Stowe Family Law LLP > Chelmsford, England > Firm Profile

Stowe Family Law LLP
Second Floor
Saxon House
27 Duke St
Essex
CM1 1HT
England

Private client > Family: Essex Tier 1

Private client > Family

Stowe Family Law LLP, led by Helen Miller, Nastassia Burton, and Matthew Taylor, advises on the full spectrum of mandates, including divorce, financial remedies, children’s issues, nuptial agreements, surrogacy, and domestic abuse cases. The team handles complex financial matters involving businesses, pensions, trusts, and international assets. Burton specialises in international child abduction and contentious child arrangement matters. Taylor manages high-value financial remedy cases and nuptial agreements, while Rebecca Finnigan is skilled in sensitive Children Act proceedings, particularly those involving abuse, relocation, and parental responsibility.

Practice head(s):

Helen Miller; Nastassia Burton; Matthew Taylor

Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Finnigan; Camilla Burton-Baddeley; Jennifer Reddy; Gabrielle Read-Thomas

Testimonials

‘Matthew Taylor is a great family lawyer, he has fantastic empathy with clients and instils confidence with his calm and patient manner. He leads a team of junior lawyers who he provides a strong role model to. He is reassuring, unphased by challenges and puts the clients first.’

‘Matthew Taylor heads up a strong Liverpool team, who are making their mark on the local market and demonstrate a collegiate and sensible approach.’

‘Matthew Taylor is a deservedly confident and competent lawyer, with an excellent eye for detail particularly with regards to complex pensions or business cases.’

‘Helen Miller leads the team with dedication’

‘An excellent team of matrimonial finance specialists with a well deserved reputation.’

‘They went above and beyond to help me through one of the most stress- and painful times in my life and got me the best imaginable outcome, which was far from guaranteed. I don’t know how they did it, but they always made sure we stayed on top of things and gave me my confidence (and my life) back!’

‘Nastassia Burton is marvellous with clients and really gets to grips with complex cases. Camilla Burton-Baddeley is exceptionally good with clients – thorough, no-nonsense, supportive and clear in her advice.’

‘I consistently felt supported and genuinely cared for. The team offered honest, transparent advice throughout, and at no point did I feel like I was simply another case — it was clear they were focused on achieving the best possible outcome for me.’

Private client > Family

Stowe Family Law LLP has a comprehensive family offering, allowing the team to advise on divorce, financial remedies, and child arrangements.  Nicky Hunter lends her experience to clients on high-net-worth financial proceedings, whereas Sarah Crilly provides additional depth to high-net-worth financial disputes for high-profile clients. The team is well supported by Orla O’Connor, who assists on complex finance matters. David Allen focuses on high-conflict private law children matters, and Hollie Murray regularly leads on high-net-worth matters.

Practice head(s):

Nicky Hunter

Testimonials

‘”Unique” is a word regularly used to describe law firms, but Stowe Family Law is absolutely unique. There is no other firm operating as a niche family law practice which has the national profile or coverage that Stowe can offer. Because of the size, cover and reach of Stowe, they are able to offer strength in depth across every area of family law and have specialists and experts in all fields of the work.’

‘They take a tailored approach to each case. Preparation is always excellent. All information is well presented, up to date and reliable.’

‘SFL has grown to become a considerable force in Family Law, throughout the Country but particularly across the North of England. They have an exceptionally strong team of experienced lawyers and prodigious talent at every stage, as one would expect from a prestigious firm.’

Nicky Hunter is a top-notch lawyer who is clearly well drilled on the law. She has a constructive approach and is not afraid to be creative in order to find solutions.’

‘The team specialises in complex financial and children matters. The practitioners that I have dealt with are very experienced in these matters, have the knowledge to provide the advice that is required and can more than hold their own in such dealings.’

‘I have dealt with Sarah Crilley on high-net complex matters. Sarah will very much fight for her clients where needed. She will also seek to resolve matters with constructive discussions. I have also dealt with Hollie Murray, who deals with matters in a co-operative manner to find solutions to progress cases in a non-confrontational way.’

‘I must commend my solicitor, David Allen, for his professionalism, empathy, and unwavering attention to detail. Throughout what was an incredibly stressful and emotionally challenging time for me, David provided clear, practical guidance while showing genuine care and compassion.’

‘They consistently demonstrated a calm and reassuring demeanor, making a stressful process far more manageable. The team was always available when needed, offering clear guidance and timely updates. Their dedication and support exceeded my expectations and I will certainly engage them in the future if required.’

Private client > Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx Tier 2

Highly capable at ‘servicing the needs of the whole spectrum of family cases’, Stowe Family Law LLP houses a team that regularly acts for high-net worth individuals and families, and their representation of these clients in financial matters and complex cases is a specialism of note. The team was strengthened by the acquisition of Hawkins Family Law in June 2024. In St Albans, Rachel Watson heads up the team operating across an array of sectors, with a particular strength in complex financial remedy cases, especially those involving inherited assets after separation and TOLATA disputes. Milton Keynes-based Helen Taylor leverages decades of family law experience to regularly handle complex financial settlements involving businesses, trusts, pensions, and international assets, as well as private law children matters, including abduction cases. Annabel Hayward joined the firm in 2024 and brings expertise in prenuptial agreements and cohabitation disputes, with a focus on complex asset structures and inherited wealth.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Watson

Other key lawyers:

Sarah Scriven; Helen Taylor; Annabel Hayward; Natalie Nero; Maryana Tuka

Testimonials

‘Stowe Family Law are a nationwide firm with a huge number of extremely talented family lawyers. They are efficient and price sensitive and capable of servicing the needs of the whole spectrum of family cases, from big money to smaller money.’

‘Maryana Tuka is extremely detailed and hardworking. She is a pleasure to work with and someone I rate highly and have recommended.’

‘Natalie Nero did some excellent work for me. She was calm and focused in often fraught and pressured circumstances. Impressive.’

‘For over 10 years I have had excellent and compassionate support from Hawkins Family Law, now part of Stowe Family Law. The process I have faced over these 10 years has been incredibly stressful, and the team have at all times sought to support me through a time I have found so difficult with good advice and support. They have always tried to work to my limited budget and have employed excellent barristers.’

‘Annabel Hayward has worked on my account for the last 5 years approximately and has given my requirements real focus and attention. She has been empathetic and supportive, always giving excellent advice and predicting outcomes far into the future.’

‘Stowe Family Law is a force to be reckoned with. Stowe is the go-to firm for the full suite of Family Law services, with particular strengths in finance, children and cross-border children disputes. This, coupled with a polished commercial service, places it ahead of its competitors.’

‘Maryana Tuka is a delightful lawyer to work with. Clients love her and she always manages a case so that one never loses sight of the wood for the trees.’

‘This is a very effective team, managing challenging work in difficult and modest cases alike always with a smile and keeping an eye on settlement and the client’s best interests.’

Private client > Family Tier 2

Under the leadership of the vastly experienced Marjha Golding-EvansStowe Family Law LLP excels in handling work for high-net-worth clients, with Golding-Evans particularly skilled at handling complex matrimonial finance matters, including divorces involving significant farming assets and landed estates. The ‘superb’ Lauren Roche is also a key member of the team, handling divorce and matrimonial finance matter as well as challenging children law cases, including issues involving allegations of abuse and parental alienation.

Practice head(s):

Marjha Golding-Evans

Other key lawyers:

Lauren Roche; Hannah Saunders; Hannah Wile

Testimonials

‘The practitioners have an excellent client focus.’

‘The lawyers are detail-oriented and empathetic to the difficulties of financial remedy proceedings.’

‘Lauren Roche is superb.’

‘Everyone I have worked with at Stowe has been a comfort to their clients, not only because they are empathetic to the difficulties of financial remedy proceedings, but because they are all over the detail. It would be wholly incorrect to assume that, due to Stowe’s size, you are getting anything less than a personalised service.’

‘Excellent client handling skills and communication.’

‘Marjha Golding-Evans is a thoughtful, caring and highly skilled advocate.’

Private client > Family: Birmingham Tier 2

Rebecca Calden-Storr, who advises clients in regard to high-value financial remedy and delicate child-related issues, leads the team at boutique firm Stowe Family Law LLP, which deals with complex, multijurisdictional work across the full gamut of family law matters. Seasoned practitioner Claire Cleary specialises in high-net-worth financial remedy work, and Sara Morton is recommended for complex financial cases involving business assets, pensions, and overseas assets. Alice Price advises on a wide range of matters, including complex pension issues, and Emma Gibson focuses on private children law cases. TOLATA work is led by barrister Ethan Connor, who joined the firm in February 2025.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Calden-Storr

Testimonials

‘A solid, hard-working team.’

‘Stowe’s Birmingham team is a hard-working, client-focused team. It has the benefit of extensive local knowledge whilst having the infrastructure of a national firm. The team collaborate well to ensure that clients’ needs are met and there is a breadth of expertise both in financial remedy and private law children matters.’

‘The team is led well by Rebecca Calden-Storr who has extensive experience in both high net worth financial remedy and complex children matters. She is solutions-focused and her client care is excellent. Sara Morton’s attention to detail is a particular strength. Emma Gibson’s work in private law children is excellent both in terms of client care, and in considering the overall strategy of a case and a client’s needs and aims.’

‘Excellent client focus and strategic awareness. Seamless collaboration between partners.’

‘A wonderful team of standout lawyers. All brilliant, talented and completely unflappable.’

‘Rebecca Calden-Storr attracts consistently high-quality work and offers in return excellent and high quality advice and service.’

‘Rebecca Calden-Storr and Claire Cleary are first class family lawyers and provide exemplary service to their clients.’

‘Efficient and knowledgeable of local practice areas.’

Private client > Family: Leeds, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Tier 2

Stowe Family Law LLP operates across a network of Yorkshire offices, with locations in Leeds, Harrogate, and Sheffield. Matrimonial finance cases are an area of proficiency for the team, which is active for a range of high-net-worth clients. Rachel Roberts, in the Leeds office, co-leads alongside Chris Birch, who works from Beverley. Senior partner Julian Hawkhead is also a key name, with significant experience in high-value financial remedy cases. Angela Sussens‘ focus is matrimonial finance, including cases involving multiple jurisdictions.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Roberts; Chris Birch

Other key lawyers:

Julian Hawkhead; Angela Sussens; Maria Coster; Shanika Haynes; Katie Kilburn; Hannah Ross; Jake Mitchell

Testimonials

‘Stowe in West Yorkshire and Leeds has a really strong family team across their Leeds, Ilkley and Harrogate offices. Their cases are always well-prepared, they offer a high level of service, and are very experienced litigators.’

‘Angela Sussens is a fantastic lawyer.’

‘Jake Mitchell is exceptional; he has always made himself available and turned things around. He also isn’t just a yes man, he gives me the advice I need, even if it is hard to swallow. I know he has my interests in mind when he tells me anything.’

‘Shanika Haynes is highly competent and effective, far beyond her years of experience, and gives clients sound, realistic advice. She is an excellent litigator, and prepares her cases meticulously, but will always try and settle a case where possible.’

‘SFL have grown to become a considerable force in family law, throughout the country but particularly across the North of England.’

‘They have an exceptionally strong team of experienced lawyers and prodigious talent at every stage, as one would expect from a prestigious firm.’

‘Katie Kilburn – A very talented, personable lawyer with first-class client care skills.’

‘The team in Yorkshire has good depth of experience.’

Work highlights

Private client > Family: Hampshire Tier 3

Work highlights

Private client > Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 3

Combining ‘breadth of expertise’ and ‘excellent client care’, Stowe Family Law LLP‘s Oxford and Reading based teams practice across the full range of family law. Liza Gatrell, managing partner, heads the team. Gemma Davison, in Oxford, is an accredited mediator and collaborative lawyer with experience in modern families work. In Reading, Sarah Scriven is recommended for challenging child law matters, and Jo Backwith is also a key name.

Practice head(s):

Liza Gatrell

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Stowe Family Law is rapidly expanding. What makes them stand out in the industry is that they specialise exclusively in Family Law, which brings with it many advantages.’

‘I work with Emily Bevan. She is a no nonsense solicitor who gives robust and sound advice. She leaves no stone unturned.’

‘The team’s key strengths are the breadth of experience whilst maintaining excellent client care.’

‘I work with Sarah Scriven regularly and I would happily recommend her to friends, the landmark of an excellent professional. Sarah is so organised and her attention to detail is unrivalled. Sarah also maintains excellent client care levels, she really cares about her cases but gives honest advice, even when contrary to client’s preferred outcome.’

‘This firm has a good ethos of team working which means that clients will always have a lawyer to speak about their case.’

‘Jo Backwith is very approachable and provides excellent customer service to her clients. She is meticulous in her strategy for a clients case and is always focused on providing them with the best outcome.’

‘Emily Bevan was outstanding and very supportive.’

‘Sensitive team with a human touch.’

Private client > Family Tier 3

Stowe Family Law LLP primarily advises on high-net-worth financial remedy and Children Act proceedings. Heading up the practice, Beth Sheridan has extensive experience in financial remedy proceedings, frequently handling cases involving property disputes and pensions, while Holly Lamb focuses on private law children proceedings involving sensitive abuse, relocation and abduction matters. Florence Ashcroft-Lane, Luanne Morton,  Sarah McLoughlin and Charlotte Hallam are other key contacts within the team, advising on both finance and children-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Beth Sheridan

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Stowe Family Law have established themselves as a competitive outfit in the world of Family Law. Their modern and collaborative approach to their workload mean they provide a high level of standard to their lay and professional clients.’

‘The East Midlands team are a joy to work with, they are efficient and competent, with a keen approach to ensuring their clients requests are met in the correct manner. Particularly, the managing partner Beth Sheridan, who is credit to the firm and a brilliant asset to the talented team. Beth provides an efficient and tailored service to her clients.’

‘Beth Sheridan and Sarah McLoughlin are both very helpful and understanding.’

‘We have worked with Beth Sheridan on a number of occasions, on various different cases and on every matter, Beth has been always contactable and attentive in answering any queries we have as Clerks from when papers can be expected to venues and timings of hearings, no question is ever too much.’

‘The team’s strengths lie in their client-centered approach, ensuring that every client feels supported and understood throughout their legal journey. Their ability to combine legal precision with emotional intelligence ensures that clients achieve the best possible outcomes with minimal stress.’

‘Beth Sheridan is an exceptional leader within Stowe Family Law LLP, bringing over 25 years of experience and a wealth of expertise to her role as Managing Partner for the East Midlands.’

‘Beth Sheridan’s ability to navigate complex family law matters, including high-value financial disputes and intricate child arrangement cases, sets her apart as a standout practitioner in her field. Her pragmatic and straight-talking approach ensures that clients receive clear, actionable advice, helping them move forward with confidence.’

‘On a number of recent matters Florence Ashcroft-Lane has fought her client’s corner with skill and sensitivity while navigating complex legal and factual issues with aplomb.’

Private client > Family Tier 3

With a strong presence in the region, Stowe Family Law LLP is well-versed in the full range of family matters, from financial proceedings arising from divorce to domestic abuse cases. Louise Chipchase leads the practice and is a specialist in complex, high-value financial cases. Rachel Fisher’s diverse caseload includes child disputes and financial cases involving international assets. Joanna Newton and Zoe Carter have particular expertise in Children Act cases. Amy Langford, Katy Jordan, Helen Hanson and Courtney Rooney are also key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Louise Chipchase

Testimonials

‘The team has been outstanding and professional with there delivery and understanding with my case. Thoroughly knowledgeable and approachable.’

‘Zoe Carter and Courtney Rooney have always been friendly, approachable and understanding. With their knowledge I have felt my case was always in very good hands.’

‘Joanna Newton has guided me with care and understanding through situations that have arisen during my divorce that have been emotionally charged for me, with clear practical solutions for the way forward.’

‘The team is exceptional. The level of client care is fantastic. The depth in the team is brilliant; when one solicitor is off for whatever reason you know another solicitor will pick the file up and be able to assist enormously.’

‘Zoe Carter deserves a special mention. Her ability to see the wood from the trees is exceptional and she will robustly represent her clients in all situations.’

‘Stowe has a very strong team of individuals who collaborate very effectively, assisting on each other’s cases as and when required meaning that clients receive an effective and good service at all times, even if staff members are unwell or occupied on other cases.’

‘I would particularly like to mention Joanna Newton who is fantastic. She has an excellent manner with clients, is hugely knowledgeable and efficient, takes no nonsense from opponents. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Stowe Family Law are, of course, widely renowned as leaders in the field of family law nationally and provide a very good standard of service, in a wide spectrum of cases.’

Private client > Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex Tier 4

The ‘specialist family lawyers’ at Stowe Family Law LLP have bases across the country including Brighton, Guildford, Esher, Kingston, and Fleet, and offer access to an in-house forensic accountancy team. Managing partner Emma Newman has dual strength across financial and children disputes. Gemma Thew is praised as a ‘talented solicitor’, often advising clients in cases involving allegations of abuse.

Practice head(s):

Emma Newman

Other key lawyers:

Gemma Thew; Kate McCarthy; Niamh McCarthy; Jenine Imms; Samantha Armour; Carol Christofi

Testimonials

‘Very approachable and down to earth firm, despite managing a large number of complex and/or high-value cases.’

‘I would highly recommend Gemma Thew, the team leader partner at the Brighton office. She is an experienced and knowledgeable family lawyer and a skilled negotiator committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each of her clients. Clients warm to her calm and considered approach.’

‘The team is very friendly and very client focused, dealing well with children disputes.’

‘Gemma Thew is a talented solicitor with great commitment to client care. Her instructions to counsel are clear and well thought out and she goes above and beyond to make herself available to ensure the best for her clients.’

‘Stowe are specialist family lawyers with a huge number of excellent solicitors to choose from. Some are specialist children practitioners and others are money specialists.’

‘Carol Christofi knows the answers to all of her clients’ questions. She has so much experience that she knows the outcome in all cases – an invaluable solicitor to have on your side.’

‘Niamh McCarthy is well-respected and knowledgeable in all areas of family law.’

‘Stowe Family Law have a national reputation for providing quality family law services and their Brighton office is no exception. The Brighton office offers the whole range of family law work from divorce and separation, child arrangements to financial provision. Stowe Family Law continues to grow rapidly and now has a nationwide presence.’

Stowe Family Law is the only national law firm dedicated to family matters with the UK’s largest team of specialist family lawyers.

At Stowe, we work hard to make family law easier to understand and know that each case is unique – each one needing tailored support and handled with care.

In choosing Stowe, clients are guided through the process with empathy and care and the reassurance that they have the right team of people by their side.

We pick up the conversations that people cannot face and give all the details they need to make any difficult decisions along the way.

Helping people to move forward in life from a position of renewed strength.

Stowe has almost 90 offices across the UK, and we practice all areas of family law, including

  • Divorce
  • Children / Residence Orders
  • Finances and assets
  • International
  • Mediation and collaborative law
  • Prenuptial agreements
  • Cohabitation
  • Civil Partnerships
  • Grandparents rights
  • Adoption
  • Surrogacy
  • Forensic accountancy
Department Name Email Telephone
Senior Partner Julian Hawkhead [email protected] 0113 224 0580
Regional Director, South West & Wales Louise Chipchase [email protected] 01242 303202
Regional Director, London & South East Jemma Slavin [email protected] 0117 203 3458
Regional Director, North Rachel Roberts [email protected] 0113 224 0580
Managing Partner, North West Helen Miller [email protected] 0161 926 1410
Managing Partner, Harrogate, Beverley, Malton & York Christopher Birch [email protected] 01482 755385
Managing Partner, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire & Dorset Emma Newman [email protected] 01372 571126
Managing Partner, Ilkley & Leeds Sarah Barr-Young [email protected] 01943 600788
Managing Partner, London Phoebe Turner [email protected] 0203 0967077
Managing Partner, East Midlands Rebecca Calden-Storr [email protected] 0121 581 2376
Managing Partner, Eastern Home Counties Seb Burrows [email protected] 01245 890108
Managing Partner, East Midlands Beth Sheridan [email protected] 0115 7043133
Managing Partner, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire Rachel Watson [email protected] 01727 841875
Managing Partner, South West & Wales Marjha Golding-Evans [email protected] 029 22790141
Photo Name Position Profile
Sebastian Burrows photo Mr Sebastian Burrows Managing Partner, Eastern Home Counties
Jemma Slavin photo Ms Jemma Slavin Regional Director, London & South East
Morna Bunce : Chief People Officer
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Resolution
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE)
Solicitors Regulation Authority

Successful Chelmsford family and divorce solicitors
We are leading divorce solicitors in Chelmsford, specialising in all aspects of family law with a focus on complex financial issues and child welfare during divorce or separation. Whether dealing with postnuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, or financial matters, our experts provide support during stressful times.

Chelmsford family law experts
Family law is our sole focus. With extensive experience, we offer tailored advice for every situation, ensuring the best approach for you. We handle all dispute resolution cases, striving to make the process as smooth as possible.

Led by managing partner Sebastian Burrows, our award-winning Chelmsford team is dedicated to achieving the best divorce outcomes. We provide practical advice to a wide range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and unmarried couples facing financial or child-related issues. Our goal is to ensure amicable resolutions in divorce and civil partnership cases.

Department Name Email Telephone
Managing Partner Sebastian Burrows [email protected] 01245 890108
Team Leader Partner Filomena Sterkaj [email protected] 01245 890108
Team Leader Partner Maya Bhatiani [email protected] 01245 890108
Associate Emel Hamit [email protected] 01245 890108
Associate Kate Bouwmeester [email protected] 01245 890108
Solicitor Annique Sampson [email protected] 01245 890108
Solicitor Lauren Gauld [email protected] 01245 890108
Solicitor Phoebe Trott [email protected] 01245 890108
Paralegal Lucy Butterfield [email protected] 01245 890108
English
Resolution
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE)
Solicitors Regulation Authority