Fertility, Adoption & Alternative Family Structures.

Legal Advice on Fertility, Adoption & Alternative Family Structures.

Starting a family, or adding to it, is one of the biggest steps you will ever take and at Lanyon Bowdler we understand just how important this next stage is for you.

Our specialist team is here to listen and will provide optimum support and guidance throughout your journey towards parenthood, ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible.

Thanks to incredible medical advances there are now a number of alternative routes available for achieving your longed-for family. It is important, however, you take the correct legal advice for matters such as fertility treatment, surrogacy or adoption, to protect your interests and make sure all of the correct procedures are followed.

There is nothing more important than your family so don’t delay. Speak to the experts you can trust by contacting Our family law solicitors Lanyon Bowdler today and let us help you make your dreams of having a family a reality.

Our Legal Services for Fertility Treatment, Surrogacy & Adoption

There are a number of reasons why people choose to pursue non-traditional methods to start a family and we can help you with all matters relating to surrogacy, fertility treatments and adoption, tailored to your own specific situation and circumstances.

When opting for any of these alternative routes, professional legal advice and support is essential from the outset because, if the process is not dealt with properly, problems can arise, often to great financial and emotional cost. Lanyon Bowdler aim to ensure that any issues are handled both swiftly and effectively to minimise any stress or delay.

Fertility treatment & the law

Undergoing fertility treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding, which is why we are on hand to offer you the support you need and to take care of all the legal and procedural elements of the process, so that you can focus on your well-being and the practicalities of living through fertility treatment.

We will handle your case with the utmost care and understanding and can advise on all matters including:

  • Identifying the best and most appropriate treatment
  • Egg freezing
  • Embryo testing
  • Storage issues
  • Egg and sperm donation
  • Preparation of documents
  • Legal parenthood
  • The use of eggs, sperm or embryos following the breakdown of a relationship

We will put you first at all times as we work closely with you to achieve a successful outcome.

Surrogacy & the Law

There are a wide number of legal issues to be considered when opting to have a child through surrogacy, and the law can be particularly complex and confusing on this matter.

We offer the very best in legal advice however, and will provide you with a clear and comprehensive understanding of your position and your rights.

We can help you with:

  • Traditional and gestational surrogacy
  • Understanding the complexities surrounding surrogacy law
  • International surrogacy
  • Dispute resolution
  • Parental orders
  • Adoption

Surrogacy can be an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved and the team at Lanyon Bowdler will utilise their considerable skill and knowledge to ensure a straightforward and successful process.

Adoption law

The adoption process itself can be lengthy and complicated so it is advisable, if you are considering this route, to take legal advice as soon as possible. Adoption itself is not without its challenges so any decision to go ahead needs to be well thought through and taken with care. We are here to provide a listening ear and to help guide and support you with what will be one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

We can help you with:

  • Your initial assessment
  • Preparing your witness statement
  • Meeting or amending your will
  • Employment law including adoption leave
  • Making your application for the Adoption Order
  • Private adoption law

We are passionate about bringing families together and are fully committed to helping you find your happy ending.

LGBTQ+ same-sex parenting and the law

As a same-sex couple, the number of options available to help you have a child can feel overwhelming and making a decision on which route to take can seem almost impossible. You are not alone however and we will provide considered, bespoke advice to help you make the best decision for you and your future family, and will help you to explore all available routes including:

  • Egg donation
  • Sperm donation
  • Surrogacy
  • Adoption
  • Co-parenting

We are able to help same-sex couples to have a child and are well-placed to provide the guidance, support, and clarity you need so that you can make a fully-informed decision and proceed as quickly as possible.

Relationship breakdown and alternative family structures

Sadly, sometimes things go wrong and couples decide to separate. In those cases arrangements will need to be agreed for any children of the relationship. Our family law specialists can advise on any issues or disputes relating to parental responsibility and non-biological parenthood.

Our Fertility, Adoption & Alternative Family Structures Expertise

Our specialist family law solicitors have years of experience advising clients on fertility, adoption and alternative family structures. Get in touch today and one of our friendly team will be in contact.

Why choose us?

Lanyon Bowdler is widely accepted as being one of the leading full-service law firms in the region, renowned for delivering on its promises and achieving the very best results on behalf of all its clients.

Listed in The Legal 500 directory for recommended law firms and lawyers, Lanyon Bowdler is also a legal panel firm for the National Farmers’ Union’s members in Shropshire, Staffordshire & Herfordshire. The firm is ranked in Band 1 for Shrewsbury and the surrounding areas in the 2024 edition of Chambers UK.

As a full-service law firm, Lanyon Bowdler is able to offer you a complete and collaborative legal service, offering expertise across all areas of law such as family, employment and wills and probate law for example, to ensure that all aspects of your family planning are covered.

Our team of lawyers understand that everyone’s situation is unique and personal to them, which is why we will take the time to get to know you, so that we are able to deliver a completely tailored and bespoke service which fully takes into consideration your individual circumstances.

You will find our team to be warm and friendly, immediately putting you at your ease so that you are able to talk openly with us about your plans for a family and your future, so that we can provide the very best legal advice and support possible. We will treat you with sensitivity and understanding at all times and will work on your behalf with a dedication and commitment that is second to none, leaving you in no doubt that we truly are on your side.

Why do we care?

There is nothing more important than family, and when it comes to having one of your own we understand and recognise the depth of the feelings involved, particularly when there have been challenges along the way.

Alternative and non-traditional ways of having a family are becoming increasingly popular and are opening up the possibility of having a child for those who may not have previously thought it was possible.

We genuinely care about what we do, and when you combine this with our exceptional legal capability, you can rest assured that your family is in the safest of hands.

Your Fertility, Adoption and Alternative Family Structures questions answered

How much do our fertility and adoption services cost?

Many of our clients, when they first come to us, are concerned about how to fund alternative methods of having a child and, more specifically, the associated legal costs, worrying that these may prove to be a barrier to their family plans. At Lanyon Bowdler, we strongly believe that everyone should be able to access the legal advice and support they need and we offer a number of flexible pricing plans to make our premium legal service readily available to everyone. From fixed fees and pay as you go arrangements, to the more traditional hourly charging rates, there is a way to pay that will suit everyone and we can discuss the various options with you in detail to help find a payment plan that works for us all.

We are always completely upfront and transparent about our fees so that there are no nasty surprises along the way, and we will talk through everything with you at length beforehand so that you can make a fully informed decision and will know what to expect. We also offer service level guarantees to give you the peace of mind to know that you will receive the expert legal service you require.

Is there any financial support available for our fertility and adoption services?

Lanyon Bowdler is incredibly proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant, to show our appreciation for the incredible work undertaken by all of our current and ex-military personnel in keeping us safe. Working in partnership with Shropshire Council and a number of other agencies and charities including Help for Heroes, the Royal British Legion, Veterans UK, West Mercia Police, and a number of local military regiments, we have signed the covenant to ensure that our military heroes can access the professional services they require, when they need them, as our way of giving something back to them and saying a heartfelt thank you for their life of service and sacrifice.

Our role in the partnership is to provide legal advice, support, and representation to our armed forces, and we attend the hubs that have been set up in Shrewsbury and Telford so that our service is easily accessible to any of the local servicemen, women and veterans who may need our help. The skilled team at Lanyon Bowdler possess a clear understanding of the unique issues that can affect those who have served in the military and are highly capable of providing all the specialist advice and practical support that may be required.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

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

By choosing Lanyon Bowdler, you can rest assured that you will receive premier legal advice, support and representation. Our family lawyers have a vast level of experience in family law and possess the in-depth knowledge and expertise that will be necessary from your legal team. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care and will act with the utmost discretion, sensitivity and understanding at all times, as we work closely with you to find the best way forward.

With offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry and Telford, we are within easy reach of many of our clients, regularly acting on behalf of people throughout Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales as well as the Midlands, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton. If meeting face-to-face is difficult for you however, we are also able to manage cases over the phone and via video conferencing. As a leading full-service law firm we regularly represent clients wherever they may live in England or Wales.

Contact us today for a friendly, confidential chat about your family plans and how we can best support you. You can speak to a member of our team by calling us or you can complete the online enquiry form and one of our friendly and helpful lawyers will get back to you.

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
Georgia Rowney
Georgia Rowney
Legal Assistant
Family Law
Lizzie Cross
Lizzie Cross
Trainee Solicitor
Family
Mia Williams
Mia Williams
Trainee Solicitor
Family Law
Anne Lewis
Anne Lewis
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Family Law
Lisa Grimmett
Lisa Grimmett
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Caroline Yorke
Caroline Yorke
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Fiona Cooper
Fiona Cooper
Legal Assistant
Family Law
Rachel Tomley
Rachel Tomley
Solicitor
Family Law
Erin Payne
Erin Payne
Paralegal Apprentice
Family Law
Staci Robinson
Staci Robinson
Associate Solicitor
Family Law
Laura Jones
Laura Jones
Solicitor
Family Law
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Case studies.

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