Vardags are top London divorce lawyers with a formidable reputation in complex and high value divorces. They act in cases involving private companies, property portfolios, trusts and international assets.
Looking for the best divorce lawyers in London or elsewhere in the UK for you or your family? Whether you need no fault divorce guidance, child arrangements support, or robust financial settlement advice for a high net worth divorce, this guide pulls together reputable firms and resources. For Scotland, see our city pages too: top family lawyers in Glasgow, best family lawyers in Edinburgh and top family lawyers in Aberdeen.
Best Divorce Lawyers UK 2025 guide: London, England and Scotland
Shortlands Solicitors — Divorce & Separation Experts (Hammersmith, London)
- Hammersmith, London
- September 5, 2025
Natalie Friday — Resolution‑Accredited Specialist (London Family Solicitor Ltd)
- 20 Garrett St, London EC1Y 0TW
- +442038651535
- September 5, 2025
Lucy Marks — Divorce & Private Children Specialist (Marks Law, London)
- September 5, 2025
Family Law in Partnership — Collaborative Law Leaders (London)
- London
- September 5, 2025
Best divorce lawyers in London and across England
The firms below advise on divorce, financial provision, child arrangements and wider family law. Descriptions and links are preserved from our original curation.
- Stowe Family Law – the UK’s largest specialist family law firm with offices nationwide.
- Vardags – an elite team specialising in complex, international and high net worth cases led by Ayesha Vardag.
- Family Law London – speak to an expert family lawyer or divorce solicitor in London.
- Slater & Gordon – experienced in sensitive family matters and the legal frameworks that guide solutions.
- Family Law in Partnership – award winning team of specialist family lawyers, mediators, arbitrators and family consultants.
- Dawson Cornwell – specialists in family law since 1972 with highly experienced partners and a strong team.
- Mills & Reeve – top ranked UK family and children law team focused on the right outcomes.
See also Legal 500 family rankings for England:
London |
North West |
South West
More London specific divorce solicitors and family law firms
- Stowe Family Law – London office information
- Vardags – London office for substantial and complex cases
- Brookman Solicitors – specialist divorce and international divorce
- Millner Elledge Divorce Lawyers – fixed fee options
- David du Pré & Co – family law solicitors with lower hourly rates
- Evalen Law – client focused family law practice in North West London
- Osbornes Law – one of London’s largest family law teams
- Fletcher Day – specialist divorce solicitors in London
For regional lists see:
Best divorce lawyers in Manchester and
top family and divorce lawyers in Birmingham.
Top divorce and family lawyers in Scotland: Glasgow and Edinburgh
These Scottish firms advise on residence and contact, financial provision, Minutes of Agreement and Court of Session matters.
- Brodies LLP – division of assets, business owner advice, child support and financial support. Leading lawyers include Shaun George and Lisa Girdwood.
- SKO – boutique family firm top ranked in Legal 500. Leading lawyers include Robert Gilmour and Rachael Kelsey.
- Thompson Family Law – Glasgow and Coatbridge based family run firm serving clients across Scotland.
- Balfour+Manson LLP – one of Scotland’s longest established firms with a large family team.
See also Legal 500 Scotland family rankings:
Scotland family law. You may also like our
Top 10 Best Divorce Lawyers in Scotland 2025 review.
Divorce lawyers in other cities in England and Wales
- Best divorce lawyers in Bristol
- Best divorce lawyers in Cardiff
- Top divorce solicitors in Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Best divorce lawyers in Surrey and Sussex
- Best divorce lawyers in Oxfordshire
- Best divorce lawyers in Southampton and Portsmouth
- Best divorce lawyers in Liverpool
- Top family and divorce lawyers in Birmingham
- Best divorce lawyers in Leeds and Bradford, Yorkshire
How UK family lawyers can help
1. Divorce and separation including financial issues
Seek specialist representation for divorce proceedings and financial provision. This is vital if property, pensions or businesses are involved.
2. Child cases and custody
Experienced child law solicitors prioritise the best interests of the child and help secure workable residence and contact arrangements.
3. Domestic violence and injunctions
Firms can help with urgent protective orders alongside family court processes.
Guides for men and for women
See our dedicated practical guides for different needs and contexts. They cover no fault divorce, financial protection, co‑parenting, mental health and rebuilding after separation.
Family law FAQs in Scotland
What does a family lawyer do in Scotland
They advise on divorce, residence and contact, cohabitation, financial provision, prenuptial agreements and domestic abuse cases.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Scotland
Costs depend on case complexity and court involvement. Some offer fixed fees and legal aid may be available depending on eligibility.
What are the grounds for divorce in Scotland
Irretrievable breakdown proved by separation for one year with consent or two years without, adultery, or unreasonable behaviour.
What is a Minute of Agreement
A binding separation agreement covering finances, property and child matters, often registered for diligence.
How long does divorce take in Scotland
Simplified divorce can take around two to three months. Ordinary actions with children or finances can take six months to more than a year.
Family law FAQs in England and Wales
What changed with no fault divorce
Since April 2022 couples can divorce without assigning blame. A statement of irretrievable breakdown is sufficient.
How are finances divided
Court considers income, assets, needs of any children, contributions and future security. Clean break orders can finalise finances.
Who decides where children live
The child’s welfare is paramount. Shared care is common where suitable and safe.
Do unmarried couples have rights on separation
There are no automatic financial rights for cohabitants. Consider a cohabitation agreement to clarify arrangements.
Can I get legal aid
Limited legal aid is available, usually where there is domestic abuse or child protection. Eligibility is means tested.
Need help with your family law issue
Need a second opinion or a steer on which firm to approach first. Contact us here and we will point you in the right direction.
Recommend a firm
If you know a family law firm that deserves to be listed, please reach out here.
P.S…
Divorce, marriage counselling, and support for men in the UK
Divorce, separation and relationship strain are tough—especially for men conditioned to “stay strong.” Seeking help is strength. Know your rights, reflect honestly, and build resilience to move forward.
Guidance below draws on The Gav Ward Code and practical, time‑tested principles for confidence and growth.
Understanding divorce: key legal points for men
In England and Wales, the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 introduced no‑fault divorce (from April 2022). Scotland and Northern Ireland differ. Consider:
- Financial settlements: Property, savings, pensions and investments—get specialist advice early.
- Child arrangements and PR: Fathers have equal legal standing; focus on the child’s best interests.
- Spousal maintenance: Understand potential obligations and rights to avoid later disputes.
Marriage counselling: reconnection or clarity
Counselling offers a structured space to rebuild communication or confirm the need to part. Consider it if there’s persistent conflict, distance, or mistrust.
- When to try: Communication breakdowns, repeated arguments, loss of trust.
- What it offers: Impartial guidance, healthier dialogue, and clearer decisions for both partners.
Emotional resilience and mental health
Men often internalise stress. Prioritise practices that stabilise you.
- Support network: Lean on friends, family and groups—don’t isolate.
- Mindfulness and reflection: Journalling or meditation to process emotions and goals.
- Physical wellbeing: Exercise to improve clarity, mood and resilience.
Revisit passions, set small goals, and commit to steady self‑improvement.
Practical steps during divorce
- Think from first principles: Clarify priorities (children, finances, wellbeing) and act accordingly.
- Protect finances: Document assets, seek early legal advice, and plan for cashflow.
- Invest in growth: Skills, fitness, learning—build confidence for the next chapter.
- Co‑parent well: Communicate clearly, keep it child‑focused, and document agreements.
Life after divorce
- Set new goals: Personal and professional targets with dates and measures.
- Expand your circle: Community, networks and hobbies for fresh perspective.
- Keep balance: Define healthy routines for work, family and rest.
A guide for women and mothers
Women—especially single mothers—carry heavy responsibilities. Draw on The Gav Ward Code to cultivate connection, adaptability, collaboration and growth.
- Foster interconnectedness: Build supportive circles; ask for help when needed.
- Accept uncertainty: Use mindfulness to adapt and reduce stress.
- Collaborate: Share caregiving and workloads; swap knowledge and support.
- Set tech boundaries: Create screen‑free times to protect presence and calm.
- Prioritise growth: Self‑care, learning and creative outlets to stay centred.
- Explore beyond limits: Try new challenges; plan the future you want.