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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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What our Clients Say About Us

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I highly recommend them!

The team at Lyons Bowe have been great, replying promptly to any questions and always helpful. The progress updates throughout the process, has been very helpful and really keeps you informed as to where you are within the timeline.

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An absolute gem of a firm!

Excellent service. Quietly attentive, sympathetic listeners, and efficient practitioners, all that a worried applicant could wish for. And especially unusual in this day and age....

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Lyons Bowe are genuinely amazing!

Honestly I've never wanted to review solicitors before, they've been ok and have done their job at varying timescales. From the start, my partner and I have commented every single time when something happened how quick they are, and they're a delight to communicate with too! And their app is brilliant and has made things so much easier. We will use in the future and will not stop recommending.

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Professional, approachable, and incredibly efficient

I recently used Lyons Bowe Solicitors and had the pleasure of working with Holly as my point of contact. From start to finish, the service was outstanding. Holly was professional, approachable, and incredibly efficient - she kept me updated throughout the entire process and made everything feel smooth and stress-free.

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Excellent communication, chasing me rather than me chasing them

Rhea, and everyone so far at Lyons Bowe, have been truly fantastic. Excellent communication, chasing me rather than me chasing them, very pleasant in conversation and always ready to help. Highly recommend to anyone.

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The app keeps you informed every step of the way.

Everything was done quickly and efficiently and the app means you are kept informed every step of the way. Thank you.

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