Family Law Solicitors Barnsley | Family Law | Howells Solicitors
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Family Law Solicitors Barnsley

Going through a relationship breakdown, navigating a divorce, or trying to sort out child arrangements can feel completely overwhelming. We know that behind every legal case is a real family facing a difficult transition. Our family law solicitors in Barnsley are here to lighten the load.

As one of the most highly regarded and largest family law teams in the North of England, we bring decades of experience to your side. But more importantly, we bring compassion. Whether you are married or unmarried, we can offer guidance and representation every step of your divorce, financial settlement or child arrangements —protecting what matters most to you, without the legal jargon.

 

 

 

 

Contact our team today

Our skilled team of family law solicitors in Barnsley has extensive experience handling complex legal disputes, specialising in protecting your interests across key areas of family law.

 

Divorce Solicitors Barnsley

The divorce process can be extremely emotional, often complicated by complex financial situations, shared assets, or children. Our divorce solicitors in Barnsley offer fixed-fee divorce packages starting at ÂŁ275+vat, alongside a dedicated collaborative law department focused on achieving amicable resolutions.


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Child Arrangements & Family Law Barnsley

Separation can have a tremendous impact on dependents. We offer expert legal advice on child maintenance and child custody agreements (now officially termed child arrangement agreements) to securely settle your family’s future.


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Cohabitation Law & Unmarried Couples in Barnsley

If you are living together unmarried, you can proactively protect your assets by creating a cohabitation agreement. Our family solicitors in Barnsley regularly assist clients through unmarried separations, asset division, and childcare matters when an agreement isn’t already in place.


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Pre-Nuptial & Post-Nuptial Agreements

Before getting married you can protect your assets and finances by drawing up a prenuptial agreement. This is an agreement made by a couple before they marry concerning the ownership of their assets if the marriage should fail.


Pre Nuptial Agreements →

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe in total transparency when it comes to legal fees. We offer fixed-fee packages for straightforward matters, with our fixed-fee divorce starting at ÂŁ275+vat. For more complex cases involving property, assets, or contested child arrangements, we provide a clear, hourly rate structure and keep you fully updated on costs at every stage so you remain in complete control.

Your initial 30-minute consultation is a completely confidential, no-obligation opportunity to discuss your situation with a legal expert. We will listen to the details of your case, outline your current legal rights, explain the potential pathways forward, and provide an initial estimate of timelines and costs. It can be held face-to-face at our Barnsley office, over the phone, or via video call.

Separation does not end financial ties. Your spouse can claim against assets acquired during separation. They may also inherit if you die without a Will. Long-term separation can complicate asset division and increase risks.

No. There is no such thing as a “common-law marriage” in England and Wales. If you separate or if a partner passes away without a Will, unmarried partners have zero automatic legal rights to each other’s property, pensions, or assets, regardless of how long you have lived together. We highly recommend drafting a Cohabitation Agreement or a Will to ensure your household is securely protected.

Book Your Free 30-Minute Family Law Consultation in Barnsley

Navigating the breakdown of a relationship or a dispute involving your children is one of the most distressing experiences of your life. Our compassionate, Legal 500-recognised family law team steps into your shoes to make you feel completely comfortable throughout your legal journey.
To help you understand your options with total clarity, we offer a free initial 30-minute consultation to all new clients.

  • Flexible Setup: Available face-to-face at our local offices, via video call, or over the phone.
  • Affordable Quality: Transparent pricing structure, including fixed-fee divorce starting at just ÂŁ275+vat.
  • Top-Tier Ratings: Ranked #1 on Review Solicitors for Barnsley and accredited by Resolution and the Law Society.
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How can we help? Contact us today

Contact us on 0114 2235 807 and one of our advisors will be in touch to discuss your situation. We will take some initial information and if we can help, we will book you in for a consultation with a legal professional.

Contact our team today

Our family law solicitors Barnsley can help with:

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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:

Our Family Law Team

Howells has one of the largest family law teams in South Yorkshire, with specialist family law solicitors based in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley. Our team advises on divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements, care proceedings, child abduction and other complex family law matters.

Our family law team have extensive experience representing clients in complex cases involving children, significant financial assets and court proceedings, as well as helping families resolve matters without going to court wherever appropriate.

Led by Highly Respected Legal Experts:

John Clegg (Director & Head of Family Law): John leads our specialist family law team. He is a highly regarded specialist in all areas of family law, including civil partnerships, cohabitation breakdowns, complex financial settlements, and domestic abuse protection.

Sharon Lockwood (Head of Matrimonial Law): Sharon is widely recognised as one of the top divorce specialists in South Yorkshire. Highly praised by both colleagues and clients, she specializes in high-net-worth finances, complex cases involving children, and disputes with intricate tax or inherited asset elements.

Wendy Bailey (Senior Family Law Solicitor): Wendy is a high regarded family law and collaborative law solicitor in Barnsley, and  has over 30 years’ specialist experience and is an accredited Resolution Specialist, Advanced Member of the Law Society Family Panel since 2002 and a Collaborative Law Specialist.

Independently Recognised Family Law Solicitors

Legal 500 2027 – Yorkshire: Family – Tier 2

The Legal 500 recognises Howells’ family law team across Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham and highlights the team’s strength in contentious matters and depth of advocacy experience.

The team is led by John Clegg and Laura Hill in Sheffield, Sharon Lockwood in Rotherham and Deborah Thompson in Barnsley. Legal 500 feedback describes John as “a very experienced and reputable solicitor in the area”, while Sharon is recognised for her experience, understanding of clients’ needs and proportionate approach to progressing cases.

John Clegg is also individually ranked Band 4 by the prestigious Chambers UK 2206 & 2027 guide. Chambers recognises his experience across family finance, financial remedy, TOLATA and Schedule 1 applications, as well as Children Act cases including international matters.

The Howells family law team has been recognised in the Legal 500 rankings for the previous five years.

Trusted by Our Clients

Our family law team is ranked No. 3 in Sheffield and No. 1 in Rotherham and Barnsley on ReviewSolicitors, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 and 99% of clients saying they would recommend the firm.

“Many thanks again for your invaluable help, advice and your calm, approachable manner. It is very much appreciated!”

“Excellent service with prompt response time.”

Read our client reviews

What Other Legal Professionals Say

“An effective and tenacious advocate known for his thorough, sensible and constructive approach. Has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of financial and children cases and the safest pair of hands no matter how difficult the case.”

“John Clegg is very experienced, knowledgeable, approachable and focussed. I know that he will give clients the support they need and do an excellent job for them.” – Chambers UK 2027

 

Page last reviewed: August 2026

John Clegg

Family Law

0114 249 6795
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Sharon Lockwood

Family Law

01709 364000
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Wendy Bailey

Family Law

01226 805 190
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Danielle Mahyar

Family Law

01226 805 190
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Alexandria Broadley

Family Law

0114 2496 640
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