Family Law

Family life can be rich and rewarding, and for most people it’s the most important thing in the world.

But, as with any aspect of life, it’s not without its problems and surprises. And there may well be times when you need expert advice and practical help to deal with the difficulties and emerge into a brighter future.

Every family is unique, but our Family Law team can help with any scenario.

Independently ranked as the best solicitors in the region for family law, including divorce and children law. We provide expert help for individuals and families throughout the South West, and across the UK.

First things first – call our Family Law team

Our support starts with our Enquiries team who will discuss your individual situation on a free, no-obligation call. We appreciate that every family dynamic is different, so we’ll simply ask a few questions and the details of your matter will then be passed to our Family team where you will be allocated a suitable specialist legal adviser.

Clarity with your options and associated costs

We’ll discuss your situation in full confidence, and explain your options and likely costs clearly. This means you’re fully informed of the action you might need to take to protect yourself and your loved ones financially.

Our approach is friendly and sympathetic, and we’re genuinely passionate about helping people find the happiest outcomes for situations at every stage of family life.

Starting out…

If you’re thinking about getting married or living with your partner, we will help you with a pre-nuptial agreement or cohabitation agreement that gives you financial peace of mind.

Splitting up…

Separation and divorce are stressful and emotional experiences. Whether you’re married or not, we will help you seek amicable solutions to separation wherever possible, to help you get back on track. Where children are involved, we will look to ensure you can maintain a positive relationship as parents, wherever possible.

Talk to the best people in family law

Leading independent legal guides Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 rank our Family Law team as the best in Devon and Cornwall.

Legal 500 (2024): “Approachable team that is strong for vulnerable clients. The private and public law teams have depth of experience.” “Very experienced, committed and professional.” 

Chambers and Partners (2024) – Strengths: Sources report: “They are exceptional. Stephens Scown has talent at all levels. The partners, trainees and newly qualified lawyers are all impressive. They provide a Rolls-Royce service.”

Chambers and Partners (2024) – What the team is known for: “stalwart South West firm with leading family practices in both Devon and Cornwall. The team covers public and private children matters, wealth protection and financial remedies involving trusts and pensions. It is well known for its ability to represent clients in alternative dispute resolution proceedings, including mediation and collaborative law matters. The team has notable experience in handling highly sensitive cases concerning alleged domestic abuse, particularly on behalf of children.”

We also have close links with professional counsellors who can provide emotional support to complement our legal advice. Many of our clients have found this invaluable in helping them focus on the decisions they need to make through the legal process.

We can support you with purpose and impact:

Our Family teams ensure conflicts are dealt with proportionately. They all follow the Resolution Code of practice, which involves us acting in a constructive and non-confrontational way so that we do not worsen family disputes and are mindful of relationships between parents in separated families and the need to put children first in decision-making.

To find out more about what we do as a firm to support individuals and organisations with their purpose and impact click here.