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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
We could give you all the reasons why Lyons Bowe is the law firm you've been looking for, but what truly sets us apart is our team. They're not just experts in family law, they’re real people who genuinely care. From the moment you reach out, you're supported by professionals who’ll listen without judgment, explain things clearly, and help you take the next steps at your own pace.
Use our enquiry form to tell us about how we can help and what you need, even if all you need is to ask some questions.
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Before we can discuss your situation with you, we’ll need to run a conflict check. This just means checking that we’re not already acting for, or talking to, another party in your situation.
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We will book in a free consultation at a time that suits you. You can have your consultation in person, via video call, or over the phone.
What happens next is up to you. You can get started on the next steps right away, or take some time to think about it, or decide that the next steps aren’t for you. No pressure, no fuss.
We believe that no matter how complex or emotional your family situation is, you deserve a calm, clear and personal legal experience. Whether you’re separating, planning for your future, or making arrangements for your children, we tailor our advice around you, with a focus on fairness, support, and practical results.
Separation is personal, and your legal service should be too. Whether you’re choosing a no-fault divorce or working through more complex decisions, we support you with structured legal guidance that gives you clarity and control from the very beginning.
Our firm works in an integrated, seamless structure. This means that if you’re planning for a divorce and need to sell a property or update your Will, all of our departments will work together and rally around you to support you in every way we can.
We will do everything we can to help you move into the next phase of your family’s future, however sometimes a little extra help might be needed. We’ve researched local charities and support organisations who can offer an extra pair of helping hands. Ask your lawyer and they’ll be able to guide you.
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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.
Choosing the right solicitor for your family law needs, whether navigating separation, child arrangements, or financial settlements, is about more than just legal expertise, it’s about finding a team you can trust to guide you through life's challenging transitions with empathy, structure, and genuine support.
Personal, Compassionate Service
We understand that navigating family matters can feel overwhelming and deeply personal. Our team prioritises taking the time to listen, explain legal complexities clearly, and provide supportive guidance to make the process as straightforward and reassuring as possible for you.
Focus on Future Well-being
Beyond resolving immediate legal issues, our aim is to help you and your family build a positive future, whether that involves co-parenting arrangements that prioritise children or securing financial stability for the next chapter of your life.
Structured, Modern Approach
We offer a modern and well-structured approach to family law, utilising efficient workflows and clear communication to ensure you understand each step and feel confident in the progress of your case.
Clear, Fair Fees
We believe in transparent and fair pricing. We strive to offer fixed fees where appropriate and ensure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved at every stage of your family law matter.
When it comes to children, their well-being is paramount and ournumber one focus.
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To help bring clarity and security during this time, we strongly recommend updating your Will.
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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.
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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
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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
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