Family Law.

Family Solicitors for all Family Law Matters.

From divorce and separation agreements to pre-nuptial arrangements and child residency (child arrangement orders), family law covers a wide range of different issues, some of which may be highly sensitive and difficult to resolve.

You don’t have to manage alone however, and the family law experts at Lanyon Bowdler have the breadth of knowledge and experience to help you no matter what the situation. Contacting a family law solicitor may seem like an added complication at what can be an already stressful time, but getting in touch with our approachable, friendly team at an early stage is the right thing to do so that we can help to bring your issue to a swift and successful close.

We will handle your case with sensitivity and understanding and will support you at every stage of the legal process, providing you with a fully bespoke service to help alleviate your burden and worry.

Key Contact

Sue Hodgson heads the Family Department. Sue is a partner with experience in dealing exclusively with complex family matters, particularly in the fields of private Children Act work, often involving international relocation, special guardianship orders and high conflict cases where Sue has utilised her skills to find constructive solutions for her clients.

Sue Hodgson
Sue Hodgson
Partner
Family Law

How our Family Law Specialists Help

With offices in Telford, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Oswestry, Bromyard, Hereford, and Conwy, we are known for delivering high standards of family law legal services across Shropshire and Herefordshire as well as into Mid and North Wales. Our reach is extensive however and our divorce and family law specialists have worked with clients in Wrexham, Powys, Stafford, Chester, Welshpool, Bridgnorth, and Market Drayton as well as nationally. Location is certainly no barrier to those that we are able to help. we can act for clients wherever they live in England or Wales.

Lanyon Bowdler’s family law services include:

Child Matters & Arrangements

Issues and disputes involving children are particularly difficult and will require sensitive and expert handling. We specialise in all areas of child matters and have a wealth of experience in handling situations such as child arrangement orders, special guardianship orders removing parental responsibility and relocation proceedings. We also provide legal advice to grandparents and stepfamilies offering support on the issues that uniquely affect them.

In the event you believe a child to be at risk we will act immediately to ensure their protection by securing a court order without delay.

Marital Breakdown

Whether you have decided to separate or to legally end your marriage through a divorce, we are able to help. We understand what an incredibly difficult and emotional decision this can be and will handle your case sensitively and with understanding.

In the event of a separation, we can help you to draft a separation agreement detailing how assets should be divided and addressing other matters such as arrangements for your children, giving clarity and reassurance should you later decide to divorce.

For couples ending their marriage, we are here to help you make decisions about your finances, property and children and to help you through the legal proceedings to ensure everything is progressed and resolved as quickly and amicably as possible.

Civil Relationships

We are able to advise you on all matters relating to your civil relationship. From making sure you have a full understanding of your rights surrounding issues such as children and inheritance, to advising on pre-nuptial agreements, we are here to oversee the legalities and ensure that everything runs smoothly for you.

We can also help with civil partnership dissolution if you have decided to end your relationship. We recognise the emotional toll this can take but we are here to help make the process as simple, quick and stress-free as possible. We are able to assist you with important decisions relating to your finances, property and your children and to protect all of your interests both now and in the future.

Monetary Dealings

Our team of family law experts can advise you on all aspects of your finances, from advising on prenuptial arrangements and cohabitation agreements to handling financial settlements and post-divorce finances. Our combined legal and financial knowledge means we are best placed to advise and offer you legal support to ensure that your long term financial position is secure.

Out-of-Court Proceedings

The thought of facing court proceedings can be a great source of anxiety for many of our clients, especially when it involves family disputes. At Lanyon Bowdler we place a great deal of emphasis on negotiation and are highly experienced in collaborative law. We have an extremely high success rate by taking this approach, often resolving matters amicably and effectively through arbitration and away from the courts.

Cohabiting Couples

Cohabiting couples are not recognised by the law even if they live together, so cohabitation agreements are designed to offer legal and financial protection to anyone who has decided to live together without the formality of marriage or civil partnership. The agreement can help with current and future financial arrangements including the amount each party should contribute to household expenses, as well as how any assets should be divided in the event of a separation.

International Family Law

This area of law is particularly complex requiring extremely careful handling by highly qualified specialists. Our experienced team can help clients with all aspects of international family law including transferring assets abroad, relocating overseas with your children, marrying or divorcing in another jurisdiction and international parental abduction.

Assisted Conception

For anyone facing fertility issues, or considering surrogacy or adoption for a much-wanted and longed-for child, we are here to help. We will provide you with all the legal advice and support that you will need throughout what is likely to be a lengthy, rollercoaster of a journey. It is important you are fully aware of all your legal rights and we will provide you with advice throughout the entire process, including at moments when you have key decisions to make, as well as helping with all the required documentation and paperwork.

We understand just what an emotional and significant time this is for you and your family and will be there for you, providing understanding and professionalism at all times.

Domestic Abuse

We can help anyone who has experienced any sort of verbal or physical domestic abuse from a partner or loved one. We will take immediate action to protect you and anyone else who may be vulnerable, to keep you safe from harm. We have a number of legal means at our disposal in order to achieve this including injunctions and occupation orders.

Your safety is our priority and we will do everything in our power to help.

We are also able to represent clients who have been unfairly accused of domestic violence.

Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

Chambers UK 2024 Lanyon Bowdler
Law Society Family Law Accreditation
Resolution main logo
Legal 500 Leading Firm

Our Family Law Expertise

The Family Law Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler are leaders in the field, and offer clear and experienced legal advice to individuals in England and Wales. No matter how complex your family law issue is, we can help you achieve an outcome you will be happy with. Contact us today.

Podcast

Our podcast, The Legal Lounge, features a number of episodes about family law, including issues relating to domestic abuse, the financial aspects of a divorce and divorce proceedings using the alternative dispute resolution process. Click on the links to listen to our lawyers sharing some very useful information and advice.

Why Choose The Family Lawyers At Lanyon Bowdler

Recognised as one of the region’s leading family law firms by the 2024 edition of The Legal 500, a national guide that recommends legal practices. The guide states: ‘Lanyon Bowdler has a strong reputation for its work on the full gamut of complex issues involving financial remedy, children and divorce. It is skilled at handling cases where there are business structures and trusts. On the children side, the group frequently advises on internal and external relocation cases, domestic violence and cases involving significant welfare issues.’

Testimonials

‘The team are all very knowledgeable and work together cohesively. Their expertise is second to none and they all inspire confidence in the advice that they give’.

‘The Family Team strives to consistently give a first class service to its clients, and provides consistent support and realistic advice’.

‘A team of strong solicitors who work tremendously closely and well together. An emerging team to be reckoned with’.

The 2024 edition of Chambers UK the department is ranked in Band 1 for Shrewsbury & Surrounds and Band 2 for Hereford, Worcester & Surrounds and states: ‘Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is a well-regarded firm. Its group represents clients in financial matters involving trusts, pensions and overseas assets, such as divorce proceedings and prenuptial agreements, with notable expertise in cases concerning farming families. The team also supports clients in complex Children Act matters involving allegations of criminal behaviour and domestic abuse. The practice offers a range of dispute resolution options, including collaborative law services.’

Strengths

“All of the lawyers were exceptionally professional and friendly. They demonstrated a wealth of knowledge in their fields through sound guidance which was also mixed with real-world experience.”

“They work collaboratively with counsel to move things forward in the most productive way.”

Family Law Specialists At Lanyon Bowdler & The Armed Forces Covenant

Lanyon Bowdler is incredibly proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, to show our appreciation for the incredible work undertaken by current and ex-military personnel. In the local area, we are working in partnership with Shropshire Council and a number of other agencies including Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion, Veterans UK, local military regiments and West Mercia Police, to ensure that our military heroes can access the professional services they need.

We are delighted to provide legal advice, support and representation to our armed forces, and the clear understanding that we have of the unique issues that can affect them enables us to provide the specialist advice that they deserve. So that we can make our service as accessible as possible, we attend the hub in Shrewsbury town centre every month where our servicemen, women and veterans can come for any legal support and practical advice that they and their families may need.

Why Do We Care?

The relationships we have with others define us all, which is why we want to help anyone facing life-changing or difficult decisions, particularly when they involve a family. It is a priority for us all to protect our loved ones, look after our own financial interests and plan for the future, so we understand completely the significance of what you are currently facing.

Whether you are considering the interests of your children following a separation, ensuring your partner is provided for in the future, safeguarding your financial security or organising the finances of cohabitees, Lanyon Bowdler can offer all the necessary support and advice.

A key part of this support is to reduce the tension between opposing parties, as we often find that many of our clients are in difficult and stressful situations and are left feeling extremely anxious about facing court proceedings.

We recognise just how damaging ongoing disputes can be and place a great deal of emphasis on dialogue and collaboration. This style of negotiation means we typically reach amicable resolutions quickly but in instances where litigation is necessary, we have the skill and experience to do so effectively. Our expertise in collaborative law however results in us frequently helping people work through their issues away from the courts in a practical and balanced way, minimising the stress and conflict for everyone involved.

a word from one of our Family Law solicitors…

 

Senior Family Solicitor in Hereford

“I believe you should choose the Lanyon Bowdler family law team because we will put you and your family first. I am passionate about people, their families and their children which is the reason I chose to practice family law; I have a deep rooted interest in helping people and, in appropriate cases, addressing the power imbalance. I feel privileged to be able to advise people when they are at a low point in their lives and to be able to guide them through to better times.

Family law in England and Wales strives to be fair and to put children at the heart of justice. Whilst this can sometimes be difficult to achieve it is always a worthwhile aim. I hope the lasting impression I leave on a client is that I was friendly, professional, efficient, and knowledgeable and that they know they can”. always call me for advice, should they need it. [Philippa Pearson]

 

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Your Family Law questions answered

How much does family lawyer support cost?

We find that one of the main concerns people have when it comes to instructing a solicitor is how much it will all cost.

At Lanyon Bowdler, we have developed a number of flexible pricing options including fixed fees and staged payment arrangements to help find the best price plan for you and your budget. We are fully transparent about our pricing, offer service level guarantees, and will discuss everything with you in detail beforehand so that you are fully informed about your decision.

For more information about what you can expect to pay don’t hesitate to call us and we can talk you through all the options available.

What do the best family lawyers do?

Family lawyers work very closely with people and relationships, often when they are breaking down or when disputes have occurred.

The best family lawyers balance a detailed knowledge of the law with a high level of empathy. A good family lawyer understands that it can take time for people to reach difficult decisions and is able to bring calmness and clarity to the situation rather than adding more stress. Family lawyers must have a passion for helping other people and be able to explain legal matters in a clear, practical way to people who have no legal knowledge. The best family lawyers strive to reach resolutions through alternative dispute resolution methods, avoiding court whenever possible.

How to find a good family lawyer

To find a good family lawyer you might start by asking for a recommendation from a friend or family member, or search online. The next thing you should do is call to speak to someone on the phone or arrange an initial meeting. You’ll soon get a feel for whether you can work with them.

Of course, it is important to find a family lawyer that is suitably qualified and experienced, but they should also be a good fit for you on a personal level too. Are they easy to talk to? Are they easy to get hold of when you need them? When dealing with highly emotional issues such as child custody, divorce, or domestic violence you’ll want a lawyer who gives very high-quality advice consistently and is approachable, calm, and totally reliable.

The family law solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler are regularly recognised in The Legal 500 and Chambers UK for providing exceptional legal advice and outstanding levels of customer service.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

After the solicitor firm I was using for my divorce couldn’t get it settled in two years, I transferred to Lanyon Bowdler. Within seven months they got it completely finished and over with. They proactively pushed to get my case closed and were supportive throughout. Absolutely worthy to be called the best.

Simon
via ReviewSolicitors

Lanyon Bowdler managed my case very professionally and were very helpful during a difficult and challenging case both in a professional and personal capacity. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for all legal matters and would definitely engage in the future if the need arises.

Timothy
via ReviewSolicitors

I would not hesitate to recommend LB Solicitors to anyone needing guidance and representation for family law or divorce proceedings. My solicitor was thorough and diligent, balancing professional rigour with fairness, reasonableness and sensitivity. I feel this approach helped me to obtain a satisfactory settlement avoiding costly and unnecessary conflict.

Jon
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing and for legal advice – both solicitors I worked with were effective and professional. Law firm was fast and responsive to queries and clear pricing.

Samantha
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I was impressed with the forensic approach to identifying, securing, assessing and presenting evidence over the two years that it took to finally resolve the issue.

Timothy
via ReviewSolicitors

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s Family Law Solicitors

Please feel free to give us a call for a friendly, confidential chat about how we can help support you when you or your family require legal advice and representation. You can contact a member of our team by calling us or by completing the online enquiry form.

By choosing Lanyon Bowdler, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise no matter what the situation. Our team has vast experience in all areas of family law and we are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care. We always act with the utmost discretion and you will be treated with sensitivity and understanding, as we work closely with you to find the best outcome for everyone involved.

We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry and Telford, regularly acting on behalf of clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, and throughout the Midlands, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Our team of family law solicitors in North Wales is based at our offices in Conwy, serving family law clients in North and Mid Wales.

As a leading full-service law firm, however, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales, so don’t hesitate to take advice from the family law experts.

Our people

Meet the team.

Sue Hodgson
Sue Hodgson
Partner
Family Law
Jon Moriarty
Jon Moriarty
Partner
Family Law
Philippa Pearson
Philippa Pearson
Partner
Family Law
Amelie Gray
Amelie Gray
Legal Support Assistant
Family Law
Georgia Rowney
Georgia Rowney
Legal Assistant
Family Law
Nicholas Bridgewater
Nicholas Bridgewater
Trainee Solicitor
Family Law | Disputes & Court Claims | Commercial Dispute Resolution
Anne Lewis
Anne Lewis
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Family Law
Lisa Grimmett
Lisa Grimmett
Senior Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Caroline Yorke
Caroline Yorke
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Fiona Cooper
Fiona Cooper
Legal Support Assistant
Family Law
Annie Priest
Annie Priest
Trainee Solicitor
Family Law
Kelly Reynolds
Kelly Reynolds
Solicitor
Family
Staci Robinson
Staci Robinson
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Laura Jones
Laura Jones
Solicitor
Family Law
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Blog

Financial Provision for Children: How does ...

Following the recent high profile case of Kyle Walker and Lauryn Goodman, the Court was tasked with making appropri...
Kelly Reynolds • 28 Aug 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Parental Responsibility in Family Law – Laura Jones and Staci Robinson

Laura and Staci discuss parental responsibility, a law surrounding the raising of children. ...
Published • 20 May 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

The Law Behind Predatory Marriages – Edward Rees and Claire Vale

People get married for many reasons but in cases of predatory marriages, the victim will be vulnerable....
Published • 15 Jan 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

The Pathfinders Pilot Scheme in North Wales for Children – Jon Moriarty and Caroline Yorke

Caroline and Jon, discuss the pathfinders pilot scheme, explaining how the new approach is designed to boost the voice o...
Published • 27 Nov 2023
Podcast icon Podcast

Appointing Guardians for Children in the Event of your Death – Sioned Williams and Caroline Yorke

Sioned and Caroline discuss the serious topic of appointing a guardian for your child or children in the event of your d...
Published • 20 Nov 2023
Podcast icon Podcast

Pitfalls and Problems in Family Law Cases – Jon Moriarty and Caroline Yorke

Caroline and Jon discuss the trials and tribulations that are found within family law cases....
Published • 13 Nov 2023
Podcast icon Podcast

Divorce and Pensions – Caroline Yorke and Ian Conlon

Caroline speaks with Ian Conlon from IWC Actuarial; an actuary specialising in providing expert reports in relation to f...
Published • 23 Oct 2023
Podcast icon Podcast

How to Help your Solicitor – Jon Moriarty and Caroline Yorke

Caroline and Jon explain how being prepared with key information and having relevant documents to hand may ultimately re...
Published • 09 Oct 2023
Blog

DIY Divorce and Pensions

Frequently, we are approached by a spouse who has already started a divorce application themselves and/or reached a...
Jon Moriarty • 12 Sep 2023
Blog

Do I Need a Court Order in Relation to the ...

You’ve started a divorce application, or are divorced, and you’ve reached an agreement about the financial settleme...
Jon Moriarty • 05 Sep 2023
Blog

The Re-Marriage Trap and Some Other Conside...

Following the introduction of “no-fault” divorce in England and Wales on 6 April 2022, spouses who are separating m...
Jon Moriarty • 29 Aug 2023
Blog

Pension Pitfalls – A Cautionary Tale For Th...

We have seen a number of cases where, following a final order being made by the court, the relevant documentation h...
Jon Moriarty • 22 Aug 2023
Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

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