Emma Newman

Specialisms

Emma advises on all aspects of family law and assists clients going through a separation whether they are married, in a civil partnership or unmarried.

She advises on Children Act matters including applications for child arrangements, with complicating factors such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence.  She deals with leave to remove cases, specific issues and applications by grandparents.  She also advises on prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements. Her particular specialty is dealing with complex financial disputes, including matters where there are substantial income and capital, business and trust assets and an international dimension.  She has acted for many clients on ‘variation of maintenance’ cases.

Emma is a Resolution Accredited Family Law Specialist with accreditations in Financial Provision and Children Law.

Training & employment experience

Emma graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Law and then studied the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School.  She qualified as a solicitor in 1999 at a Surrey firm and has continued to practice family law in Surrey ever since.  Before joining Stowe Family Law, Emma was the Deputy Head of a successful family law department within a firm ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers directories.

Now, Emma is Managing Partner at Stowe Family Law’s Esher & Guildford and Brighton offices.

Approach

Emma is known for her down-to-earth and friendly manner; she is empathetic and extremely practical. This approach has led to most of her clients being referred to her by past clients.  Having been through a divorce herself, Emma is acutely aware of the practical and emotional issues her clients face and is passionate about ensuring they are fully supported throughout their legal journey.  She works closely with third parties such as IFAs, counsellors and parenting coaches who can help provide much-needed holistic support.

Chambers & Partners

Emma is ranked by Chambers & Partners as a recognised practitioner in Family and Matrimonial matters for Guildford and the surrounding region.

Chambers says: Emma Newman adeptly handles complex matrimonial finance matters, often involving complex business and trusts aspects, and also has experience advising on child care proceedings. One interviewee notes that she is “superb technically and builds rapport with clients,” while another adds: “She was extremely helpful, very reassuring, and always working towards the agreed outcome.”

Legal 500

“Emma Newman is fantastic. Emma was recommended to me by a colleague who had gone through a divorce where Emma had represented her ex-husband. I met with Emma once face to face, where she listened to my reasons for a divorce, talked me through the legal system and provided an approximate indication of realistic costs and timelines. From then onwards, Emma proactively managed my case. Every time she received a letter from my husband’s solicitor, Emma would draft a response first and then send it to me to review. Every response was spot on and needed very little re-work from my side. I was very emotional and distressed about filing for a divorce, and Emma was professional, caring and empathetic towards my situation. Emma always advised me in a fair and honest way, unlike some solicitors who promise you everything and deliver nothing. I would recommend Emma without any hesitation.” – Legal 500, 2021

“Emma Newman heads up Stowe Family Law in Esher and is always approachable, knowledgeable, and very easy to get on with. She is a fierce advocate for her client, but can retain sight of the ‘bigger picture’. I have referred clients to Emma in the past.” – Legal 500, 2021

“Emma Newman is dedicated, highly experienced and committed to her clients, yet is perfectly prepared to deliver unwelcome news where this is warranted – which gains her the respect of opponents and judges alike. She is a pleasure to be instructed by because you know everything will be in such good order.” – Legal 500, 2021

“I am able to comment only on Emma Newman of Stowe Family Law having worked with her for a number of years. Emma has an excellent manner with her clients. She is empathetic and caring and they feel genuinely comfortable with her. Much of her work is from recommendations and referrals. She is also a very skilled lawyer and provides clear, systematic and structured advice. Emma is passionate about family law and prides herself on ensuring her clients are supported through whatever legal process she is guiding them through.” – Legal 500, 2021

“A very professional outfit under the stewardship of Emma Newman, which seems to have made great strides in the short time it has been operating. The practice radiates efficiency and endeavour.” – Legal 500, 2021

Awards

Emma was awarded Family Lawyer of the Year Award at the 2019 Surrey Law Society Awards.

Outside of work

Outside of work, Emma has a busy family life. She enjoys cooking, particularly cake making, and decorating. She enjoys foreign travel, going to the theatre and art.