Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Family Law Services in London
Stowe Family Law is the UK's largest specialist law firm dedicated exclusively to family matters. Established in 1982, we combine decades of experience with a tailored, empathetic approach to support clients through relationship breakdowns. Our team of over 200 legal professionals, including forensic accountants, mediators, and specialists in child law, divorce, and international family law, operates from offices across England and Wales. We prioritise client welfare, offering fixed-fee packages, flexible funding options, and a commitment to resolving disputes with minimal conflict. Recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, our firm maintains SRA regulation and a Trustpilot 'Excellent' rating, reflecting our dedication to professional excellence and client-centric service.
Services
Divorce Solicitors
Child Custody
Financial Settlements
Domestic Abuse Cases
International Divorce
Prenuptial Agreements
Mediation Services
Surrogacy Law
Cohabitation Agreements
Adoption
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Established in 1982 with 40+ years' experience in family law
- UK's largest specialist family law firm with 25+ offices
- Empathetic, client-focused approach to sensitive cases
- Fixed-fee divorce packages and flexible funding options
- SRA-regulated firm with Legal 500 and Chambers recognition
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal 500
- Chambers and Partners
What people say
Excellent service
Compassionate support
Legal expertise
Successful outcomes
Professional team
Services
Divorce Solicitors
Our specialist divorce solicitors handle all aspects of marital breakdown, from straightforward separations to complex international divorces. We provide clear guidance on financial settlements, child arrangements, and alternative dispute resolution methods. With expertise in high-net-worth cases and religious divorces, our team ensures legally sound solutions while minimising emotional distress through empathetic representation.
Child Custody
We specialise in creating child-focused custody agreements covering residence, contact, and decision-making responsibilities. Our solicitors advise on school choice disputes, relocation cases, and enforcement of existing orders. We prioritise children's welfare while protecting parental rights through negotiated settlements or court representation when necessary.
Financial Settlements
Our financial specialists handle property division, spousal maintenance, and pension sharing during divorce. We employ forensic accountants for complex asset tracing and valuation, including business interests and offshore holdings. We advise on prenuptial agreements and post-divorce financial restructuring to ensure fair, sustainable outcomes for clients.
Domestic Abuse Cases
We provide urgent legal protection for domestic abuse victims through non-molestation and occupation orders. Our solicitors handle emergency child arrangement modifications and financial support arrangements while collaborating with support networks to ensure client safety throughout legal proceedings.
Mediation Services
Our accredited mediators facilitate constructive negotiations for divorce settlements and child arrangements. We offer cost-effective solutions through face-to-face sessions, shuttle mediation, and virtual meetings while maintaining strict impartiality to help couples reach mutually beneficial agreements without court intervention.
People
Julian Hawkhead
Senior Partner
With extensive family law experience, Julian specialises in complex divorce cases and has been recognised in the Legal 500 directory for his sharp legal acumen and client-focused approach.
Jemma Slavin
Regional Director
Jemma delivers bespoke legal solutions for family matters in London and the South East, combining legal expertise with compassionate support for clients during challenging times.
Rachel Roberts
Regional Director
Recognised as an expert in financial remedy proceedings, Rachel provides pragmatic advice on complex asset division and high-net-worth divorce settlements across the Midlands and North regions.
Emma Newman
Managing Partner
Drawing on personal divorce experience, Emma offers empathetic guidance for Surrey, Sussex, and Kent clients, specialising in child arrangement disputes and post-divorce financial planning.
Helen Miller
Managing Partner
Helen combines tactical legal expertise with emotional intelligence to resolve complex family law cases across the North West, focusing on financial settlements and child custody arrangements.
Questions
What's the divorce process timeline in England?
The minimum timeframe is 26 weeks (20-week reflection period + 6-week final order wait). Complex cases typically take 9-12 months depending on court schedules and agreement complexity.
How are child arrangements decided?
We prioritise children's welfare through residence/contact agreements, school choice provisions, and holiday schedules tailored to each family's circumstances using mediation or court orders.
Can I afford legal representation?
We offer fixed-fee packages, hourly rates, and external financing options. Initial consultations help determine the most cost-effective approach for your specific case.
Do you handle international divorce cases?
Yes, our specialist team manages cross-border divorces involving multiple jurisdictions, international asset division, and relocation disputes with global legal network support.
What's included in financial settlements?
We handle property division, spousal maintenance, pension sharing, business valuation, and tax implications, including forensic accounting for complex asset tracing.
How quickly can domestic abuse cases be processed?
Emergency non-molestation orders can be obtained within 24-48 hours. We prioritise client safety with immediate legal protection and coordinated support services.
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Reviews (10)
Lois Ritchie
May 10, 2021
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Having to go through the most traumatic experience of my life I was really grateful to have Kate Sarsfield by my side. She understood my problems both from a sympathetic personal point of view but also with a full understanding of my rights within the law. She dealt with all of my issues with my ex partner with nothing but professionalism, even though it took a very long time to get to the end she always had time to discuss and advise on my concerns. Thanks Kate.
Nina Young
Apr 13, 2021
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Divorcing a narcissist can be more difficult than being married to one. Thankfully I took a friend's advice to get the best solicitor firm in Harrogate. A huge thank you to Kate Sarsfield for being there every step of the way throughout a very difficult divorce and for choosing a great barrister. Also to everyone at Stowe's family law who helped and was always there to answer any questions. A quote that says everything about my divorce: Whoever said money can't buy happiness clearly never paid for a divorce. From a very happy client.
Cara Edwards
Feb 27, 2021
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I dealt with Kate at Stowe Family Law for over 2 years whilst sorting out financial matters with my ex partner and his family. From the start, Kate filled me with confidence and handled matters very professionally - despite my ex being very difficult to communicate with. Kate made sure I approved of all steps taken and I would 100% recommend their services. Thank you for helping me move on with my life!
Stephen Fletcher
Jun 13, 2020
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I was impressed and reassured by Matthew Mile's knowledge, professionalism and all the hard work he put in for us. Moreover, I am forever grateful for his patience and his empathy, which helped guide me through such a difficult time. He is a credit to your company, and whilst I hope neither I nor anyone I care about ever has to go through anything remotely similar, I would not hesitate to recommend Stowe Family Law and Matthew in particular.
Nichomas
Apr 07, 2020
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I have only praise for the whole team at Stowe Family Law, from my initial phone call right through to the end of my actual divorce I was dealt with professionally. Everyone that I encountered was knowledgeable and were always able to explain everything that was happening in terms I could understand. I would fully recommend their services if you find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of needing them. The advice they gave was well informed and it made a potentially stressful process manageable. Special thanks to David Milburn who made himself available whenever I needed help and advice.
Aisha Mir
Jan 13, 2020
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My experience with Stowe Family Law was with Kate Sarsfield. I have nothing but praise for her. I was highly impressed with her availability and prompt responses to my queries. I found her to be exceptionally efficient in keeping the momentum, and coming up with a solution to any situation that she faced. She was so supportive and approachable through what had been an extremely difficult time, and always provided me with sound professional advice.
From start to finish, it has been such a pleasure. Kate helped me achieve the best possible outcome, and I really cannot recommended her highly enough. Thank you Kate! The whole firm from the accounts department to the front staff team, were lovely too.
From start to finish, it has been such a pleasure. Kate helped me achieve the best possible outcome, and I really cannot recommended her highly enough. Thank you Kate! The whole firm from the accounts department to the front staff team, were lovely too.
Jamie Winspear
Sep 05, 2019
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David Milburn has a fantastic reputation as the 'go-to' Divorce lawyer in Harrogate and Yorkshire. Excellent client service and importantly gets a great result. I wouldn't use anyone else. Highly recommended
Gaynor Martin
May 19, 2019
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Kate Sarsfield was really supportive and understanding from the very first meeting until the divorce was finalised. I knew from the outset that she was the right one for me and she didn't disappoint. I was particularly impressed at how much she made herself available and how quickly and efficiently she followed up on everything involved during the whole process. She secured the best possible outcome for my circumstances and I am very grateful that she kept me on track and gave me a truly good personal service throughout. Thank you.
Julia Davis
Jan 03, 2019
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Mark Christie provided me with exceptional support throughout a very difficult divorce. His professionalism and robust attention to detail are second to none. He gave me hard facts alongside solid advice and guidance throughout the whole process. His robust and pragmatic approach was reassuring and I certainly felt Mark shouldered the burden of my divorce allowing me to sleep at night knowing I had an excellent solicitor acting for me. I will always be grateful to Mark and would highly recommend him, more so I'm certainly grateful he was in my corner!
Hannah Binks
Dec 06, 2018
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Mark Christie has provided me with excellent advice throughout my divorce proceedings and has removed all stress from a very difficult situation. Through his expert knowledge and experience I would 100% recommend Mr Christie and Stowe Family Law for all aspects of divorce and separation.