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Helping you to move forward with confidence

One of Manchester’s top family law firms, Stowe Family Law offers knowledgeable legal counsel and advocacy for a variety of family law disputes. Our family law solicitors in Manchester specialise in a multitude of services, including international family law, post nuptial agreements, family legal issues, child arrangements and many more. We offer practical advice on complex financial remedies as well as assisting your relationship breakdown and being responsible for private children matters. We have offices in Manchester, as well as Stockport, Altrincham, Bolton and Knutsford. 

Family law services in Manchester

Divorce and separation

Our Manchester divorce lawyers have more than 30 years of experience helping couples through the process of divorce or civil partnership dissolution. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from filing for divorce to negotiating financial settlements and resolving child arrangements, ensuring your interests are protected at all times, so you’re in safe hands with us.  

Pre and postnuptial agreements

A prenuptial agreement or postnuptial contract by one of our solicitors that will be legally sound and upheld in court. So you can have peace of mind that your assets are protected should the worst happen.    

Finances and divorce

Natassia Burton specialises in cases regarding financial consequences resulting from divorce or separation. We can support with financial settlements, high-net worth cases including business interests, pensions and property.

Children’s solicitors

Stowe’s Jennifer Reddy, a child law solicitor, deals with emergency orders for the return of children and achieving child arrangement orders 

Fertility law

Our family law solicitors in Manchester understand the complexities of growing a family, so no matter what fertility law advice you need, we are here to help.  

Cohabitation agreements

If you’re living together without being married, our cohabitation solicitors can help you to put a clear agreement in place. We’ll protect your assets and safeguard your financial future. 

Domestic abuse support

Megan Brookfield is one of our most trusted domestic abuse solicitors, with experience in issuing proceedings in respect of non-molestation and occupation orders, respectively. 

Your team in Manchester

Nastassia
Burton
Managing Partner, Leeds & Manchester
Angela
Traynier
Team Leader Partner, Manchester and Liverpool
Jennifer
Reddy
Partner, Altrincham & Knutsford
Bethan
Cooper
Associate, Manchester
Megan
Brookfield
Associate, North West
Megan
Durkin
Solicitor, North West
Olivia
Doherty
Solicitor, Manchester
Becca
Reynolds
Solicitor, North West
Yasmin
Trow
Solicitor, Manchester
Alexzandra
Hughes
Family Lawyer, Liverpool, Manchester, Chester & Wigan
Tamara
McGaughey
Trainee solicitor, North West
Kara
Webster
Legal Assistant, Manchester
Megan
Rumbold
Legal Assistant, Manchester

Office address

Cubo Spinningfields
No. 1
Spinningfields
Manchester
M3 3EB

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Please note we cannot offer legal aid
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm

More local offices

Our North West office group now spans from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Lancashire in the north, through Cheshire, and into North Staffordshire. We have a number of notable lawyers who feature in the UK Legal 500 directory and UK Chambers & Partners as regional experts in their field. Many of the team are also family law specialists accredited by national Family Law organisation Resolution. We are dedicated to achieving the right outcomes for our clients with a pragmatic, knowledgeable approach tailored to each case. Our services cover all aspects of family breakdown, including complex high net worth financial disputes, child arrangements (including internal and international relocation), grandparents’ rights, and private adoption. We are also skilled in addressing modern family issues, such as cohabitee disputes and pre/post-nuptial agreements.

How to find our Manchester office 

Stowe Family Law’s Manchester office is located in: 

Cubo Spinningfields, No. 1, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB. 

The office is close to Salford Central, Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly stations (7, 18 and 20-minute walk respectively) which offer connections to Stockport and the wider Cheshire area. 

There is parking available at NCP Manchester Spinningfields, a 1-minute walk away from the office. 

We also have offices in Altrincham and Wilmslow for those clients who cannot travel to Manchester City centre.

Accessibility is important to us. Our Manchester office features step-free access and lifts, ensuring all clients can visit us comfortably.

Our phone lines are open from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday 

and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday
More about us 

We offer an award-winning service

Successful & compassionate family solicitors in Manchester

We handle all facets of family law, including divorce processes, monetary agreements, child custody, civil partnerships, domestic violence, and cohabitation agreements. Our specialist family solicitors work with domestic abuse, civil partnership dissolution, child custody cases, complex financial matters in high net worth families, all while working with financial remedy proceedings.

We are aware that each situation is distinct and needs a customised strategy. Therefore our experienced team of family law professionals offer realistic advice and legal expertise – for example, financial issues and business interests regarding family businesses. We pay attention to your particular situation and assist you in coming up with a practical solution for the welfare of your family. Our comprehensive approach encourages out-of-court settlements, but we recognise that litigation is occasionally necessary and employ a forceful and effective approach.

Our Manchester legal team is led by Team Leader Partner Nastassia Burton, a highly experienced and well-regarded family lawyer who is praised by Legal 500 for being ‘capable of dealing with cases of the upmost complexity with skill’. For the best legal advice, contact our Manchester team at Stowe Family Law for an initial consultation on any family matters and you will receive a tailored strategy from a family law solicitor.

Top-rated divorce lawyers in Manchester

Our experienced divorce solicitors in Manchester offer expert, compassionate support for every aspect of divorce and separation. From the initial conversation through to finalising your divorce, we guide you through each step, ensuring your interests and those of your family are fully protected. We have a strong track record of helping clients from all backgrounds, including high-net-worth individuals with complex circumstances and local families facing more straightforward issues. Our approach is always tailored to your unique situation, combining legal expertise with empathy and practical advice. While we are skilled litigators when required, we always aim to resolve matters amicably through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, helping you move forward with confidence and minimal stress.

While our Manchester divorce lawyers are recognised for their strong litigation skills, we always encourage open communication between spouses. We advise on more amicable options whenever possible, including alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, and the “one couple, one lawyer” approach, all designed to save you time, money, and stress. In fact, over 80% of our cases are resolved out of court.

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Protect your assets with Manchester financial family law support

Our Manchester family law solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with financial matters arising from divorce or separation, including complex assets, business interests, pensions, and property portfolios. We also advise on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, helping you protect your assets and plan for the future with confidence. We work closely with our in-house forensic accountancy team to provide a clear and thorough understanding of your financial position, ensuring the best possible outcome for you and your family. Whether you need to protect your wealth, secure future financial stability, or navigate high-value settlements, our team will provide clear, strategic advice and robust representation. Many of our solicitors are accredited specialists, so you can trust us to deliver the expertise required for even the most challenging financial 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 Stowe Family Law in Manchester?

  • Our senior family lawyers in Manchester are renowned for handling complex, high-value cases.
  • Our Manchester clients rate us excellent on Trustpilot for our service and results.
  • We are recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for delivering outstanding service, client success, and a commitment to excellence in Manchester.
  • Our Manchester family law solicitors offer a personalised and compassionate approach to every case.
  • Our Manchester divorce lawyers provide clear, practical advice to help you move forward and achieve the best possible outcome.
  • As part of the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, we combine national resources with strong local expertise to support clients in Manchester and throughout the North West.

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More about us – divorce solicitors Manchester

More about us – divorce solicitors Manchester

  • Is Stowe Family Law in Manchester regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority?

    Yes, we are. Our offices in Manchester and across the UK are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We are a national family law firm with offices across the UK, including Manchester and across the North West.

  • What kinds of family law matters will Stowe take on?

    Stowe Family Law will take on a diverse range of family law cases, including divorce cases, child custody cases, child arrangement and more. Whether you’re involved in a relatively simple family law case, or a contentious child custody case, our experienced family law firm is here for you.

    Each of our specialist family solicitors possess particular expertise in different areas of family law. For legal services in the UK, and international family law services, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

  • Our Manchester family law team

    Here at Stowe Family Law, we have a complete team of family law solicitors and a supportive family team to deliver an unbeatable service to all our clients. We provide a complete range of legal services, including divorce law, children law and international family law.

    Whether you’re looking for a dedicated family law team of divorce solicitors or experts in civil partnerships, Stowe Family Law offers a professional service to help you get through one of the most difficult periods of your life. To talk to one of our professional, friendly family law solicitors in Manchester, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

  • What do family law solicitors in Manchester deal with?

    Family lawyers will act on a wide range of legal matters which impact your domestic life. Some of the most common kinds of family law that our Manchester law firm office deal with include:

    • Divorce.
    • Civil Partnership’s Separations.
    • Cohabitation Issues.
    • Family Disputes.
    • Divorce Involving Domestic Violence.
    • House Forensic Accounting.
    • Local Authorities’ Care Orders.
    • Child Contact & Children Law.
    • Family Financial Settlements.

    For a dedicated family law firm to help you with your family legal issues, get in touch with our experienced team today. We can provide a complete legal service to support you in your journey through the family courts.

  • Do I need family law solicitors for family court in Manchester?

    While a professional family law team isn’t necessary to go to family court, it is better to have an experienced team of family law solicitors on your side. At Stowe Family Law, our family law team is composed of specialist family solicitors, divorce solicitors and other legal experts with particular expertise in various areas of family law.

    If you’re involved in a contentious family law case, including financial issues, post nuptial agreements or even domestic abuse, our family law solicitors offer a great service throughout the entire process. For a professional service, and complete advice from our Manchester team, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

  • Can Stowe Family Law help with child contact cases?

    Yes, we can. Our experienced team have a strong track record when it comes to child contact cases and other examples of children law in the UK. Whether you’re suffering from child contact issues after a relationship breaks apart, or you need international family law to handle any complex aspect of children law, we are here for you.

    Our highly respected team offer complete legal advice, in addition to excellent service in the family law court. Whether you’re looking for a divorce lawyer with experience of child law, or international family law solicitors to help start your new life, we are here for you.

  • How supportive is Stowe Family Law?

    Stowe Family Law’s experienced team offers excellent service to all our clients. Throughout the entire process, we will keep you updated, and offer realistic advice to help you reduce the practical strain on your shoulders. From cohabitation issues to children law, our family lawyers offer a professional, friendly service which puts your wellbeing, and the wellbeing of your family, above everything else.

    If domestic violence played a role in your relationship, or you feel an unfair pre-nuptial agreement or post-nuptial agreements is having a harmful impact on your wellbeing, our support family law solicitors are here for you.

    If you’re looking for a truly supportive family law team in England and Wales, we are here for you. From the initial consultation to the final judgment, Stowe Family Law LLP is here for you.

  • Does Stowe Family Law LLP take on legal aid cases?

    Unfortunately, Stowe Family Law LLP is not in contract with the Legal Aid Agency. As such, we are not able to offer legal aid in the Manchester area. If you’re struggling with financial issues, we can provide advice on finding the right legal aid solicitors to help you get through this tough time in your life.

    Please note, we are only able to offer advice on legal aid in England and Wales. The rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different, so always check if you’re eligible to apply for legal aid in your region.

  • Will Stowe Family Law LLP offer legal services for unmarried couples?

    Yes, we can. Our award-winning team of family law solicitors can offer accurate legal advice for both married couples and unmarried couples. At Stowe Family Law LLP, we can also offer advice for couples with children, heterosexual and homosexual clients. If you’re a family, we are proud to offer our full range of family law services and legal advice to help you get through this tough time in your life.

  • Will Stowe Family Law solicitors take on clients in civil partnerships?

    Yes, we will. Our experienced team offers a complete legal service for when a civil partnership relationship breaks down. We can deal with a complete range of family matters, including children law, cases involving domestic violence or pre-nuptial agreements. Whether you’re getting a divorce or a civil partnership dissolution, our team of family lawyers offer a total service, in a calming, personable manner.

  • What is the Stowe Family Law award, Manchester?

    Each year, we offer the Stowe Award to the highest scoring student at the University of Law, Manchester. This award was to recognise the highest achieving student at ULaw Manchester, and showed our dedication to investing in the best legal talent from across Greater Manchester.

    Each managing partner at Stowe Family Law LLP has a keen eye for spotting upcoming legal talent, always ensuring we offer the best service and advice for all our clients. For more information on our family law solicitors in Manchester, don’t hesitate to arrange a free callback today.

  • Updates from our Manchester office

Show Transcript

When your relationship feels complicated and unsolvable, our team of specialist family lawyers in Manchester can help show you the way.

Whether you are facing divorce, dissolving a civil partnership, dealing with financial matters, need a child arrangements order or a cohabitation agreement…

Our understanding Manchester 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 Manchester and across Greater Manchester, we are the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, and the leading choice for a solicitor for divorce in the area.

Helen is Managing Partner of the Stowe Family Law Altrincham, Liverpool, Chester and Crewe offices. She practises all areas of family law but her main areas of expertise are resolving private disputes involving children, and advising on advanced financial provision following divorce or dissolution.

Date last reviewed: 24/06/2024

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