Sarah Sowden

Specialisms

Sarah is based in the firm’s Leeds office and has advised and represented clients within; children matters – both public and private,  matters involving domestic abuse and occupation of property, divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, division of the matrimonial finances, division of finances for unmarried partners and financial provision for children. Sarah now specialises in divorce and private children work.

Sarah has experience working on complex children’s matters which often arise as a result of a dispute occurring between parents, which often relate to issues of which parent they live with or the time they spend with the non-resident parent.  Sarah advises clients in relation to all stages of the process including negotiations, mediation and representing them within court proceedings. This has included same sex parent relationships.

Sarah has also been involved in external and internal relocation cases.

Sarah has a keen interest in resolving financial issues between parties, including upon divorce and dealing with complex cases which involve income provision, property, pensions, assets abroad, trusts and businesses.  In addition, the division of finances upon the separation of unmarried partners and financial provision for children.

She has extensive experience of representing clients at Court, regularly appearing in the Magistrates and County Court. Due to the national health crisis, Sarah has adapted her skills and conducted advocacy remotely within courts across Yorkshire and various other courts across England and Wales, the furthest from her location so far, being Cornwall!

Sarah is a member of Resolution, who are “members committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. All members follow a Code of Practice that promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems.” Sarah has this ethos at the forefront of her mind when approaching each case.

Sarah is also a member of the Junior Lawyers Division.

Approach

Sarah’s ensures that she achieves the best possible outcome for each individual client, by firstly ensuring the client’s objectives are clearly understood. This coupled with her empathetic and caring approach, allows her to develop a great relationship with each client from the outset and adapt her approach accordingly to her clients’ needs.

Sarah encourages her clients to take a pragmatic and cost effective approach throughout the duration of their case and ensures each client is provided with complete clarity in relation their legal rights and estimated costs.

Training & employment

Sarah obtained her LLB Law Degree in 2012 and her Legal Practice Course qualification in 2015 in Leeds. During the time Sarah was undertaking her studies (2013-2015), she was also working at a legal aid family law firm in West Yorkshire. Upon completion of the course, she commenced her training contract with the firm, undertaking all aspects of Family Law for the duration. Sarah then qualified as a Solicitor in May 2017.

Sarah then joined a national firm in 2019, whereby she refined her practice areas and specialised in private Family Law work, with a particular focus on divorce, finances and children matters.

Sarah has now worked in the legal profession for over 8 years, whereby she has practised in all areas of Family Law work. Sarah is a Senior Associate working out of Stowe Family Law’s Leeds office.

Outside of work

Outside of work Sarah enjoys baking, music, reading, long walks with her dog and socialising with family and friends.