Plymouth Divorce Lawyers & Family Solicitors

You don’t have to use a solicitor in family court, but in most cases it’s a wise choice. Family law can be complex, especially when children, finances or safety are involved.

Stowe Family Law solicitors make sure your paperwork is correct, advise you on likely outcomes, and speak for you in hearings so your case is presented clearly.

Without legal help, you risk delays, mistakes, and a less favourable result. Many people find the reassurance of having a solicitor by their side is worth the cost.

Yes, we can. Whether you’re the one hoping to divorce your partner or you’ve been asked to respond to a divorce, our experts are here to support you. We understand that navigating the divorce process during an incredibly stressful time can be difficult, but we’ll be by your side to guide you through the process with ease.

To initiate getting divorced, you need to get a divorce application. There are two ways to do this – either as a sole applicant or with your ex-partner as joint applicants. Where possible, it’s best to get this figured out early to prevent delays and additional costs further down the line.

You’ll be asked to ‘respond’ to a divorce application if your ex-spouse has begun the process. To respond, you must confirm you’ve received it and whether or not you agree to the terms stated.

We recognise that this is a lot of technical jargon to understand, but that’s where we come in. Our Plymouth divorce lawyers have guided numerous clients through the process in terms that make sense to them. We’re here to explain the legal terms whilst also supporting you through this process.

Absolutely! Creating a child arrangement order (previously known as child custody) can be very emotional, and sometimes egos get in the way of what is best for your children. Our child law specialists have helped many Plymouth families create arrangements that work for the whole family.

We know that no two families are the same, and there are complications in every case, so no matter the complexity of your family, we can help.

Attempting to untangle the years of financial ties in a financial divorce settlement can be long and complicated. So, although it’s not essential, having an expert by your side can be extremely beneficial.

Our Plymouth team has years of experience in this area, so you’re in safe hands with us. We’ll cover a wide range of assets – even including ones prior to your marriage! With no stone left unturned, we can aid in even the most complex of cases.

Yes! We understand that separation comes in many forms, which is why we have a dedicated team of civil partnership dissolution lawyers. The concept of divorce is well known – dissolving a civil partnership less so.

But that’s where we come in. Our experts will be by your side from the very start, so you always have specialist legal advice and support. From answering any queries and taking the strain in an overwhelming time, our lawyers can do it all. With financial settlements and child arrangement orders also in our remit, you’ll have everything sorted with Stowe Family Law.

Start by looking for a solicitor who specialises in family law, not a general lawyer. Stowe Family Law is ranked in the Legal 500 and has decades of experience across divorce, child arrangements, and financial disputes.

When choosing, look at independent reviews and ask about client care.

A good solicitor should explain costs up front, offer a clear plan, and make you feel confident after your first consultation. Accessibility matters too, so work with someone local who you can reach when needed.

Family law costs vary depending on the complexity of your case and the solicitor’s experience. At Stowe Family Law, hourly rates usually range from £200 to £400 plus VAT, and we also offer Fixed Fee Divorce options for straightforward cases.

Additional costs apply for court applications. For example, applying for a child arrangements order currently costs £263 in court fees. The best way to get a clear idea of fees is to ask for a written estimate at your first meeting so you know exactly what to expect.

We’re the UK’s largest team of dedicated family law solicitors. It’s our bread and butter, and that means we keep on the pulse of all legal updates. Due to this, we can provide you with the very best advice to help you succeed.

Our Plymouth lawyers are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for their dedication to client success. By combining the advanced knowledge as well as the unwavering support, at Stowe Family Law, you’ll meet a team who puts you and your loved ones first.

No. Divorce proceedings in England and Wales can be started by one person alone. A spouse’s agreement is not required to make the application.

The other party will be notified and given an opportunity to respond, but the divorce can still progress even if a spouse ignores the divorce petition. This often becomes an issue where one person ignores the paperwork altogether, which does not usually bring the process to a halt.

Our family law solicitors in Plymouth are often asked about this, particularly where communication has broken down. A divorce solicitor can also manage contact where direct communication is difficult or unproductive.

No. You do not need to be physically separated before applying for a divorce.

In legal terms, separation means that a couple has decided to live separate lives. This may involve living in different homes. It can also mean living at the same address while no longer operating as a couple.

Divorce is different – it is the formal legal process that ends a marriage. Being separated does not start the divorce process on its own, and living together does not prevent a divorce application from being made.

Understanding this distinction early on can help clarify what steps are required and which are a matter of personal choice rather than legal necessity. Our guide on what happens if you are separated but not divorced outlines the key differences and options available to you.

Divorce legally ends a marriage. Legal separation does not.

A divorce brings the marriage to an end and allows both parties to remarry. Legal separation, sometimes referred to as judicial separation, formally recognises that a couple is living apart while the marriage itself continues. It does not provide the same finality as divorce, but it can still allow finances and arrangements for children to be addressed within a legal separation agreement.

A divorce solicitor can explain how this works in practice and where its limits lie.

Financial matters are dealt with separately from the divorce itself, although they usually progress alongside it. Both parties are expected to provide full and honest financial disclosure, so decisions are made on an informed basis.

Where possible, couples are encouraged to reach an agreement, and any settlement normally needs court approval to be legally binding.

When the court considers fairness, it looks at needs, income and future security rather than applying a fixed percentage. This is the approach outlined in our guide that explains divorce finances. Court proceedings are generally used only where an agreement cannot be reached.

Yes. Many divorce matters are resolved without court proceedings.

Negotiation, solicitor-led discussions and mediation are commonly used to reach an agreement on finances and arrangements. Court involvement is usually required only when agreement is not possible, or one party does not engage with the process, which can affect how long matters take to resolve.

From our experience supporting clients in Plymouth, early legal advice often helps keep matters proportionate and focused on what needs formal resolution.

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