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Why do you need a specialist divorce lawyer?
While you can get divorced without a solicitor if your circumstances are straightforward, this can come with several risks, and getting things wrong could lead to additional cost, time, and stress and even potentially having to start the entire divorce process from the start again.
Under the current no-fault divorce system in England and Wales, there are several steps to the process. Each stage carries its own deadlines, paperwork, and long-term implications for your financial situation. Seeking legal advice early, before you’ve submitted anything, gives you the best chance of protecting your interests throughout.
There are some situations where legal advice isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. These include cases where:
- You have children: Arrangements for where they live, and how much time they spend with each parent, need to be agreed carefully and, where possible, formalised
- You have shared assets: Property, pensions, joint debts, or business interests all need specialist handling to reach a fair and legally binding outcome
- You are financially dependent on your spouse: Without advice, you may not know what you’re entitled to in a divorce – or what you stand to lose
- Your spouse owns the home you live in: Your housing security may depend on reaching the right settlement
- You are in or leaving an abusive relationship: Your safety and your legal position need to be handled with particular care
- Your circumstances are complex: International assets, trusts, or significant wealth all call for a solicitor with the right experience to match
Getting advice at the right stage can be one of the most important decisions you make. If you are unsure where you stand, get in touch with our team to help you understand your options and move forward with greater clarity.
How do I verify a divorce lawyer’s credentials?
Before you instruct anyone, check their credentials against recognised, independent frameworks. This matters because not all solicitors are the same, and not all family lawyers share the same depth of experience.
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The Legal 500 and Chambers UK
These are the two most widely respected independent legal directories in the UK. Both assess law firms and individual solicitors on the basis of client feedback and peer reviews. A listing, particularly at a higher tier, is a credible sign of quality.
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Resolution members
Resolution is a national membership organisation whose members commit to a Code of Practice built around a constructive, non-adversarial approach to family law. If a solicitor or firm is a Resolution member, it means they are committed to reducing conflict and preserving everyone’s dignity, which matters a great deal when you’re also thinking about children, finances, and life after divorce.
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Law Society accreditations
The Law Society runs specialist accreditation schemes for family lawyers, including family law, family law advanced, and children law. These aren’t given automatically – solicitors have to demonstrate a high standard of knowledge and practice in their specific area. A lawyer holding one of these accreditations has been assessed independently, which gives you an added layer of reassurance.
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Solicitors Regulation Authority recognition
Every practising solicitor in England and Wales must be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Before you instruct anyone, it’s quick and easy to check their registration on the SRA’s public register. This confirms they’re authorised to practise and have no disciplinary history that could cause concern.
How to find a divorce solicitor
The best way to find a divorce lawyer is through personal recommendations, online research, and client reviews. Most people use a combination of these three approaches:
- Personal recommendations carry real weight, especially when they come from someone whose circumstances were similar to yours. A friend who went through a contested financial settlement will give you different insight from one who had a straightforward split. It’s worth remembering, though, that what suited someone else may not be the right fit for you
- Online research lets you get a sense of a firm’s expertise before you make contact. Look at the quality and currency of what they publish – a firm that keeps its website up to date and writes thoughtfully about changes in the law usually takes its knowledge seriously. Solicitor profiles should tell you their areas of specialism, their seniority, and their professional memberships
- Reviews and testimonials offer a different kind of insight – one grounded in real client experience. Both Trustpilot and Google Reviews are useful here. Look for patterns in what clients describe: Responsiveness, clear communication, and whether they felt genuinely supported throughout are all telling signs
Understanding divorce lawyer costs and fees
There are two main pricing structures you’re likely to come across:
- Hourly rate billing means you pay for the time your solicitor spends on your case; the more senior the solicitor, the higher the rate, though some routine tasks may be handled by a junior member of the team to help keep costs down
- Fixed fee arrangements cover defined stages of the process for an agreed sum, which makes budgeting easier
Whichever structure applies, a good solicitor will give you a clear cost estimate at the outset and explain how and when you’ll be billed. If a firm is evasive about fees before you’ve even instructed them, that tells you something worth noting.
It’s also worth understanding who pays legal fees in a divorce before you begin. The general position in England and Wales is that each person pays their own legal costs, though there are circumstances in which a costs order can be sought. Your solicitor can advise you on this based on your particular situation.
Solicitor’s tip: Solicitors charge for their time. Being well-organised, responding promptly, and keeping correspondence focused all help to keep your costs manageable.
What questions should you ask at your initial consultation with your divorce solicitor?
Use your initial consultation to work out whether the solicitor is right for you. Most offer one either free or at a fixed cost, and it’s best treated as a two-way conversation – you’re assessing them just as much as they’re getting to know your case.
These questions are worth asking before you commit:
| Question | Why you ask this |
| How much of your daily caseload is dedicated strictly to divorce and financial separations? | This goes to the heart of specialism. A solicitor who handles family law alongside commercial contracts and conveyancing won’t have the same edge as one whose practice is exclusively family-focussed. |
| Have you recently handled a case similar to mine involving pensions/businesses/international assets? | Relevant, recent experience in your specific circumstances really matters. General family law expertise is a starting point, not the whole picture. |
| Who will be handling the day-to-day administration of my case, and what is their hourly rate? | It’s common for work to be shared within a team. At Stowe, our Partners and Solicitors focus on the legal work that needs their expertise, while Legal Assistants handle administrative tasks. This helps keep costs proportionate while still giving you access to a high level of specialist support. |
| How do you prefer to communicate with clients, and how quickly can I expect responses? | Responsiveness and communication style have a direct impact on how supported you feel throughout. |
| Are you a member of Resolution? | The answer tells you a lot about how a solicitor approaches conflict, and whether their instinct is to resolve matters constructively or to litigate first. |
How does Stowe Family Law meet these criteria?
Stowe Family Law focuses exclusively on family law – divorce, financial settlements, matters involving children, and related proceedings. It’s what we do, across every office and every team.
Over 94% of all our cases are settled outside of court, with many of our team being Resolution members and specialists. This reflects a deliberate commitment to resolving matters constructively wherever it’s appropriate. That approach tends to reduce stress, cost, and time for clients.
The firm is ranked in both Chambers UK and the Legal 500, and our solicitors hold Law Society accreditations across various specialism areas. Our client reviews on Trustpilot consistently mention clear communication, genuine empathy, and the reassurance that comes from working with someone who understands both the legal and the human side of what you’re going through.
See how we helped a client with their divorce
A client initially contacted us to seek early advice and information about divorce. At that stage, they were unsure about the process and had not yet decided whether they were ready to instruct a solicitor.
Alexzandra Hughes spoke with the client and provided clear, straightforward guidance. Her approachable manner helped the client feel reassured and gave them the confidence to move forward with the divorce process.
Throughout the matter, Alexzandra continued to support the client by addressing any questions or concerns as they arose. The client found her easy to talk to and appreciated the way she explained complex legal issues clearly.
The process was handled smoothly and effectively, achieving a great outcome. The client said:
“I originally spoke to Alexzandra Hughes just for some early advice for my divorce, but she immediately put me so at ease and was clearly very experienced and happy to give her support, so I instructed her and she has been fantastic all throughout. Frankly, she has put the other side’s solicitor to shame… I would recommend Alexzandra to anyone who requires this service.”
Still not sure what’s right for you? Book a free no-obligation callback
If you’re still deciding whether divorce is right for you, start by exploring your options before taking any formal steps. There’s no pressure to decide anything straight away. Taking the time to find the right legal support, rather than the nearest or the fastest option, is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself at this stage.
When you’re ready to take that first step, you can either book a free callback or call our team on 0330 159 9810. You’ll speak to someone who can listen to your circumstances and talk you through your options clearly – with no obligation.
What our clients say
Zoe Robinson
May 2026
Zoe Robinson has represented me for the last year in ongoing family and financial proceedings and has been a wonderful source of advice, support and top quality legal representation throughout. She is highly approachable and empathetic and blends her extensive legal knowledge with a personal touch which has given me reassurance at every stage of the process.
—Anon
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Deepika Bhoolah-Bansal
May 2026
Everybody has been extremely supportive and professional, and their help has made a traumatic and lonely divorce so much easier to endure. I have been guided through every stage and the explanations are clear and concise.
—A Goodger
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Luanne Morton
Nov 2025
Luanne has been fantastic in helping me navigate the complexities of my divorce, child arrangements, and potential financial orders. Her advice was always delivered professionally, yet in a way that was easy to understand and empathetic to the emotional rollercoaster I’m currently experiencing.
Stowe Family Law, as a firm, were transparent from the beginning about the potential costs and stages of my case. This honesty gave me clarity and peace of mind, knowing that everything was being managed properly.
—A Matthews
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Imrana Masters
Nov 2025
Imrana from Stowes has done a tremendous amount of work for me in the last 4 weeks.
Previously, I was with another solicitor for nearly two years, I was constantly chasing, instructions were not clear & hardly any progress was made. The final straw was when my old solicitor said she was unavailable to represent me in court with no explanation (even though I asked)
I decided to take the plunge so close to the hearing and move over to Stowes after reading their reviews & I'm so pleased I did.
Imrana has and still is very clear, reassuring and checks in on how I'm doing regularly, her standard of work has been impeccable and I cant thank her enough.
There has been so much for her to complete in the timeframe she's had, all deadlines have been made.
Imrana has made a really difficult time feel easier, she has taken a lot of my anxiety away by her kind words & reassurance.
Thank you so much, I will 100% recommend Imrana and the team at Stowes.
—K Brooks
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Amy Turner
Nov 2025
Firstly I’d like to thank Amy Turner for all her hard work and continued support while going through a break up with my ex partner. Not only did I get the result I wanted today out of a very complicated situation, but throughout my case I felt she genuinely cared about my wellbeing. Amy was always professional & gave me clear advice making me feel she always had my back. If you want a good solicitor Amy is the best in my eyes.
—D Wilson
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Filomena Sterkaj
Nov 2025
Filomena and her team helped me through the worst time of my life. Having left an abusive marriage with my two little girls, I was living in the UK without any family support, Filomena was there every step of the way with expert advice and support. The court granted me permission to relocate to Ireland with my girls. It was a very difficult case, one that seemed impossible to win, but thanks to Filomena, Emel and the rest of the team my children and I were able to permanently leave the UK. I will never be able to thank them enough for getting me through such a horrible time and getting us home to our family in Ireland.
—Anon
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Amy Turner
May 2024
Amy Turner at Stowe and Law solicitors has been working on dealing with my affairs through a divorce. Amy gave advice and support when needed and tells you as she sees it. Amy gave options through out the process at every stage that I could take without pushing me into an option and respects your decisions.
Amy worked tirelessly to achieve the aims that I asked her to deal with efficiently and professionally and wasted no time when receiving emails. Amy judging by the time of emails i received works long hours to achieve her targets. Amy is a pleasure to work with and will follow through on what she says she will do, you can rely on her to get the work done
—Ms R B
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Sarah McLoughlin
May 2024
I saw Sarah McLoughlin as part of my 'Next steps Meeting.'
Sarah was an excellent listener giving easy to understand information in a calm manner.
She broke down the next steps in a format that I felt empowered to undertake.
She was knowledgeable and friendly.
I was nervous at the start of the meeting but she was able to put my fears at ease and I finished the meeting feeling relieved and smiling.
—J D
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