Family law at Stephensons
We are one of a handful of firms nationally with the strength to handle every type of family law case, from a straightforward divorce to the most complex breakdowns involving disputes with children, high value matrimonial assets and international issues.
Our children lawyers deal with some of the most challenging cases involving social services intervention to removal of children; cases which include allegations of brain injury, shaken baby syndrome, sexual abuse, Munchausen’s syndrome, fabricated illness, the murder of the parent by another, allegations that a parent is involved in terrorism (including ISIS) or that a parent is involved in organised crime or criminal gangs.
We have excellent relationships with specialist barristers, accountants, independent financial advisers, surveyors, medical specialists, counsellors, agencies supporting children and survivors of abuse. When we take on your case we step in your shoes and help you through what is probably the most distressing experience of your life; the breakdown of a relationship or the threat of the loss of your child.
Our family team includes members of the Law Society’s Children Panel Accreditation Scheme as well as a significant number of Resolution accredited specialists.
Family, children & divorce - areas of specialism
Our specialist family solicitors are held in the highest regard by the Legal 500 and the Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession. “The team gives it all, no matter how large or small the case” The Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession.
Chambers UK
Michael Devlin enjoys a stellar reputation in legally aided child protection work, regularly representing children, local authorities and guardians in care proceedings. He is also noted for his capabilities in adoption proceedings with peers regarding him as “fantastic”. The team as a whole was ranked in the 2018 edition.
Legal 500
Stephensons Solicitors LLP has a ‘large and strong team’ that is led by Mike Devlin, who runs a ‘tight, efficient and client-focused ship’. Devlin has a ‘good reputation for his knowledge and skill in the area of care and children work in particular’. Donna Roberts is a ‘very capable lawyer whose knowledge and case management is second to none’. Gwyneth John is ‘competent and experienced; she does not make false promises but does her very best to achieve realistic aims’. Andrew Mountain is ‘very reliable and efficient and can diffuse tensions in difficult situations; he has the confidence to challenge without ever being confrontational’. Anna White ‘really fights her clients’ corner but is also good at challenging her clients when needed’. The team is particularly well known for its representation of children, parents, couples, guardians and local authorities in all aspects of family and children law.
Award winning family law team
2016 - Solicitors Journal Awards - Family Team of the Year
2015 - Mike Devlin - Shortlisted Manchester Law Society - Partner of the Year
2015 - Shortlisted Liverpool Law Society Family Law Firm of the Year
2015 - Mike Devlin - Shortlisted - Jordan’s Family Law Partner of the Year
2014 - Jordan’s - Family Law Firm of the Year
2012 - Mike Devlin - Manchester Law Society Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year
