Ian Thompson
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
Recommended highly for a high conflict case
"Amazing team with a brilliant eye for detail, leaving no stone unturned."
Suite 28, The Blade, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BD
Accepting new clients
Suite 28, The Blade, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BD
Regulated by:
The Solicitors Regulation Authority
Regulator ID: 469401
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Stowe Family Law LLP are accredited by
We are the UK’s largest law firm dedicated exclusively to family law, with over 90 offices nationwide and a team of specialist solicitors advising on divorce and dissolution, financial settlements, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic abuse matters and complex high-net-worth cases. Recognised and recommended in The Legal 500 and the Chambers UK Guide, and with many solicitors holding Resolution accreditation, our Lawyers are known for their technical excellence, strategic advice and commitment to achieving constructive, client-focused outcomes. Combining national strength with local knowledge, Stowe Family Law delivers clear, compassionate and results-driven representation to support clients through every stage of their family law journey.
The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Stowe Family Law LLP offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally / locally.
Stowe Family Law LLP are accredited by
We are the UK’s largest law firm dedicated exclusively to family law, with over 90 offices nationwide and a team of specialist solicitors advising on divorce and dissolution, financial settlements, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic abuse matters and complex high-net-worth cases. Recognised and recommended in The Legal 500 and the Chambers UK Guide, and with many solicitors holding Resolution accreditation, our Lawyers are known for their technical excellence, strategic advice and commitment to achieving constructive, client-focused outcomes. Combining national strength with local knowledge, Stowe Family Law delivers clear, compassionate and results-driven representation to support clients through every stage of their family law journey.
The rankings below show the areas of expertise that Stowe Family Law LLP offers to clients. You can see how good the service offered is in comparison to all other law firms nationally / locally.
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
"Amazing team with a brilliant eye for detail, leaving no stone unturned."
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
"She made my court case very manageable, understood my goals and concerns and supported my decisions throughout and in doing so, I am now able to have a more shared-care arrangement with my daughter. I could not have asked for much more from Kamila."
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| Monday | 08:30–19:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30–19:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30–19:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30–19:00 |
| Friday | 08:30–19:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–17:00 |
Suite 28, The Blade, Abbey Square, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 3BD
What clients say about Stowe Family Law LLP
The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in family law, including divorce, financial remedy, consent orders, child arrangements and complex private children matters. Clients value its strong advocacy, thorough preparation, clear guidance and practical, strategic advice, especially in difficult or contested proceedings. The team is praised for being professional, knowledgeable and responsive, with excellent attention to detail. Soft skills consistently highlighted include empathy, patience, kindness, calmness and reassuring communication, helping clients feel listened to, supported and confident throughout stressful situations.
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
Fantastic service from Sophie Croft. Guided me through a challenging process to achieve the fair result I was looking for in court.
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Reaching the end of a challenging court process with the fair result you were hoping for is a significant moment. We are delighted that Sophie’s guidance helped you navigate the journey with confidence and ultimately reach a positive outcome. Thank you for recognising her support and for sharing your experience. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
Working with Vicki R has been such a lovely experience during this stressful time. She has a warm and comforting demeanour, and our communication has been very easy. She has answered all my questions and provided invaluable guidance, and I now feel completely prepared me for my upcoming hearings. I’ve felt comfortable and listened to throughout the process. Thank you very much Vicki.
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It’s lovely to hear that Vicki has been able to bring a sense of calm and reassurance during what we know can be a very stressful process. Feeling prepared for hearings and confident in the steps ahead can make a huge difference, and we’re delighted that Vicki’s guidance, communication and supportive approach helped you reach that point. Your comments about feeling listened to throughout your matter are particularly meaningful and reflect the experience we strive to provide for every client. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and your kind words about Vicki. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
Shanika provided us with everything we needed for our upcoming hearing. Even though Shanika was unable to represent me in the high court due to us needing a barrister, she went above and beyond to find us a barrister which was within our price range and in such a short notice period of 24 hours. She contacted me with any updates and was always there to answer any of our questions. Shanika has definitely put our faith back into humanity and I will be forever grateful to her for her support and kindness throughout this difficult time.
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Thank you for such heartfelt feedback about Shanika. We know how stressful and overwhelming it can be when court hearings arise unexpectedly, especially with such limited time to prepare, so it’s wonderful to hear how supported you felt throughout. Although Shanika was unable to represent you directly at the High Court hearing, it’s clear she remained fully committed to helping you find the right support and ensuring everything was in place for you at very short notice. Her dedication, communication and willingness to go the extra mile are qualities we are incredibly proud of. Your comments about restoring your faith in humanity are truly touching, and we will make sure Shanika sees your kind words. Thank you again for placing your trust in us during such a difficult time. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
Very poor interaction. Client care team that addresses new client enquiries wasted a lot of time, confirmed availability of a solicitor on a short notice for a court hearing, wasted 2 days of no response (despite multiple emails and calls), only to come back to withdraw noting the solicitor isn’t available for an unconvincing explanation. Very poor service but grateful I discovered this from the outset, better that than to have assigned them as representative for an important case
Thank you for your comments. We’ve asked for a little more information so we can look into this and help resolve the matter. Kind Regards Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
I am a local barrister and receive instructions from Stowe. Amy and Becka are strong instructing solicitors and handle their client’s cases with attention to detail, a proactive approach and a high level of client service. As counsel, I always have instructions and papers in a timely manner and they are always at the end of the phone if required. I would highly recommend them
Hi, Thank you for your generous feedback. We greatly value our working relationships with counsel and are delighted to hear that Amy and Becka’s proactive approach and attention to detail consistently support your work. Your recommendation is truly appreciated. We wish you all the best for the future, The Stowe Family Law Exeter team.
Terrible. They did not fill in forms correctly, I had to correct them myself. Thet sent applications to the wrong courts in the wrong formats. They did not serve notice to the correct respondents. Unbelievably bad at their jobs..They did not seem to understand the needs of my case at all, and this was with me hiring a senior solicitor in the firm as I thought this would ensure the best service. They clearly did not care about the case. They refused me refund for their terrible service (so in the end I've paid them over 2000 pounds to fill in some forms incorrectly), and left me with no choice but to refer them to the ombudsman. Their complaints process consisted of an employee telling me they had done nothing wrong and then offering to refund me the equivalent of half an hour's work. Why refund anything if nothing was wrong? If all the mistakes they made would've only saved them half hour work then how is possible that other miniscule amounts of work totaled multiple hours?
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you remain dissatisfied with the service you received. We understand that your concerns have already been considered through our complaints process. As you have now referred the matter to the Legal Ombudsman, we will respect that process and respond through the appropriate channels. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
Fantastic service from Sophie Croft. Guided me through a challenging process to achieve the fair result I was looking for in court.
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Thank you for sharing your experience, Mark! We’re delighted Sophie provided the expert support needed to get a successful outcome in court for you.
I cannot recommend Zoe Carter enough: she has all the skills of an exceptional solicitor. She always goes over and above on every case she instructs me on. Her written court documents are prepared to the highest standard. She is robust, sensible with an incredible eye for detail and clients always arrive at Court having been well prepared and advised exceptionally well. She has the hallmarks of a first rate solicitor well beyond her level of experience. She is a genuine pleasure to work with and clients always tell me how impressed they are with her.
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Hi Naomi, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and glowing recommendation for Zoe. We are so pleased you were impressed with her work. We wish you all the best for the future. Kind regards on behalf of Zoe and the Stowe Family Law Worcester team.
I have used Maria Coster over the last couple of years. I moved to Maria from another firm as I was left in the dark with things. From the first day I met Maria, we sat down and went over everything. She was extremely thorough and professional and exceeded expectations. Things were always explained clearly. My cases were always dealt with efficiently in a timely manner.
Hi Neil, thank you so much for the kind sentiments and for sharing your experience with us. I'm so happy that we were able to assist you with your cases! I wish you all the best for the future. Warmest regards from Maria and the Stowe Family Law Sheffield team.
After finding myself in a difficult situation with my ex partner Jason Stanley from the Altrincham office was recommended to me by a friend. I really cannot fault Jason in the way he handled my case. What could have potentially dragged on for months with letters going back and forth, Jason's 'no messing' approach quickly brought the dispute to an end and with the result I wanted. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Hi Stephen, thank you so much for the kind sentiments. I'm quite fond of the 'no messing' review! I'm just glad that we were able to assist you in what was a difficult time. I wish you all the best for the future. Warm regards, Jason and the Stowe Family Law Altrincham team.
What clients say about Stowe Family Law LLP
The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in family law, including divorce, financial remedy, consent orders, child arrangements and complex private children matters. Clients value its strong advocacy, thorough preparation, clear guidance and practical, strategic advice, especially in difficult or contested proceedings. The team is praised for being professional, knowledgeable and responsive, with excellent attention to detail. Soft skills consistently highlighted include empathy, patience, kindness, calmness and reassuring communication, helping clients feel listened to, supported and confident throughout stressful situations.
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
Kate Bouwmeester is an excellent solicitor whose professionalism, judgement and humanity made a profound difference during one of the most difficult periods of my life. Having been represented by Kate for almost exactly two years, I have a strong insight into her abilities and character. She strikes the right balance between professionalism and humanity — qualities that might seem essential in her field, but which my experience showed should never be taken for granted. During the emotional toll of a particularly drawn-out divorce, I found Kate’s advice sound, consistent and always aimed at reducing conflict where possible. Her support was essential in helping me through a process I found brutal. Even in the darkest moments, I felt firmly supported, while she remained thoughtful, measured and professionally grounded throughout. On strategy, I consistently deferred to Kate’s judgement. Her advice was not always what I wanted to hear, but I came to trust that it was the right advice. When I felt the urge to be drawn into tit-for-tat legal conflict, her calm and measured approach helped keep matters focused and proportionate. Despite Kate’s considerable efforts to avoid it, my divorce ultimately proceeded to a Final Hearing. Throughout the case, I was kept very well informed, and Kate and the team at Stowe worked tirelessly on my behalf. With hindsight, I appreciate the pressure created by the conduct of the litigation and the repeated late production of documents. It is to Kate’s credit, and to the credit of the wider Stowe team, that we navigated those difficulties as well as we did. The barristers Kate selected were also well chosen and reflected positively on her judgement. For me, success in a divorce meant emerging with the best outcome possible in extremely difficult circumstances. I may reflect on some of the choices I made during the process, but choosing Kate was never one of them. She was my legal guide throughout: highly professional, clear-headed and deeply humane. At a very difficult point in my life, she supported me with empathy as well as legal skill, and I will always be grateful for that. I have no hesitation in recommending Kate Bouwmeester and the wider team at Stowe Family Law.
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Two years of working together through an exceptionally difficult divorce builds a level of trust that cannot be captured by legal outcomes alone. Your words about Kate as your “legal guide” say so much about the role she played. Her judgement helped keep matters measured and proportionate when emotions were understandably high, and the fact that you trusted her advice even when it was not necessarily what you wanted to hear is a powerful reflection of the confidence she earned. We are especially touched by your recognition of Kate’s humanity alongside her legal skill. To have felt firmly supported through the darkest moments, while knowing your case was being handled with clear judgement and professionalism, is an exceptional endorsement. Thank you for sharing such a considered and personal reflection. We will make sure Kate and the wider team know just how much their support meant to you. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
I have been instructed as counsel by Samantha Armour from Stowe Family. When I receive instructions from her, I can always be confident that her cases are prepared to a very high standard and the client has been given exceptionally good and reasoned advice. I would have no hesitation in recommending Samantha as a truly exceptional family law solicitor. I have worked with her for many years now and have seen a wide range of her work and caseload. To be highly recommended.
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Alexandra, a recommendation from someone who has worked alongside Samantha for many years speaks volumes about the consistency and quality of her work. It is fantastic to hear that her cases arrive thoroughly prepared, with clear, reasoned advice already given to the client. That level of confidence from counsel is a brilliant reflection of Samantha’s expertise, judgement and commitment to every case she handles. Thank you for such a strong professional endorsement. We will make sure Samantha sees your wonderful feedback. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
Holly made me feel at ease after a worring and stressful time. Holly was very knowledgeable. She answered my questions without me having to ask them .
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We are delighted that Holly quickly understood what was worrying you and used her knowledge to bring some much needed clarity and reassurance to the situation. Knowing that you came away feeling more at ease is wonderful to hear. Thank you for your kind feedback about Holly. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
As a barrister who receives instructions from them (and in particular Joanna Dale and Becka Headley), I find they will have given excellent legal advice to the client, are always very organised with excellent forensic analysis. They are a joy to work with.
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It is especially rewarding to receive feedback from a barrister who works directly alongside our lawyers and sees their expertise first hand. We are delighted that Joanna and Becka’s legal advice, preparation and forensic approach consistently stand out. Being described as a “joy to work with” is a fantastic compliment and one we know they will both appreciate. Thank you for taking the time to recognise their work and professionalism. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
This review was submitted by a verified client of Stowe Family Law LLP.
While working with Zeneb Muneer I felt heard. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, anxious, and irritable but she handled me and my case both professionally and with empathy. She took time to explain the law to me and to answer my questions. I would have liked to continue to have her represent me, but due to the length and expense of proceedings this wasn't possible for me.
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Feeling heard can make such a difference during lengthy and emotionally demanding proceedings. We are pleased that Zeneb was able to support you with both professionalism and empathy, particularly during the moments when things felt overwhelming. Taking the time to explain the law clearly and answer your questions helped ensure you remained informed throughout your time working together. We completely understand that the length and cost of proceedings can influence the decisions clients need to make. Thank you for your kind words about Zeneb and for recognising the support she provided. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
Terrible. They did not fill in forms correctly, I had to correct them myself. Thet sent applications to the wrong courts in the wrong formats. They did not serve notice to the correct respondents. Unbelievably bad at their jobs..They did not seem to understand the needs of my case at all, and this was with me hiring a senior solicitor in the firm as I thought this would ensure the best service. They clearly did not care about the case. They refused me refund for their terrible service (so in the end I've paid them over 2000 pounds to fill in some forms incorrectly), and left me with no choice but to refer them to the ombudsman. Their complaints process consisted of an employee telling me they had done nothing wrong and then offering to refund me the equivalent of half an hour's work. Why refund anything if nothing was wrong? If all the mistakes they made would've only saved them half hour work then how is possible that other miniscule amounts of work totaled multiple hours?
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you remain dissatisfied with the service you received. We understand that your concerns have already been considered through our complaints process. As you have now referred the matter to the Legal Ombudsman, we will respect that process and respond through the appropriate channels. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
I can't thank Orla and Gabriella for all their support throughout the whole process from start to finish. They shown understanding and empathy but remained professional when it was an emotional time for myself and children.
We are so pleased that Orla and Gabriella were there for you from start to finish, balancing professionalism with the understanding and empathy you needed during an emotional time. Knowing you felt supported throughout the whole process is a wonderful reflection of the care they provided. Thank you for your heartfelt feedback. We will make sure your kind words are shared with both Orla and Gabriella. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
Aimee McKay was my solicitor during my divorce process. I cannot recommend her highly enough. From the outset Aimee was supportive and kind, she is able to combine being very professional, but also being empathic and constructive. I felt well supported throughout. She advised me well and listened to my thoughts and concerns. When there were areas of difficulty, Aimee found more information for me and helped me to make the decisions I needed to make. I would highly recommend Aimee. She is a good solicitor and a great person to have in your corner at such a time.
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Being described as “a great person to have in your corner” says so much about the support Aimee provided throughout your divorce. It is wonderful to hear that she combined professional, constructive advice with genuine empathy, while making sure your own thoughts and concerns remained part of the decision making process. When more information was needed, Aimee took the time to find it and help you make informed choices with confidence. Thank you for such a warm recommendation. We will make sure Aimee knows how much her support meant to you. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
Although divorced 30years I had a lifetime periodical payment still in place and with retirement looming Stowe law advised that a clean break order was a viable option. Danielle Ford took over my case following promotion of my original solicitor to a more senior (and higher cost position). Stowe were always mindful of my costs and advised this option. Danielle proved as thorough, diligent and communicative as her senior. Always with one eye on the mounting costs through the actions of the other party Danielle ensured that the temperature was not raised but also was not slow in rebutting forcefully when required. Stowe provided fantastic counsel whose advice and advocacy at FDR was unassailable. I cannot recommend Stowe family law and their team including Alex Martin and Danielle Ford too highly for financial remediation advice and counsel. The result was a positive outcome which was achieved through their hard work and efforts on my behalf.
Thirty years after a divorce, reaching a clean break and finally bringing financial ties to a close is a significant outcome. We are delighted that the transition to Danielle felt seamless and that she continued to provide the thorough, diligent support you had received from Alex. Your comments about the team’s focus on managing costs while keeping matters measured, but responding firmly when necessary, are particularly appreciated. It is also wonderful to hear how highly you regarded the counsel supporting you at the FDR and that the combined efforts of Danielle, Alex and the wider team ultimately helped achieve such a positive result. Thank you for your generous recommendation and for recognising the hard work that went into bringing your matter to a successful conclusion. Best Wishes Stowe Family Law
Fantastic service from Sophie Croft. Guided me through a challenging process to achieve the fair result I was looking for in court.
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Thank you for sharing your experience, Mark! We’re delighted Sophie provided the expert support needed to get a successful outcome in court for you.
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