Stowe Family Law (Stowe) – the UK’s largest specialist family law firm – has opened an office in Reigate, its 35th nationwide

LOCAL NEWS

Stowe Family Law (Stowe) – the UK’s largest specialist family law firm – has opened an office in Reigate, its 35th nationwide

The firm’s presence in the south is going from strength to strength, with Reigate becoming its 10th office in the region.

While the firm expands country-wide, the new Reigate office will help clients across Surrey access some of the country’s top family lawyers at a time when divorce enquiries are rising significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the global pandemic struck last year, Stowe has experienced a 199%* increase in enquiries year on year in the Surrey region, compared to a national average uplift of 126%.

A national poll commissioned by the firm looking into the motivations behind this increase revealed that nearly a quarter of people living in Greater London said COVID-19 had a negative impact on their relationship. Of those relationships that ended, the most common reason cited was financial pressures (28%), spending too much time together and too many arguments (20%), and 13% due to lack of communication.

In Reigate, the family law team is headed up by Senior Solicitor Gemma Artus, who, supported by solicitors Sarah Hodges and Harriet Donovan, cover all family law matters, providing advice concerning divorce and separation; arrangements for children and resolving financial matters.

About Reigate’s office opening, Stowe’s Managing Partner for the Surrey region, Emma Newman, commented: “As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we have seen a sharp rise in enquiries, particularly in the Surrey area. Joining our offices in Esher and Guildford, our presence in Reigate allows us to maintain the highest support levels for our clients throughout the pandemic and beyond. At Stowe, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate advice and solutions during these difficult times. Through their combined years of experience in family law and knowledge, the team supports clients to achieve their desired outcome.”

Gemma Artus, who heads up the Reigate office, said: “I am delighted to head up the Stowe office in Reigate. As part of the country’s largest specialist family law firm, we can offer people who live locally and across Surrey access to an unrivalled nationwide network of knowledge and experience on their doorstep.” ■

*Statistics relate to a comparison of enquiries received to the Esher and Guildford offices between May – July 2020 to May to July 2021. **Statistics relate to comparing recorded inquiries received nationwide to Stowe between April – June 2020 to 2021.