Divorce and Separation Solicitors | Howells Solicitors
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Divorce and Separation Solicitors

Divorce Solicitors in Sheffield, Barnsley, and Rotherham

Dealing with a divorce can be distressing and drawn out. It’s often the discussions that make the process more strenuous and stressful, such as sorting out possessions, deciding on housing, agreeing on the finances and most important of all, making suitable provisions for children. Often decisions and agreements between spouses made at the beginning of the divorce process can change over time, which can cause conflict.

Speak to our team today

Divorce & Separation Advice You Can Trust

It’s important to remember a divorce solicitor is not just there to fill in paperwork. We are there by your side the whole way through,  providing you with invaluable marriage separation advice, and offering professional and emotional support.

We know contacting a divorce solicitor can be worrying, but you’ll find our team approachable and easy to talk to. Always remember we are on your side. Our divorce and separation solicitors cannot take away the pain, but they can help you rebuild for the future.

Services Provided by our Divorce Solicitors in Sheffield, Barnsley, and Rotherham

Our Family Law Solicitors cover the full spectrum of divorce and separation cases, including:

  • Divorce on a fixed fee basis
  • Complex divorce and separation matters, involving financial settlements, children, and property
  • Divorces involving high-net-worth individuals
  • Child, residence, contact, and maintenance
  • Collaborative law
  • Pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements
  • Divorce work across a range of cultures/religions
  • Guidance on pensions, wills, and trusts
  • Practical advice on housing and financial assistance
  • Protection for vulnerable clients
  • Advice during mediation – For those of you who are going through the mediation process your Mediator can give you information but not advice. We can offer ongoing advice and support to you outside the process.

Collaborative Law

There is always the risk of a ‘bad divorce’ where neither party can agree which will result in long-drawn-out Court proceedings. This causes a rise in costs and growing anger, bitterness and distress.

Collaborative law can support with:

Divorce and Separation FAQs

How Do I Choose a Solicitor for Divorce?

Working with a solicitor who has extensive experience in the field of family law, particularly divorce and separation, is recommended. A divorce solicitor can provide you with advice and support, as well as help you decide on an appropriate strategy.

 Who Pays for a Divorce?

Generally, each person getting divorced will pay their own legal costs. The cost of divorce includes the court fee and the costs of the solicitors who assist the parties with the process.

How Long Does a Divorce Take?

The average time to get a divorce is around six to eight months, however, the process can take longer, depending on the circumstances. To get a more realistic idea, it’s best to consult your divorce solicitor.

Free Consultation  

Our family law team offer a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. We offer flexible appointments that can be arranged around your work schedule.

Divorce Fees

Our family law team are transparent with their prices and offer a variety of fixed fees.

Learn More

Advice Guides

No Fault Divorce – UK Divorce Law Changes Explained

Do I Need a Solicitor For My Divorce?

What are the Grounds for Divorce?

Amicable Divorces

Our Family Law specialists can support with:

Family Law Articles

Family Law
Do I Need a Pre-Nuptial or Post-Nuptial Agreement?

02 Jun , 2023

Howells Solicitors

Talking to your partner about a pre-nuptial agreement can be an uncomfortable conversation. However, in many circumstances, it is sensible to ensure that certain financial assets you already own are secured for your future. Once you are married, there may...
Family Law
No Fault Divorce – UK Divorce Law Changes Explained

25 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

In April 2022, the introduction of the long awaited ‘no fault divorce’ came into effect in UK divorce law. Since then, separated couples are able to apply for a divorce without having to assign blame for the breakdown of the...
Family Law
Do I Need a Solicitor For My Divorce?

19 Apr , 2023

Howells Solicitors

You may be considering, or have decided, to end your marriage and file for divorce. The divorce process is an emotionally challenging experience, and it can be complicated and often heartbreaking for all involved. When a couple decides to separate...
Family Law
Amicable Divorces

Howells Solicitors

One of the big worries when entering divorce proceedings is how much stress it will place on the separating couple and the impact it will have on any children. We hear a lot about nightmare divorces, but can there be...
Family Law
What are the Grounds for Divorce?

19 Nov , 2022

Howells Solicitors

As the current law stands, to apply for a divorce, you must do so on the grounds that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. Technically, this is now the only grounds for divorce. Previously, the law set out in the...
Family Law
Methodist Church permits same-sex marriages

08 Jul , 2021

Howells Solicitors

The Methodist Church has become the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages, in a much welcomed announcement on 30th June 2021. (more…)
Children Law
Who Would Look After Your Children if You Died?

29 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We know that it’s a hard and uneasy thought to have, but also one which many parents do think about. Do you know who would look after your children if you died? If you have shared parental responsibility and one...
Family Law
Date is announced for No-Fault Divorce

09 Jun , 2021

Howells Solicitors

We are very pleased to hear that “no-fault divorces” will come into force on 6th April 2022. This week, Ministers have announced that the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, will allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame. These...
Family Law
What is a financial settlement?

06 May , 2021

Howells Solicitors

Once you’ve taken the decision to divorce you will need to reach a formal financial settlement. A financial settlement is legally binding and covers the specifics of how to deal with your financial assets following separation. (more…)
Family Law
National Divorce Day

01 Dec , 2020

Howells Solicitors

After the festive period draws to a close, family law specialists tend to see a spike in divorce enquiries. This has resulted in the first working Monday of the calendar year being known as National Divorce Day.  (more…)
Family Law
What is a Cohabitation Agreement? – Ask an Expert

27 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I’m moving in with my partner and we intend to buy a house together. My parents have suggested I contact a Solicitor to protect myself legally. How can a Solicitor help?” (more…)
Family Law
How to Support a Victim of Domestic Abuse

20 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

(more…)
Family Law
What are the rules regarding Support Bubbles?

02 Nov , 2020

Howells Solicitors

The new lockdown across England means people must stay home unless for specific reasons. The Government has declared that support bubbles will remain in place but many are confused by the rules. (more…)
Family Law
Ask an Expert – Will a divorce financial settlement affect my benefits?

22 Oct , 2020

Howells Solicitors

“I receive Tax Credits and other benefits and allowances, will a lump sum settlement from my divorce affect what I can claim?” Speak to our Team Today (more…)
Family Law
What Are Your Legal Rights As a ‘Common Law Spouse’?

29 Aug , 2020

Howells Solicitors

(more…)
Family Law
Barnsley Families Supported as New Family Law Specialist Joins Howells Solicitors

23 Jan , 2020

Howells Solicitors

This week we boast a new jewel in our crown, as senior solicitor and collaborative law specialist, Wendy Bailey, joins our matrimonial team in Barnsley. With 27 years’ experience of Family Law in the South Yorkshire region, Wendy, who is...
Family Law
Civil Partnerships: Not just for same sex couples

09 Dec , 2019

Howells Solicitors

Civil Partnerships now allow mixed sex, as well as same sex, couples to register. However what is the difference between a civil partnership and marriage? (more…)
Family Law
DIY Divorce

28 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

A rising number of couples are resorting to DIY services in an attempt to reduce the costs of divorce. Filing for a divorce independently can cost as little as £550, which is the court fee for a divorce petition.  If...
Family Law
Howells Boost Matrimonial Department with Addition of New Family Law Specialist

04 Oct , 2019

Howells Solicitors

At a time where many law firms in the region are struggling to grow their matrimonial department, Howells are thrilled to be expanding theirs. In October, not only are Howells celebrating their 40th anniversary, but they are celebrating another addition...
Family Law
What is the difference between Marriage and Civil Partnership?

18 Jan , 2019

Howells Solicitors

With the announcement in October 2018 from the Government to introduce civil partnerships for mixed sex couples, we take a look at the difference between marriage and civil partnerships. (more…)
Family Law
Divorcing couples reminded of the importance of pensions in addressing the division of matrimonial finances.

13 Sep , 2018

Howells Solicitors

According to a report publicised by Age UK, thousands of pensioners are missing out on pension provision that would have helped them in retirement. (more…)
Family Law
Divorce Refused in UK Courts

17 Feb , 2017

Howells Solicitors

A woman has stated how “desperately unhappy” she is after being married for 39 years. Yet the UK Courts have refused to grant her a divorce. This case highlights the need to seek advice. Howells can offer a free half...
Family Law
Howells Family Partner qualifies as Mediator

02 Jul , 2013

Howells Solicitors

Howells  has extended the services the family team can offer as Partner Alyson Siddall has now  qualified as a Resolution Trained Mediator. Alyson can offer clients who find themselves in dispute an alternative way forward to resolve their disputes together without...

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The Howells Solicitors law team are compassionate, down-to-earth and professional, offering you the best expert advice. Get in touch with solicitors in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley to see how we can help. Fill in the form or give us a call at:

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The Divorce and Separation team

The Howells Matrimonial team are one of the best in the country and one of the largest in South Yorkshire. It has been consistently highly ranked for family law work in the north, and is overseen by the hugely respected Alyson Siddall.  The team are also Resolution accredited who recognise members that demonstrate excellence in the practice of family law.

Sensitive and compassionate in her client relationships, Alyson Siddal understands that she is not dealing with ‘cases’ but with people, not bound by legal process but in real lives. Furthermore, Alyson has been a key part of Howells Solicitors for over 30 years and offers a wealth of expertise and experience. Alyson and the Matrimonial team are highly ranked in the Legal 500 rankings, with specific feedback on Alyson which is “Alyson Siddall is a very experienced matrimonial lawyer who is personable and approachable in addition to being an excellent solicitor”.

Sharon Lockwood is a highly regarded Family Law and Divorce Solicitor in Rotherham, with a specialism at dealing with complex cases involving children and high value assets. Sharon is very active in the local community of South Yorkshire and receives a high amount of praise from her clients and colleagues and has established herself as one of the most distinguish divorce specialists in the region.

John Clegg is a family specialist and covers all aspects of Matrimonial law including Divorce, civil partnership and cohabitation breakdown, financial matters arising on separation and divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements and protection from domestic abuse.

Legal 500

The Legal 500 2022 edition ranks Family as a top tier firm in Yorkshire and Humber, saying “Family head Alyson Siddall, matrimonial specialist Sharon Lockwood and children team head Sarah Walker are the key names at Howells Solicitors. Based in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley respectively, they oversea a team that is particularly well  known for high net worth cases with assets ranging from three to six million pounds.

The firm recently expanded its department with the addition of a collaborative law facility. John Clegg is an additional name to note.”

Alyson Siddall

0114 249 6659
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Caroline Euinton

0114 249 6643
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John Clegg

0114 249 6795
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Liam Gray

0114 249 6605
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Louise Ellis

01709 364 000
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Ramandeep Kaur

0114 249 6703
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Sharon Lockwood

01709 364000
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Wendy Bailey

01226 805 190
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