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Family Law Specialists: Family Solicitors in Telford, Shrewsbury, Hereford, Midlands & North Wales.

 

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.

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.

Lanyon Bowdler’s family law services include:

Child Law

Issues and disputes involving children are particularly difficult and will require sensitive and expert handling. We specialise in all areas of child law and have a wealth of experience on matters 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.

Divorce and Separation

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 divorcing couples 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 Partnerships

We are able to advise you on all matters relating to your civil partnership. 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.

Financial Matters

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.

Non-Court Resolutions

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.

Unmarried Couples

Unmarried 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.

Fertility, Surrogacy, and Adoption

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 Violence

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.

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. Telford-based Sue Hodgson heads the department. 

The 2023 ediItion 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 with key offices in Shrewsbury and Hereford. 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.'

The 2023 Chambers UK notes the following strengths: 

"Lanyon Bowdler’s team handle complex work and they have strength in depth."

The team are totally professional and reliable. They always provide expert guidance and understand the client’s needs."

“It is a great team that is amazing to work with.”

Published testimonials state:

‘The family department has specialist expertise in dealing with highly contested Children Act matters and financial proceedings. There is a depth of understanding of complicated issues that enables the development of a sound strategy and ensures consistency throughout the process‘.

‘Sue Hodgson is quite simply outstanding. She gives very high-quality advice consistently, she is well organised and always ahead of schedule, proactively prompting her clients at key points in the process. She is approachable, professional and totally reliable. She is above all calm’.

‘This is a team that stands out completely in the Shropshire area but equally is a match for any of the Birmingham city firms for the reason that it provides a bespoke, dedicated and all-encompassing service to its clients. Sue Hodgson provides the best possible service to her clients. She is fierce, dedicated and determined to obtain the best outcome‘.

The 2022 Chambers UK notes the following strengths:

"The team is fantastic in terms of client care," says one interviewee, who adds: "I feel supported all the time and like I am truly their sole interest."

Another source remarks that "the advice the lawyers give is very balanced and straightforward, and always directed towards the best outcome for the client."

Notable practitioners

Lisa Grimmett handles matrimonial finance mandates. She is noted for her activity in collaborative law processes.

Sue Hodgson maintains a strong reputation for her work in Children Act cases and child arrangement orders. She also advises on complex financial remedy cases. An interviewee reports: "She is very good at explaining what your options, rights and obligations are."

Philippa Pearson is highlighted for her ability to handle a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from complex financial matters involving landed estates to cases concerning allegations of abuse. A source states "Philippa is very experienced in family law and she always makes herself available. She cares about her clients."

Other feedback that we are proud to have received is that the firm provides “excellent customer service, which is friendly yet very professional”, that we are “always on top of the case and show great attention to detail while remaining in charge of the bigger picture” and that the team at Lanyon Bowdler are “well prepared and if there is anything that you want to clarify you can pick up the phone and speak with them.

Our lawyers are utterly dedicated to the interests of all of our clients and we will spend the time getting to know you, your specific circumstances and individual wishes to ensure the very best legal service and final outcome for you and your family.

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 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]

Senior Family Solicitor in Telford

“I enjoy finding creative solutions for clients going through separation or divorce. I help people to reach financial settlements or resolve disputes about children, either within the Court system or by voluntary agreements. My goal is to provide reassurance and confidence to clients who can be going through a difficult time. I enjoy working in our Telford office and have great working relationships with expert barristers and specialists in the area.” [Eleanor Piddock]

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.

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.

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 for providing exceptional legal advice and outstanding levels of customer service.

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 on the righthand side of this page

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, Northern Ireland and Wales, so don’t hesitate to take advice from the family law experts.  

 

 

 

Testimonials

Fantastic law firm - used Lanyon Bowdler for conveyancing & for legal advice - both solicitors I worked with were effective & professional. Law firm were fast & responsive to queries & clear pricing. Would recommend.   

- Samantha, Via Review Solicitors

Impressed by the efficiency and how they took control of our case. We don't have much of an understanding regarding solicitors and the legal system, but we were led through the whole process very well. We always felt we were in good hands.

- Mrs R Lutwyche, Shrewsbury

I was impressed with the efficiency and welcome of staff. Excellent office layout and service.  

- Mrs S James & Mr W Parkinson, Telford

A warm welcome from the receptionist. Extremely impressed by all that have helped us, peace of mind for our future.

- Mr M Court & Mrs A May, Shrewsbury

Always very efficient in dealing with the workload and advice given in divorce. Would highly recommend the service I received. 

- Mrs Suzanne Purvin

Knowledge and information given was accurate and realistic.

- Mrs Eleanor Margaret Howells, Hereford

Very efficient, pleasant and fully explained. I am well satisfied.

- Mr Stephen Turner, Oswestry

Friendly atmosphere and very professional attitude. 

- Mr Sidney Jolliffe, Oswestry

Case Studies

Nothing Left to Partner

Claire acted for a claimant whose partner died, leaving his entire estate to ...

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