Divorce.

Divorce & Separation.

Going through divorce proceedings can be a very difficult time for everyone involved, so it is important to have experienced lawyers guiding you through the process towards a fair outcome.

The family law specialists at Lanyon Bowdler can provide you with the advice, guidance, and legal representation you may need throughout your divorce, working in a friendly and approachable manner.

We understand that the cost of legal proceedings can be a daunting prospect. As a specialist family law firm, Lanyon Bowdler offers a range of flexible pricing options, including fixed fees, so you have a good idea how much things are likely to cost from the outset.

We support a wide range of individuals with a focus on divorce and family law in Shropshire, Herefordshire, and North Wales, but cover the whole of England and Wales.

No two divorce cases are the same, so it is important to seek advice that is tailored to your own unique circumstances. At the outset you will no doubt have dozens of questions, doubts, and concerns, but we’ll make sure everything is clear for you at every stage.

The divorce lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler have extensive experience helping clients with divorces in all manner of circumstances and are well-versed in the wide-ranging issues that can arise.

You can count on us to support and guide you, no matter what challenges or obstacles you are facing.

Contact our family law team in Shropshire, Herefordshire, and North Wales today for a friendly chat about your situation, and to find out how we can help.

No Fault Divorce: What’s Changed?

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 has introduced a much needed update for the procedure and terminology around Divorce Law. The most significant difference is the removal of the process that required the petitioner to prove the irretrievable breakdown of marriage, through at least one of five criteria, two of which – unreasonable behaviour and adultery – were blame based. It used to be necessary to back up these claims with evidence.

Additionally, the respondent could contest the petition, rendering the process longer, more complex, and much more litigious and traumatic.

The new legislation aims to reduce the acrimony associated with blaming the other party for the breakdown of the marriage. If a couple has decided they wish to bring the partnership to an end, a joint application can be submitted, which should make the process quicker and easier.

The resolution of disputes – most importantly regarding children and financial matters – is also hoped to be made less contentious.

A 20-week reflection period between the filing of the initial application and the Conditional Order being available to be applied for, has been introduced. The Final Order can follow six weeks after the latter has been pronounced at the earliest. These orders functionally replace the Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute respectively.

For more detailed information about No Fault Divorce and how our family solicitors can help you, visit our Guide to No Fault Divorce.

Our Divorce Expertise

Our divorce lawyers are approachable and professional, and will always adopt a balanced and practical approach to negotiations, minimising conflict and working towards achieving a realistic, positive, and satisfactory outcome for you.

Divorce advice

It is vital to speak to a family law solicitor at the earliest opportunity when you are considering divorce proceedings, so you fully understand the proper procedures.

Although the process has now been simplified, most people will benefit from the experience of a divorce lawyer to guide them through the necessary steps.

We will support you from the initial divorce application to resolving disputes, managing court orders, negotiating financial arrangements, children arrangements and any other areas of consideration for your unique circumstances. The specialist lawyers here at Lanyon Bowdler will be able to talk you through the options available to you.

Podcasts

In this episode you can listen here to Caroline Yorke from the Family team chat about alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It’s a process that helps couples navigate through a relationship breakdown in a way that can streamline or avoid court proceedings.

In this episode family lawyer Caroline Yorke and follows on from her previous podcast about (ADR) and talks about the processes involved in going to court if the financial aspects of a divorce can’t be settled between couples, including details about FDRs (Financial Dispute Resolutions).

In this episode, family solicitor, Lisa Grimmett is chatting with relationship therapist Adele Ballantyne about Collaborative Law. This is an alternative solution to mediation when resolving family disputes out of court. You can find out more about Collaborative Law, and setup a meeting here.

In this episode, family solicitor Philippa Pearson chats with Suzanne Lowe from Talk Mediation about family law and mediation. They describe the process, which can take place face to face, or online. Suzanne has a specialist accreditation which enables her to speak directly to children, and feedback their wishes and feelings to the parents.

Your Divorce questions answered

How does the no fault divorce procedure work?

Firstly, you must submit a divorce application with a family court. Unlike the system in place before April 2022, neither the court nor your spouse can contest the application or refuse to process it. Only an acknowledgement from the receiving party must be issued in the case of sole applications. If your spouse has already started proceedings, we can advise and represent you throughout the process as needed.

A 20-week reflection period will follow, at the end of which a confirmation of proceedings must be made. This time should ideally be used to sort out financial matters, arrangements for children and any other related issues; our expert team of Family Law Solicitors can help you reach a resolution to these issues and obtain the necessary Court orders.

The steps following the reflection period are:

An application for the Conditional Order
Court review and Conditional Order
Financial Consent Order(if agreed and applicable)
Final Order

The new Act has made the process simpler, quicker, and less blame laden. For more information about the new no fault divorce procedures, please contact the team who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What is the process for LGBTQ+ divorces?

Since 2013, LGBTQ+ marriages are essentially treated equally to heterosexual marriages in the eyes of the law. No fault divorce brings more equality to divorce and dissolution for lesbian, gay, transgender, and same sex couples; notably, it effectively removes the reliance upon the outdated definition of adultery which was once one of the criteria to prove the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Since 6 April 2022, non-heterosexual couples are able to apply individually or jointly for a no fault divorce.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

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 the Divorce Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler

Many of the Family Lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler are members of the Law Society’s Family Panel and we have Accredited Specialists with Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers, so you can be sure our lawyers are experienced in all aspects of family and children law.

Our aim is to achieve amicable resolutions swiftly, but if litigation is necessary, we have the experience and know-how to deal with the courts effectively.

Please give us a call for a friendly, confidential, chat about how we can help support you when you or your family need legal advice and representation. Please contact a member of the team or complete our online enquiry form.

By choosing Lanyon Bowdler for family law legal advice, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise on hand no matter what the situation. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care and will work closely and considerately with you to help find the best outcomes. Our team of family law solicitors has great experience in all areas of family law including a practicing Collaborative Lawyer and close links to family mediation services.

We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, so are able to act for clients all over Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and across the Midlands (including Wolverhampton & Birmingham). As a leading full-service law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Sue Hodgson

Partner

Family Law

Divorce & Separation.

No Fault Divorce: What’s Changed?

Our Divorce Expertise

Your Divorce questions answered

What our clients say.

Related services.

Contact the Divorce Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler

Meet the team.

Case studies.

Latest knowledge.

Our awards and accolades.

Get in touch.