.avif)
Wills & Probate
About Lyons Bowe
Driven by our Clients
4467+
Client Reviews
4.8
Head Office
Call us: 01749 345 756info@lyonsbowe.co.uk
Postal Address: 54 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AS
Compassionate guidance through divorce and separation, with clear advice to help you move forward.
Joint Application Sent
Introduction
Separation and divorce are often some of the most challenging and emotional experiences in life. At every stage of this journey, our compassionate family law solicitors are here to provide clear, personalised advice tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you are considering separation, starting divorce proceedings, or navigating financial and child arrangements, we support you with kindness and understanding. We work with you to find fair solutions, helping to ease the uncertainty and stress. Serving clients across England and Wales, our approachable team offers fixed-fee consultations and transparent guidance, so you always know what to expect. Let us help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind during this difficult time.
.avif)
Once we receive your enquiry and run a conflict check, we’ll arrange a free consultation at a time that suits you (by phone, video, or in person). In this meeting we’ll explain the divorce process, answer your questions, and outline your options. You’ll never be pressured to make a decision, it’s entirely yours to take in your own time.
.avif)
You’ll choose between a joint application (both spouses apply together amicably) or a sole application (one spouse applies, and the other is the respondent). Sole applications cannot be converted into joint applications later. We’ll guide you through preparing and submitting the correct paperwork to the court.
.avif)
After the application is submitted and acknowledged, there’s a 20-week reflection period before the Conditional Order is granted. This is time for both parties to consider the breakdown of the marriage and make arrangements regarding children and finances. Our team can provide legal support and advice throughout this period.
After the Conditional Order is granted, you can apply for the Final Order. Once issued, your marriage or civil partnership is legally dissolved. This marks the formal end of the divorce process.
Once we receive your enquiry and run a conflict check, we’ll arrange a free consultation at a time that suits you (by phone, video, or in person). In this meeting we’ll explain the divorce process, answer your questions, and outline your options. You’ll never be pressured to make a decision, it’s entirely yours to take in your own time.
You’ll choose between a joint application (both spouses apply together amicably) or a sole application (one spouse applies, and the other is the respondent). Sole applications cannot be converted into joint applications later. We’ll guide you through preparing and submitting the correct paperwork to the court.
.png)
After the application is submitted and acknowledged, there’s a 20-week reflection period before the Conditional Order is granted. This is time for both parties to consider the breakdown of the marriage and make arrangements regarding children and finances. Our team can provide legal support and advice throughout this period.
After the Conditional Order is granted, you can apply for the Final Order. Once issued, your marriage or civil partnership is legally dissolved. This marks the formal end of the divorce process.
.png)
Struggling with relationship decisions? Our free consultation lets you explore the “what ifs” of separation or divorce, with no pressure to move forward.
Need discretion? We’re happy to communicate via a discreet email or avoid phone calls, just let us know, and your safety is our priority.
When it comes to children, their well-being is paramount and ournumber one focus.
Explore
To help bring clarity and security during this time, we strongly recommend updating your Will.
Explore
Ensure a seamless property transaction with our transparent and efficient legal expertise.
ExploreWe understand that making the first move can feel overwhelming. Many of our clients worry about causing conflict, about costs, or simply about coping with the stress of it all. That is why we have created a more structured, supportive way to approach separation. One that prioritises understanding, clear options, and the future of everyone involved.
.webp)
A calm, supportive environment to talk things through
A calm, resolution-focused approach
Clear guidance on your legal options
Support for co-parenting and future planning that keeps children at the centre
Fixed fees available where possible
A team who will truly listen, not judge
Forget the confusing lingo and overly wordy explanations. Our app makes sense of it all. Seamless, convenient and designed with you in mind.
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.
The Mirror Guy, Firm Review
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....
Brian, Firm Review
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.
Chris, Firm Review
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.
Manuel, Firm Review
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.
Rich, Firm Review
Everything was done quickly and efficiently and the app means you are kept informed every step of the way. Thank you.
Nina, Firm Review
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....
Anonymous, Family Law
Separating was never going to be easy, but Lyons Bowe made the legal side of things much less awful. They were professional but also really understanding.
Anonymous, Divorce Law
When we were sorting out the kids, I really felt heard and valued by the team. They listened to what I wanted and what was best for my children, which meant a lot.
Anonymous, Child Arrangements
Honestly, they were really supportive during my whole divorce. It was a horrible time, but I felt like they were on my side and explained everything so I understood it.
Anonymous, Divorce Law
.svg.avif){kind=logo}
The law sets out a timeframe for divorce. Currently, a no-fault divorce is estimated to take around 26 to 30 weeks. This includes a period after the initial application and then the time to get the final order. Lyons Bowe will work with you to move through the process as smoothly as possible.
A decree absolute is the final legal document that officially ends your marriage. It's the last step in the divorce process and means you are legally divorced. It comes after the conditional order, which is the court's initial confirmation that the divorce can go ahead.
Lyons Bowe offers a free initial consultation where we can discuss your case and give you a clearer picture, and thereafter offer a Fixed Fee Divorce costs £500 + VAT and court fees.
No. Under new legislation, only one party needs to submit an application for a no fault divorce and their spouse cannot contest the divorce.
Under the new legislation, couples will instead need to provide a statement of irretrievable breakdown. This statement replaces the need for ‘consent’ to the divorce, or for either spouse to place blame on the other. The court will be satisfied by the statement and will serve as conclusive evidence that the marriage is over. This statement can be provided jointly or solely. Neither spouse will be able to contest or appeal against the divorce.
A no fault divorce is estimated to take between 26-30 weeks including the Conditional Order (20 weeks) and Final Order (6 weeks).
No, once a sole application has been submitted, the application type cannot be changed. If you have submitted a joint application, this can be converted to a sole application in certain circumstances. You will need to discuss these with your solicitor.
Only in very strict circumstances: To dispute the jurisdiction of the court in England or Wales. For example, where neither party lives in or has any connection with England or Wales. Neither party has entered into a legally valid marriage. The marriage or civil partnership has already been legally ended.
If your separation involves selling your home, our Family and Property teams work hand-in-hand to simplify the legal steps. We’ll handle the transfer, sale, and settlement while keeping your interests and peace of mind front and centre.
Lyons Bowe is a trading name of Lyons Bowe Limited, a limited company registered in England & Wales (registered number OC11526226) which is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 652616. A list of Directors is available at our registered office 54 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AS
.avif)
