Guidance

When it comes to matters involving child custody, seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable and compassionate legal team is of utmost importance. Stowe Family Law’s Reading team is a group of highly skilled and experienced specialist child custody lawyers who are dedicated to safeguarding the best interests of your children during challenging family situations.

Child Custody Matters: Complex and Sensitive

Child custody disputes are emotionally charged and legally complex affairs, often arising during divorce or separation proceedings. Such cases can have a profound impact on the lives of both parents and, more importantly, on the well-being of the children involved. Navigating these matters requires not only a comprehensive understanding of family law but also a sensitivity to the delicate nature of the issues at hand.

Expertise in Child Custody Law

The specialist child custody lawyers at Stowe Family Law’s Reading office possess a deep understanding of the intricacies of child custody law in the UK. They are well-versed in the relevant legal statutes and precedents governing child custody arrangements, ensuring that clients receive the most up-to-date and accurate advice tailored to their unique circumstances.

Comprehensive Legal Support

At Stowe Family Law, we recognise that every child custody case is different. As such, our Reading team takes the time to listen and understand each client’s specific situation fully. They provide compassionate guidance, explaining the legal options available and the potential outcomes that may arise from each course of action. With the child’s best interests at the forefront, the team aims to resolve disputes amicably, but they are also prepared to assertively represent their clients’ rights in court if necessary.

A Client-Centric Approach

Stowe Family Law’s Reading team places great emphasis on communication and collaboration with their clients. They understand that open dialogue is essential in building trust and tailoring legal strategies that align with the clients’ goals and priorities. Throughout the legal process, clients can expect regular updates and be actively involved in decision-making.

The Best Child Custody Solicitors in the UK

The reputation of Stowe Family Law’s Reading team as one of the best child custody solicitors in the UK is backed by their proven track record of successful cases. With their expertise, the team has helped numerous clients navigate the complexities of child custody disputes and achieve favourable outcomes.

Safeguarding Your Children’s Future

Stowe Family Law’s specialist child custody lawyers are committed to protecting the well-being and future of the children involved in each case they handle. They advocate for stable, nurturing environments that foster healthy growth and development. The team also has experience in handling cases involving relocation, international child custody matters, and situations where there may be concerns regarding the child’s safety.

If living with someone in an unmarried relationship you may have questioned or wondered about what may happen if the relationship ends.  Our cohabitation solicitors can help you to address this by drawing up a cohabitation agreement, to set out what will happen in the event of death or separation.  Otherwise known as a cohabitation “contract”, the legally binding document gives peace of mind that should the worst happen, everything is set out in black and white.

A cohabitation agreement is legally binding so long as it has been agreed to by both parties and has been drawn up and signed properly.

We recognise that picking the right solicitor is often easier said than done. You want a lawyer who has the experience to help you succeed, but also can provide you with support during this difficult time.  

We’ve been helping families in Reading and the UK for over 50 years, so you can trust that we have the knowledge to help you, no matter how complex your case. We have over 1,600 5-star Trustpilot reviews and are also recognised by both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our outstanding client success and support.  

Our Reading solicitors will be by your side from the very start, so you always have the UK’s largest team of dedicated family lawyers in your corner. 

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