Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm | Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Call us: Mon - Fri 8:30am - 7pm, Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm
Maria Coster
Team Leader Partner, Sheffield
“Extremely proficient at identifying clients’ main concerns” and an “intelligent and pragmatic lawyer, she works hard for her clients” (Legal 500). I am committed to providing clear and concise advice to obtain the best possible outcome for my clients, whether they are separating/divorcing, or in respect of children matters. I am noted as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 for 2020 and 2021, and a Next Generation Partner for 2022 and 2023.
Specialisms
Maria moved from our Nottingham family solicitors office to our Yorkshire team, specifically the Sheffield office in July 2020. Whilst working in Nottingham she built a strong reputation for her client care, a robust approach and her professionalism. She still maintains her professional contacts in Nottinghamshire, and she is happy to accept referrals and new cases from the East Midlands area and beyond.
Maria has a wide range of experience of advising clients who plan to separate or divorce, and clients who wish to enter into nuptial or cohabitation agreements. She can advise in respect of all areas arising within the course of reaching a financial settlement, including pre-acquired and post-separation assets, spousal maintenance, business assets, pensions and proceedings under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989.
Maria has a particular interest in child law matters and applications for Child Arrangements Orders i.e. where a child is to live and how often they spend time with the other parent. She has conducted complex cases involving issues such as domestic violence, substance misuse, parental conflict, where there are allegations of parental alienation and cases which involve a Rule 16.4 Guardian. Maria has also represented clients regarding the removal of children from the jurisdiction, and cases where there is the question of which international jurisdiction is the most appropriate.
Approach
Maria has a caring and compassionate approach to clients, with a dedication to client care. She has been praised by her clients for her attention to detail, efficiency, devotion to her cases and her firm yet empathetic approach. She prides herself on giving reasoned advice to clients and always strives for the very best result.
The Legal 500 (2021) includes the following testimonial: ‘Maria Coster is an intelligent and pragmatic lawyer. She works hard for her clients. Most importantly she is a pleasure to deal with. I would recommend a client to her without hesitation and I don’t say that about many competitors.’
Training & employment
Maria studied at Sheffield Hallam University, where she obtained a First Class LLB, and then Nottingham Law School, where she gained a Distinction on the Legal Practice Course. She qualified as a Solicitor in August 2012 and has worked exclusively in family law since late 2012.
Prior to joining Stowe, Maria worked for a top-tier boutique family law firm in Nottingham. She worked at our Nottingham office from November 2018 to July 2020, and now works at the Sheffield and Huddersfield offices.
Accreditations, memberships & awards
Maria’s expertise in advising upon complex financial remedies and private children law is recognised by Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation scheme.
Maria is recommended in the Legal 500 as an individual ‘who is extremely proficient at identifying her clients’ main concerns’ and ‘ is always easily accessible and gives a measured and insightful opinion. Her expertise cannot be praised enough and she is highly recommended’.
She is noted as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 for 2020 and 2021, and a Next Generation Partner for 2022 and 2023.
Maria is a member of Resolution.
Legal 500
“Maria Coster is an intelligent and pragmatic lawyer. She works hard for her clients. Most importantly she is a pleasure to deal with. I would recommend a client to her without hesitation and I don’t say that about many competitors.” – Legal 500, 2021
View Maria's blog posts
Accreditations
“
”
What our clients say
[the team are] friendly, listen and hear what I have to say as a client. As a team, they ensure I have all information for my case as well as some of the administration clarities. They are all extremely professional.
I approached Stowe Family Law regarding queries about a recent breakup, and my options in the future, regarding my daughter. The partner I saw was incredibly helpful and reassuring, and guided me through the entire legal process, start-to-finish, with costings and recommendations at every stage. 12/12 perfect! I would always return to the same firm if further advice or actions are required in the future.
The team you manage have been fantastic with my cases. I moved solicitors and I was very nervous at whether I had done the right thing as it was a big decision. But after meeting Jake and how he listened to me and his no nonsenses attitude which I needed, I felt a lot more at ease. And his quick turnaround to take my cases on to putting a CAO in place last Friday that Ella sorted out for me and kept me in the loop all the way until it was filled with the court. And today Michelle for jumping straight on things while Jake was on leave and getting Ella to deal with the issue where I found my wife was trying to sell sentimental items on Facebook marketplace. Ella quickly responded and dealt with the situation in my opinion perfectly, and the items have been taken down by her now, again she kept me in the loop every step of the way which I really need at the minute. You have an amazing team and I feel very well looked after and I now believe I will get what I and my girls need through all this I know it will take some time, but I have faith in your team you have and trust them.
Maria Coster at Stowe Family Law provided me with sound legal advice and navigation of the law throughout a divorce process that I found extremely traumatic and unfair. Maria was knowledgeable, experienced, personable, organised and straightforward.
We wanted to say a special thank you for all of your help and support in a very difficult situation. We have already been through this twice before, but this time is the first time that we felt that we were in the very best hands. You listened to us and you genuinely seemed to care – that meant an awful lot.
Maria Coster has a great head on young shoulders. Her advice and views on cases are much wiser than others of her experience.
Thank you for your professionalism in the way that you have dealt with my case. You have shown a great understanding and clearly have excellent knowledge in this particular field, and this has no doubt helped to the point where at times it has often felt that due to your questioning skills, this has had the effect of putting the other party on the "back foot", and indeed I sometimes felt we had the upper hand. This was never more apparent than crucial questions were posed which I felt ultimately led to [my wife] reviewing her position and initially withdrawing her application.
Request Free Callback
Submit your details, and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation callback at a time to suit you. Please note that we cannot offer Legal aid.
Get
more
advice
more
advice
Close
Newsletter Sign Up
Sign up for advice on divorce and relationships from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts.
Privacy Policy