Five Fantastic Family Law Firms in England & Wales

If you’re based in England & Wales and need a trusted family lawyer, the firms below are among the most experienced for divorce, finances, and children matters. For Scottish firms, see our best family lawyers in Scotland. Choosing the right solicitor can shape outcomes, so compare experience, accreditations, and client feedback before you decide.

Five Fantastic family law firms in England & Wales

1. Maguire Family Law

Specialist divorce and family firm noted for medium to high net worth cases, international issues (relocation, abduction), and pragmatic negotiation or mediation when appropriate.

Divorce and finances
International divorce and relocation
Children law
Mediation and collaborative law
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Fantastic Lawyer: James Maguire

Client comment: “Maguire Family Law were absolute stars… exceptional expertise and care… I’m so grateful for their support.” — Mr M, Cheshire, 3 July 2025 [1]

2. Stowe Family Law

The UK’s largest specialist family law firm, with national coverage and teams experienced in complex financial remedies and children matters.

Divorce and financial settlements
Children arrangements
International family law
Mediation and collaborative law
Cohabitation and nuptial agreements

Fantastic Lawyer: Julian Hawkhead

Client comment: “Her professionalism, attention to detail and calm, reassuring approach gave me confidence at every stage.” — Stowe client review, 21 July 2025 [2]

3. Paradigm Family Law

Niche firm known for transparent fixed-fee representation from first meeting to conclusion, including in complex and international cases.

Fixed-fee divorce and finances
International disputes
Children law
High-value asset cases
Mediation

Fantastic Lawyer: Frank Arndt

Client comment: “Highly professional, knowledgeable and genuine… the fixed fee option is a massive financial advantage.” — ReviewSolicitors [3]

4. Major Family Law

Award-winning North East boutique for divorce, separation and children disputes, with strong reviews for strategy and client care.

Divorce and separation agreements
Children and parental disputes
Civil partnership dissolution
Same-sex divorce
Protective orders and injunctions

Fantastic Lawyer: Joanne Major

Client comment: “Responsive, strategic, supportive, and clearly experts in their field. Would recommend.” — Google review feed (site) [4]

5. PCM Solicitors LLP (now part of Gilson Gray)

Specialist family law services historically delivered under PCM; since September 2024 the team practices under the Gilson Gray brand while continuing to support clients across England & Wales.

Divorce and finances
Children matters
Domestic abuse
High net worth cases
Nuptial agreements

Fantastic Lawyer: Sharan Bhinder-Dhonsi

Client comment: “Sharan… is very professional… I am very pleased with her services so far [in my divorce case].” — Review platform excerpt [5]

Special mentions

Milner Elledge Solicitors (East London)

Milner Elledge are specialist family solicitors based in East London, advising clients on divorce, children disputes, domestic abuse, and financial remedies. The team are members of Resolution and focus on achieving constructive outcomes with sensitivity and professionalism.

Divorce and separation
Financial remedies and property division
Children arrangements
Domestic abuse and protective injunctions
Civil partnership and cohabitation issues

Fantastic Lawyer: Caroline Milner

Client comment: “I was kept fully informed, always treated with compassion and felt supported throughout a very difficult time.” — Verified Google review [8]

Southgate Solicitors

London-based, award-winning specialist firm using modern, efficient case management and transparent pricing.

Divorce and financial remedies
Children law
Mediation and collaborative practice
Protective orders

Fantastic Lawyer: Hasan Hadi

Client comment: “Hasan has expertly guided me through a very stressful divorce… I would highly recommend him.” — Firm reviews page [6]

Winston Solicitors (Leeds)

Approachable Leeds team advising on divorce, finances and children matters, committed to constructive resolution where possible.

Divorce and separation
Financial settlements
Children Act matters
Nuptial agreements
Cohabitation and domestic abuse

Fantastic Lawyers: Harriet Reid, Teresa Davidson

Client comment: “Brilliant and professional… excellent advice and guidance… I would highly recommend.” — Legal 500 testimonials [7]

More family lawyers by city

Browse local recommendations in England & Wales:

Top family lawyers across England & Wales
London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge
Also see: Windsor, Weybridge, Sevenoaks, Beaconsfield, Henley-on-Thames

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the best family lawyer for my case? Shortlist specialist firms, check accreditations (e.g. Resolution), read case studies and reviews, then book an initial consultation to test fit.
What information should I bring to an initial meeting? Key dates, income and asset details, children’s arrangements, urgent risks, and any court orders or correspondence.
How long does a no-fault divorce take in England & Wales? The statutory minimum is roughly 6 months; timings vary with finances and children issues.
What is a financial remedy order? A court-approved settlement dealing with property, pensions, maintenance and other financial claims on divorce.
Is mediation right for me? Many cases benefit from mediation to reduce cost and conflict. Urgent risk or non-disclosure may justify court instead.
What is collaborative law? A structured process where both parties and trained lawyers commit to resolving matters without court.
Can I relocate with my child? International or internal relocation needs consent or a court order; take early specialist advice.
How are pensions split? Via sharing, offsetting or attachment; actuarial input is common in medium/high-value cases.
Do courts favour mothers or fathers? No. Decisions prioritise the child’s welfare and best interests, not parental status.
What are typical costs? Costs vary with complexity and approach (negotiation, mediation, litigation). Fixed-fee options exist at some firms.

Need a pointer?

We can help you shortlist suitable firms for your situation. Contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction. Nothing on this page is legal advice.