Family law solicitors & divorce lawyers Maidenhead, Berkshire

We recommend that you start with their specialism. Family law is its own area, so it helps to choose a divorce lawyer who does divorce, finances, and children work every day, not as a side line.
Then think about how you feel after the first conversation. Did they explain the process clearly? Did they tell you what can be done now, what has to wait, and what a realistic outcome might look like? In our Maidenhead law office, we keep it practical and we don’t overpromise. You should come away knowing the next step and why it matters.

You don’t need a perfect file. A clear outline is usually enough.
It helps to have your marriage certificate to hand, basic details for both of you, and a short timeline of what has happened. If children are involved, note their ages, the current routine and anything you are worried might become a sticking point.
For finances, a rough list of what you own and owe is a good start. That includes the home, mortgage balance, savings, debts and pensions. If you have recent statements, great, but even approximate figures help us give you a more useful first steer.

Finances are dealt with separately from the divorce itself. The key step is full financial disclosure, so both sides are working with the same information.
The home is often the biggest issue during the divorce process, and decisions tend to come back to housing needs and affordability, especially if children live mainly with one parent. Savings are usually treated as part of the overall pot, not something ring fenced just because it is in one name. Pensions matter too, and they are easy to overlook, so they often need proper valuation before settlement discussions become serious.
Any agreement should usually be recorded in a court order so it is legally binding. A divorce solicitor can advise based on your circumstances.

Most cases start with trying to agree on things without going to court. The main routes are solicitor-to-solicitor negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law.
Negotiation is often the most direct once financial disclosure is exchanged. Mediation uses an independent mediator to help you reach an agreement, and it can work well where communication is strained but not impossible. Collaborative law involves face-to-face meetings with both solicitors present, with a shared aim of reaching a settlement.
In Maidenhead, we regularly help clients explore these options first, then move to court only if it becomes necessary. A divorce solicitor can advise on which route fits your situation and what usually works best.

In most family cases, a solicitor can run the case and represent you at court. That includes preparing documents, negotiating, and advocating at many hearings.
A barrister is typically brought in for specific hearings, more complex cases, or when specialist advocacy would add value. If we think a barrister would genuinely help in your case, we will explain what they would do, what it might cost, and why it is worth considering.
You do not usually need to find a barrister yourself. A family law solicitor can advise on the right level of representation for your situation.

Divorce fees will depend on the particular issues involved in your case. After discussing your situation with you, your solicitor will be able to outline a tailored cost estimate. Where finances and child arrangements need to be resolved, our guide on how much divorce costs and our divorce pricing guide provide further detail for more complex cases. For straightforward divorces, a fixed-fee divorce service is also available.

If you are based in Maidenhead or the surrounding area and a hearing is required, your case will usually be heard at Slough County Court and Family Court on Windsor Road (SL1 2HE). Our solicitors will ensure you are fully prepared and supported throughout the process.

Slough County Court and Family Court is located on Windsor Road, close to Slough town centre, Slough Railway Station and The Curve cultural centre. It is around a 10–15 minute walk from Slough Station via Brunel Way and Wellington Street towards Windsor Road.

From our Maidenhead office at Concorde Park (SL6 4BY), the court is approximately a 15–20 minute drive via the A308(M) and A355 towards Slough town centre. Nearby cafés include Starbucks and Costa Coffee in Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre and independent favourite Coffee Under Pressure on the High Street if you arrive early.

If driving, parking is available at Queensmere Observatory Car Park and Slough Station Car Park, both within walking distance of the court.

A divorce application is the first step in the divorce process. You can apply for a divorce on your own (sole applicant) or with your ex-spouse (joint applicants). Getting this initial step right is crucial as it can save you time and money and make the process more amicable. Our divorce lawyers can help you complete and submit the application to avoid delays.

The length of the divorce proceedings depends on a range of factors, including any financial issues, childcare concerns or other complexities.

An experienced family lawyer from Stowe can offer advice to help you speed up the process, and expedite everything we can to get you through this difficult period of your life.

Most divorces take around 6 – 9 months to complete, barring any serious complexities. If you’re looking for a quick divorce from Maidenhead’s leading family law firm, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. From specialist family law advice to practical support throughout your divorce proceedings, the Stowe team are here for you.