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Navigating Separation and Divorce: Expert Guidance from Lyons Bowe Solicitors

Separation and divorce can be some of the most challenging times in life. Emotions run high, and the legal process can feel overwhelming. At Lyons Bowe Solicitors, our Family Law team provides clear, practical advice to help you navigate every stage of separation and divorce with confidence.

September 4, 2025

Navigating Separation and Divorce: Expert Guidance from Lyons Bowe Solicitors

Whether you are considering ending your marriage, need advice on financial arrangements, or want to protect the wellbeing of your children, our solicitors are here to support you with specialist family law services in Bristol, Bath, Frome, Keynsham, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Bournemouth, Exeter, Cheltenham and Cardiff.

Understanding the Divorce Process in England and Wales

If you and your spouse have decided to separate, the first step is understanding how the divorce process works. Since April 2022, divorce law in England and Wales has changed with the introduction of no-fault divorce, making the process less adversarial.

Key points to know include:

  • No-fault divorce – You no longer need to prove blame (such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour).
  • Joint applications – Couples can now apply together for divorce, making the process more collaborative.
  • Minimum timeframe – The divorce process usually takes around six months, but this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

At Lyons Bowe, we guide you through the divorce application step by step, ensuring that paperwork is handled correctly and deadlines are met.

Financial Settlements in Divorce

One of the most important aspects of divorce is agreeing on how to divide finances, including:

  • Property and mortgages
  • Savings and investments
  • Pensions
  • Debts and liabilities
  • Spousal maintenance

Reaching a fair and legally binding financial settlement is crucial for your future security. Our solicitors will work with you to achieve a settlement that protects your interests, either through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, through the courts.

Children, Custody, and Family Arrangements

For parents, the welfare of children is the top priority during separation and divorce. At Lyons Bowe, we provide sensitive, practical advice on:

  • Child custody and living arrangements
  • Parental responsibility
  • Child maintenance
  • Schooling and decision-making rights

Whenever possible, we encourage mediation and amicable agreements to reduce conflict and protect children’s wellbeing. If agreement cannot be reached, we can represent you in family court proceedings.

Why Choose Lyons Bowe Family Law Solicitors?

Choosing the right solicitor during separation and divorce can make all the difference. Here’s why individuals and families across the South West trust Lyons Bowe:

  • Local expertise – We serve clients from our offices in Bristol, Bath, Frome, Keynsham, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Bournemouth, Exeter, Cheltenham and Cardiff.
  • Clear advice: We cut through the legal jargon, giving you straightforward guidance you can rely on.
  • Compassionate support :We understand the emotional challenges and treat every client with care and respect.
  • Tailored solutions: Every family is unique, and so is our advice.

Get in Touch

If you are facing separation or divorce, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our specialist Family Law Solicitors are here to provide expert advice tailored to your circumstances.

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Offices

Where You Will Find Us

Our Bath office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Corsham, Chippenham and Wiltshire.
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01225 431432Visit Office
Our Bournemouth office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown and Dorset.
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01202 149972Visit Office
Our Bridgwater office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Bridgwater, Taunton, Burnham-on-Sea, Glastonbury and Somerset.
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01278 554228Visit Office
Our Bristol office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Bristol, Clifton, Portishead, Clevedon and Gloucestershire.
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0117 9721261Visit Office
Our Cardiff office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Cardiff, Newport, Penarth, Barry and South Glamorgan.
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02920 023850Visit Office
Lyons Bowe Cheltenham offers expert property, family, and wills & probate solicitors. We combine modern tech with proven legal expertise for success.
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01242 386928Visit Office
Our Exeter office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Exeter, Topsham, Exmouth, Tiverton and Devon.
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01392 341480Visit Office
Our Frome office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Frome, Warminster, Westbury, Bruton and Somerset.
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01373 485591Visit Office
Our Keynsham office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Keynsham, Saltford, Longwell Green, Hanham and Somerset.
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01174 404560Visit Office
Our Shepton Mallet office specialises in Residential Conveyancing, Family Divorce and Separation, and Wills and Probate. We deliver expert legal services with a personal, structured approach for clients across Shepton Mallet, Wells, Glastonbury, Street and Somerset.
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01749 345756Visit Office