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A local specialist family law firm

Looking for a team of specialist family solicitors in Leicester with a proven track record? Stowe Family Law provides expert legal advice across the Midlands, supporting clients through divorce, separation, and all family matters. 

Whether you’re facing the end of a marriage or the dissolution of a civil partnership, we guide you through the legal process while prioritising child contact, family homes, and the well-being of your children. 

Our family law specialists offer clear, compassionate advice tailored to your needs, whether you’re dealing with financial disputes, parental responsibility, or property ownership. 

Our team of Leicester family lawyers

Rachel
Roberts
Regional Director, Midlands and North
Beth
Sheridan
Managing Partner, East Midlands
Florence
Ashcroft-Lane
Team Leader Partner, East Midlands
Sarah
Townsend
Team Leader Partner, East Midlands
Holly
Lamb
Head of International & Partner, East Midlands
Luanne
Morton
Senior Associate, East Midlands
Charlotte
Hallam
Associate, East Midlands
Sarah
McLoughlin
Senior Associate, East Midlands
Amy
Turner
Family Lawyer, East Midlands
Lucy
Butterfield
Paralegal, East Midlands
Cheyenne
Langford
Legal Assistant, East Midlands
Lisa
Brasier
Legal Assistant, East Midlands

Office address

Gresham Works
38 Market Street
Leicester
LE1 6DP

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More local offices

Our experienced team of family lawyers in Leicester and across the Midlands provides compassionate and expert family law services, specialising in divorce, complex financial disputes, and child law. Our dedicated team, including Resolution accredited lawyers and professionals featured in the Legal 500, is here to support with all aspects of family law in a tailored and understanding way — including cohabitation agreements and international family matters. 

 

Stowe Family Law Leicester

Our team of family lawyers are located at Gresham Works, 38 Market Street, Leicester, LE1 6DP.

Enter through the main door to the Gresham Aparthotel and take the first right into Gresham Works, where you will find our office.

Our office is located within easy walking distance of central Leicester, a 10-minute walk from Leicester railway station and a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

For those driving to the office, we are based just off the A594. The nearest car park is on Newarke Street LE2 7AD, a 4-minute walk from Gresham Works.

And our phone lines are open from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday.
And 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

We offer an award-winning service

Divorce Proceedings & Complex Financial Cases in Leicester

At Stowe Family Law, our experienced divorce solicitors in Leicester have been supporting clients through the legal process since 1982. Recognised in the Legal 500 as one of the UK’s leading family law firms, we combine decades of expertise with a compassionate, client-focused approach. 

Our team advises on all aspects of divorce and separation, including: 

  • Financial Settlements & Asset Division – Skilled support with divorce finances, pensions, property, family homes, business assets, and complex financial disputes. 
  • High-Net-Worth & Complex Cases – Representation in matters involving overseas property, trusts, cryptocurrency, and professional or agricultural businesses. 
  • Court Representation – Strong advocacy when litigation is necessary, with strategic representation at Leicester Family Court and County Court Leicester. 

Whether your situation involves an uncontested divorce or a complex, high-value dispute, our solicitors provide clear, practical legal advice at every stage. We work with you to identify the right strategy, protect your financial position, and ensure your best interests are represented throughout proceedings. 

Rest assured that we have the expertise to navigate the intricacies of family law, as proven by our top three legal 500 and Band 2 Chambers & Partners rankings.

Child Law, Custody & Family Protection in Leicester 

Our primary objective is to assist you in choosing the right strategy that will lead to the best possible outcome for your family. With extensive experience in child law and family matters, our family law solicitors in Leicester provide clear advice and robust representation tailored to your circumstances. 

Our Child Law Expertise 

We support parents, guardians, and families with a wide range of issues, including: 

  • Child Arrangements & Custody Orders – Guidance on child arrangement orders, custody, contact, and parental responsibility. 
  • Relocation & International Cases – Cases involving the Hague Convention, cross-border relocation, and international child abduction. 
  • Special Guardianship Orders – Advice and representation for grandparents or wider family members taking on responsibility for a child. 
  • Complex Family Situations – Our solicitors have unique experience handling cases involving offshore trusts, cryptocurrency, agricultural businesses, and professional athletes. 
  • Domestic Abuse & Family Protection – Urgent support from our domestic abuse solicitors to secure injunctions, non-molestation orders, and protective measures. 

How We Work With You 

From the initial consultation to mediation, out-of-court divorce solutions, or full representation at Leicester Family Court, we maintain open and transparent communication. We keep you informed at every stage and ensure your case is handled with the right strategy to avoid obstacles and delays. 

Whether you are navigating child custody, seeking protection for your family, or managing complex international disputes, our Leicester team provides trusted family legal advice to secure the best outcome for you and your children. 

Divorce Calculator: Understand what you may be entitled to in just 5 minutes. Use the calculator

Why Choose Stowe Family Law’s Divorce & Family Lawyers 

The Leicester team, based in Leicester City Centre and serving clients across the Midlands, works under the leadership of our esteemed Managing Partner Beth Sheridan, who has over 25 years of experience in Family law. Our highly professional family law solicitors in Leicester are committed to delivering trusted family legal advice. We bring a wealth of legal expertise and experience to every case we handle, ensuring that you receive the best possible advice and representation throughout the legal process — whether in Leicester Family Court, County Court Leicester, or via out-of-court agreements. Our focus is on providing personalized attention and understanding to each client, as we believe that compassionate client care is essential during family law proceedings. 

Leicester Family Law Case Studies 

In a recent case, Partner and Head of International Holly Lamb represented a client whose ex-spouse intended to move abroad for work, taking their two children, aged 7 and 11, along. Despite the ex-husband’s insistence on the opportunities abroad, Holly’s client, who wanted the children to remain in England due to school and a local support network, sought legal guidance on parental responsibility and child contact. 

With Holly’s expertise, the court considered the children’s well-being and various factors in making a child arrangements order. The court ruled in favour of Holly’s client, allowing the children to remain settled in England, with school holidays spent mostly with their father abroad. 

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.

Notable cases – Stowe Family Law Leicester

Leading a mother in a complex high-net-worth financial remedy case following divorce from husband after a 20-year marriage with 3 adult children. Substantial assets are estimated to be circa 5.5m and include property in the UK and overseas and a business in the Middle East.

Family mediation matter on finances after a long marriage with a dependent child, where the mother earns over £150,000 per annum and the husband earns less than 10% of that and is the main carer for the child. Assets in the region of £750,000.

Direct communication with the father was established by vehemently disputing incorrect and unjustified accusations made against him. The father was wrongfully denied any time with his two young children because the mother had issued a Child Arrangements Order and a Prohibited Steps Order without giving him any prior notice. Represented him in two court proceedings; he was ultimately acquitted and given a large amount of one-on-one time with his children.

More about us – divorce solicitors Leicester

More about us – divorce solicitors Leicester

  • Divorce in or out of court?

    Wherever possible, the UK courts ask that we try to support you in settling family law disputes with out-of-court services, such as mediation. If legal action is required, we have the knowledge and experience to achieve the right result, but reaching an agreement outside of this setting will typically save you both money and time. Bear in mind that during divorce and separation cases, particularly in the eyes of a Family Court Judge, the wellbeing of the children comes first. 

    Our Leicester family solicitors offer arbitration, guided mediation, and collaborative law as alternatives to litigation. 

    Should the parties’ negotiations fail, our divorce lawyers are skilled litigators. 

  • What areas do you cover in Leicester?

    We act for clients across the East Midlands, with offices in Leicester, and other local cities including Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln. Areas we cover include:
    • Leicester city centre
    • Oadby
    • Wigston
    • Knighton
    • Beaumont Leys
    • Market Harborough
    • Birstall
    We also offer virtual meetings upon request.
  • What family court will I attend in Leicester?

    If your case cannot be settled out of court, we can provide expert legal representation throughout your court case. If you’re situated in the Leicester area, you’ll attend Leicester County Court and Family Court. To find our more information, read our helpful guide on what to expect at Leicester County and Family Court.

  • Understanding your finances - divorce lawyers Leicester

    You may be concerned about the amount of the marital pot because you believe your partner is concealing assets. A 28% capital gains tax on the family home, a property, a business portfolio, or other assets may simply be something you wish to avoid. 

    Whatever your circumstance, you will have access to our in-house accounting team as part of our divorce service. With their extensive knowledge of tax, property, valuations, business assets, shares, trusts and funds, accounts, and pensions, they will make sure you have a clear picture of the finances and assets from the start. This is essential to getting a fair settlement as well. 

  • Appointing the best solicitor for your situation

    While our family solicitors are trained and skilled in all areas of family law. Some of them have experience with unusual cases or case law that may be more applicable to your circumstance. For instance, a number of our family law solicitors have a particular emphasis on child law, including the Hague Convention, special guardianship orders, and international child abduction. Some of our lawyers have experience handling cases involving offshore trusts and cryptocurrency. Others specialise in helping families that own farms or other agricultural companies or professional athletes.

    Because this law firm specialises in divorce and separation, and with so many family solicitors across the country, your solicitor has an unrivalled support network to tap into if needed.

  • How long will your divorce take?

    Under current UK court guidelines, all family law disputes are to be first taken to mediation to be settled out-of-court. Depending on the complexity and hostility of your case, this can be an excellent way to keep costs down and expediate the family law process. Out of court settlements can sometimes take as little as 4-6 months. 

    If matters need to be settled outside of court however, the process will slow down. The average divorce in the UK takes around 12 months, but our lawyers will need to know the details of your case before providing an accurate estimate. 

  • If you are looking to get divorced or dissolve a civil partnership

    Our family lawyers in Leicester are aware of the difficulties and feelings you are experiencing. Additionally, they are aware of how to get past those obstacles and will help you move on and rebuild by providing you with specialist divorce solicitors and linking you to our vast network of services and support staff. 

    Before detailing the advantages and disadvantages of your available options, we will begin by listening to your specific situation. For example, if you intend to file for divorce, the divorce centre will refer to you as “the Petitioner” after receiving your application. You will be referred to as “the Respondent” if your spouse applies first. Both the Petitioner and the Respondent must take specific and distinct activities at specific times. Your divorce lawyer will describe what these are, the options you have, and the benefits of each. Next, we’ll examine some examples that relate to many people and how we might assist. 

  • Useful resources

    Useful resources 

    Our guide on how to get divorced 

    A more detailed look at how long divorce takes in the UK 

    The Divorce Directory – a resource full of support professionals to help you through relationship breakdown and rebuilding 

    Frequently asked questions 

    The most useful resources are our solicitors so please get in touch should you need advice on any urgent or serious family matter. 

  • How to find our divorce lawyers Leicester

    Our team of family lawyers are located at Gresham Works, 38 Market Street, Leicester, LE1 6DP.

    Enter through the main door to the Gresham Aparthotel and take the first right into Gresham Works, where you will find our office.

    Our office is located within easy walking distance of central Leicester, a 10-minute walk from Leicester railway station and a 5-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

    For those driving to the office, we are based just off the A594. The nearest car park is on Newarke Street LE2 7AD, a 4-minute walk from Gresham Works.

    And our phone lines are open from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday.
    And 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

  • Updates from our Leicester office

  • What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in the UK?

    The lowest-cost route is to keep matters out of court and use online filing plus agreement-led options (mediation/arbitration/collaborative law) so you’re only paying the court fee and limited legal input.  

    Stowe Family Law resolves over 80% of cases out of court, which helps control your costs.

  • How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree in the UK?

    For an uncontested/straightforward divorce where both parties agree, you’ll pay the standard court fee of £612 plus any solicitor fees you choose. 
    Stowe’s fixed-fee guidance is £612 for the court application and typical fixed fees of £750 + VAT (complex finances/children are extra). 
     
    See Fixed-fee divorce and How much does a divorce cost for detail and a cost calculator to help guide your decision 

  • Do both parties have to agree to a divorce in the UK

    No. Under no-fault divorce, one person can apply (a sole application) by stating the marriage has irretrievably broken down; a joint application is optional. 
    For a plain-English explainer of the process and timelines, see Stowe’s no-fault divorce guide.

  • Can I divorce without a solicitor?

    You can file a DIY/online divorce, but there are common pitfalls to this. These include errors in paperwork, and (crucially) thinking your finances are settled when they’re not legally binding due to lacking a court-approved consent order.

Show Transcript

When “I do” becomes “I don’t” our team of tried and tested divorce lawyers in Leicester are by your side. Whether you are facing divorce, dissolving a civil partnership, dealing with financial matters, need a Child Arrangements Order or a cohabitation agreement, our expert Leicester family solicitors will guide you through the process with care and empathy so you can move forward in life from a position of renewed strength. With family lawyers in Leicester and across Leicestershire, we are the largest specialist family law firm in the UK and a leading choice for a solicitor for divorce in the area.

Beth is highly experienced in all areas of family law with specific focus on financial and property disputes arising from divorce and child arrangements. Beth is Managing Partner at our Midlands offices, which includes Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham.

Date last reviewed: 24/06/2024

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