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Brookman is a well-established family law firm. We provide high quality advice and representation to clients in Walton-on-Thames and the surrounding northwest Surrey area. With offices in Guildford and the centre of London we are ideally situated to help those looking for expert legal advice on all aspects of divorce and family law.

For more than half a century we have been helping people overcome the obstacles they face during divorce, securing the best financial settlements possible and sensitively handling disputes over child arrangements.

We are extremely proud of our record. Our commitment to providing a first-class service to clients is mentioned in many of the online reviews we regularly receive. It’s also reflected in the number of new clients who come to us because of a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.

We understand that divorce raises all kinds of sensitive issues. From experience we know that no two cases are the same, so a personal, tailor-made service is essential. Clients in Walton and other parts of the Borough of Elmbridge benefit from our national and international experience. They expect us to deliver a service that combines value for money with high calibre, practical advice. This includes a free initial conversation without any obligation – we’ll offer preliminary guidance and support to help you decide what steps you should take next.

To arrange a consultation, you can call us on 44 (0) 20 7430 8470 or simply click on Request A Free Consultation at the top of the page.

Our office addresses in Guildford and central London:

Surrey Office

Wonersh House
The Guildway
Old Portsmouth Road
Guildford, Surrey
GU3 1LR

01483 467 403

Central London Office

Fetter Yard
Barnards Inn
86 Fetter Lane
London
EC4A 1EN

020 7430 8470

Our Team

Brookman has a specialist team of highly capable, skilled and caring family lawyers, divorce solicitors, and child law experts. We are a Legal 500 recommended firm with Legal 500 recommended lawyers and are one of the most highly reviewed and highly scored family law practices in the region. We also hold the Lexcel Accreditation for maintaining the highest management and customer care standards.

Find out more about our team here

Our Services

Brookman deals exclusively in divorce and family law. The law is increasingly complex and the way the courts approach financial issues and child disputes changes all the time. By focusing solely on family law, our solicitors can keep abreast of developments and ensure their advice is always up to date and appropriate for your circumstances.For clients in Walton-on-Thames this means we offer specialist advice on:

  • Divorce and Separation – We advise clients who are considering divorce or who have just begun the process. If you wish, we can help with the online divorce application ensuring all documentation is submitted on tine and you inform the court of any financial claims you wish to make. Getting the application right first time reduces delays and ensures your financial position is protected from the outset.
  • Financial Aspects of Divorce and Separation – The way family assets are divided is difficult to predict because courts have discretion when deciding the type of financial order to make in each case. However, with our experience once we have gathered all your financial information and your ex has made disclosure of their assets, we should be able to offer clear, pragmatic guidance on how to proceed. At Brookman we deal with cases ranging from the relatively straightforward involving modest assets to the most complex cases centring on high value assets located in multiple jurisdictions. Courts expect parties to negotiate privately to some extent, and we are highly experienced in all forms of mediation and dispute resolution. Where cases reach a final financial remedy hearing you can be assured that we will robustly protect your financial situation.
  • Child Arrangements – Judges will always make orders affecting children in the best interests of the child. We’ll work with you and your spouse’s representative to reach an agreed parenting plan to cover where your children will live after divorce, and what time they will spend with the non-resident parent. If agreement isn’t possible, we’ll apply to court on your behalf for the necessary Child Arrangement Order.
  • Pre And Post Nuptial Agreements – Increasingly recognised in England and Wales these agreements can help simplify matters in the event of divorce. In appropriate cases, they can also help safeguard family inheritances. We can advise on whether they might be appropriate for you and draft bespoke agreements that will stand up to any future legal scrutiny.
  • International Divorce – Brookman is recognised widely for its experience in international divorces. If there is international property or you or your spouse have connections with another country, your divorce could potentially be decided outside of England and Wales, with significant repercussions for the financial settlement.

Why Choose Us

Brookman serves clients in Walton-on-Thames and adjacent neighbourhoods in KT12.

Walton locals who are going through a divorce or need advice on some other aspect of family law instruct us for a number of reasons. We aren’t a huge firm so you don’t need to worry that your case will be lost among hundreds of others or that there will be different lawyers dealing with crucial matters at various times. But as part of national firm DMH Stallard, we have the resources and back-up to provide the comprehensive and dedicated service you need. We have a great team of expert lawyers on hand to offer you the highest quality technical advice on all aspects of divorce, including on specialist matters like international divorce and complex financial matters.

We have earned Lexcel accreditation – the Law Society’s quality mark for client care – and are recognised by the Legal 500 directory. Several of our family law solicitors are recommended each year for the high quality of their work.

As members of Resolution, we approach all cases constructively, looking to find agreement where possible – even in cases where, at the outset, you and your spouse are far apart on how financial matters and child arrangements should be sorted out.

Our role is very much to remove obstacles to a negotiated settlement where possible and make what can be a complicated, lengthy process as smooth as it can be. Where it becomes necessary to engage in full blown proceedings however, you’ll find us as tenacious as any law firm when it comes to protecting your position in court and outside it.

We quickly and expertly advise and update our clients via video calls and by phone calls but with central London offices close to the Royal Courts of Justice (nearest Tube Chancery Lane) and a branch office in nearby Guildford we are always happy to personal appointments at your request.

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Divorce Scenarios

The scenarios below do not relate to any individual clients of ours but the facts and the outcomes relate to some similar experiences in our practice.

Divorce

The Scenario

Mr G is a UK resident. Seven years ago when working in the Emirates he married a US citizen. They married in Cyprus and subsequently lived together for two years before his wife returned to the US. He has lost touch with her and mail to her parents address is returned with a note “she wants nothing to do with you”.

Our Solution

Mr G applied for a divorce in England on the basis of 5 years separation, although the marriage was in Cyprus.

We obtained an Order from the court deeming that it was enough to post the divorce papers to his wife’s parents because even though she would not acknowledge receipt, undoubtedly her parents would pass them on. This was done and we obtained the divorce.

If you have questions, contact us now, we can help you.
Henry Brookman Discusses: Divorce

Co-habitation

The Scenario

Mr R separated from his partner of 10 years with whom he had a five year old son. Their apartment was in her name. This came about because he was working abroad when they began their relationship. He paid half the purchase price into his partner’s account and she completed the purchase paying the other half. Now she had the property up for sale.

Our Solution

We took detailed instructions and put a block on the title. We then located the evidence to prove his claim. He offered to buy out his partner but she then insisted the apartment was worth more than the price she had been offering it for sale.

We issued an application following which the property was professionally valued and Mr R bought the remaining half share. She then refused to let Mr R see their son. We obtained a declaration of parental responsibility and visiting rights for Mr R.

Property Business & Divorce

The Scenario

Bernard consulted us. His brother Arthur is a property developer who generally has a portfolio of about 5 or 6 properties that are in the course of being renovated and sold on. Bernard often invests his money in specific properties, with Arthur keeping a spreadsheet that shows what share Bernard has in each property. Arthur and his wife have separated and his wife has applied for freezing orders in respect of all the properties. Bernard is anxious that his money will be treated as part of the matrimonial assets being divided between Arthur and his wife.

Our Solution

The critical question is for the court to establish that Bernard's share of the particular properties are his in his own right, so any orders that the court might make between Arthur and his wife will respect Bernard's interests. This is achieved by making an application to intervene in the matrimonial proceedings so that Bernard's interests can be protected. That enables us to represent Bernard rather than him being dependent on his brother simply asserting it- with the risk of being disbelieved.

Separation

The Scenario

Mr M consulted us concerning his wife’s behaviour. She had a long-standing drug problem and would come and go without warning from their home. She had spent large amounts on drugs emptying bank accounts and incurring debt to pay for them. He and their children were very upset.

Our Solution

We advised him that he could seek a sole occupation order which would keep her away from the home. He was anticipating a substantial bonus in the next six months and asked whether excluding her sooner would mean this was not taken into account in any financial settlement.

We advised that a Court would need to include it as an asset but that did not necessarily then mean that it would then be equally divided. The question of what was a fair division of property was a second stage calculation. In view of his wife?s waste of their resources an equal division would not be appropriate.

Civil Partnership

The Scenario

Mr E was looking into entering into a civil partnership with Mr F. Mr E had substantial assets such as a house valued at £1 million, investments valued at £3 million and a pension worth £1 million.

Although Mr E felt that the parties loved one another and that their relationship would endure, Mr E wanted to protect his position in case there was any change after the parties had entered into a civil partnership.

Our Solution

We advised Mr E that the best way to protect the position would be for the parties to enter into a Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement, which could regulate the parties’ finances if the civil partnership came to an end. The Agreement encompassed all aspects such as their income, their capital assets and their pension assets. The entire matter was dealt with amicably within a few weeks. The parties signed the Pre-Civil Partnership Agreement and subsequently entered into a civil partnership.

Henry Brookman Discusses: Common Divorce Myths

Divorce & Family Law FAQs

Here are a selection of common divorce-related questions.  If you have unanswered questions, please contact us using the form above or you can contact us here.

Do I need to attend court in person when I get divorced?

In most cases, neither party attends court in person. Basically, the process is administrative.

Will the chosen grounds for divorce affect the likely financial settlement?

No. Some people assume that if they admit to adultery (for example) this will have a bearing the court’s decision or the financial settlement. This is not so. Under normal circumstances, the chosen fact on which your divorce is based has no bearing on its outcome.

Can I divorce my partner without their involvement?

Yes, most divorces do not need the other party’s consent.

If your partner’s whereabouts are known but they are ignoring the divorce paperwork sent to them, it is entirely possible to obtain a divorce even if your spouse is simply refusing to acknowledge your correspondence. We deal with this situation frequently.

Can I divorce on the basis of separation if we are still living together?

It is possible to be separated whilst still living under the same roof. There are often grounds of divorce though – separation is not essential.

Can my self-employed husband pay himself less salary during the divorce to reduce his financial settlement?

There are several ways in which someone’s true income can be evaluated. It should be possible to obtain disclosure of your husband’s past business accounts and then argue to the court that any maintenance for you should be calculated on his real income, not a reduced salary that he chooses to pay himself in the short term.

If our planned divorce is amicable, can we both come and see you for legal advice?

Normally, the same legal firm cannot act on behalf of both husband and wife but in exceptional cases it can happen. It would be best for you to speak to us about it.

Can my partner demand that I move out while we get a divorce?

Probably not. If you jointly own the property you are jointly entitled to live there. In many cases a spouse agrees to move out in order to remain amicable, or they come to an arrangement that allows them to live separately but in the same property.

My partner says he will never agree to sell our home if we divorce. Can he refuse to sell?

If the court decides he has to pay a settlement then your husband can be forced to sell the house by order of the court or transfer his share of the house to you and vacate the property.

Can I gain a share of my husband’s pension on divorce?

It is possible to apply to the court for a ‘pension sharing order’ which sets out how much of your husband’s pension you are entitled to. These orders are in fact very common. They result in a defined amount being set up in a new pension plan for you. Sometimes a lump sum may be paid instead of sharing the pension.

Is there a minimum period of time I must be married before I can divorce?

Yes, in England & Wales you need to have been married for at least a year before you can start divorce proceedings. If you have been married for less than a year and you know you will be seeking a divorce after a year has passed, it is wise to contact us in good time for some (free) initial advice. If anything needs to be done, we can file for a judicial separation in the meantime.

Do I need my marriage certificate to get divorced?

Usually, yes you will need to provide a marriage certificate to start divorce proceedings. If you can’t find your certificate, it is possible to apply for a replacement. Sometimes we have to get a court order to accept the fact that you were married when there just is no record at all.

What is a Clean Break Order?

A Clean Break Order permanently severs any financial connections between you and your spouse. It kills off any possible future claim for maintenance or a lump sum. This might benefit you if your earnings are likely to increase over time, or you might receive an inheritance or any other source of future wealth that your ex-spouse might otherwise claim against.

Can I change my child’s surname after we divorce?

A change of your child’s surname would require written consent from the other parent or a court order.

Are the details of my divorce made public?

Minimal information regarding your divorce is made available to the public. It is possible for the press to publish that your divorce has been pronounced and the fact on which the divorce was based (e.g. unreasonable behaviour) but no further details are published. However, the vast majority of divorces are of no interest to the press and for practical purposes are never disclosed.

Can I pay for your services from my financial settlement?

We do try to be as flexible as we can about payment and in some specific situations we have taken a large share of the payment at the end of the case, but it very much depends upon your circumstances. If your money is tied up until the divorce is finalised there are also other payment options, such as borrowing from family or friends, short term loans, or gaining a legal costs allowance from the other party.

Still have questions?

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I had a very thorough consultation with Mr. Henry Brookman, he is very experienced in family law & was very professional.

Sep 2026   Jan Ball

I had a consultation with Henry Brookman regarding a family law matter and had an excellent experience... His advice was clear, practical and refreshingly honest.

Aug 2026   Zain Mirz

In an initial consultation I met Lauren Blythe, who I would highly recommend. Lauren is very knowledgeable and provided me with clear information.

Aug 2026   "S"

Had an initial consultation with Lauren who is very polite, very knowledgeable and provided me with valuable information and next steps.

Jul 2026   Paul Murphy

Very helpful initial consultation. the solicitor was professional, listened carefully, and explained my options clearly without any pressure. I left with a much better understanding of the process and my next steps. Thank you.

Jul 2026   Khadija Mouaddab

I had a consultation with Lauren Blythe and was incredibly impressed by her professionalism and clarity. She provided exceptionally clear, realistic, and highly strategic advice, immediately identifying the key pillars needed to navigate a complex family matter efficiently.

Jun 2026   Ed Whelan

I had a free consultation with Philip Morton... He took the time to listen to my situation and gave his opinion on how to approach the situation, what would be involved, risks and costs. It was a very helpful conversation that felt genuine and without pressure.

May 2026   Matthias Lederhofer

I had a consultation with Henry Brookman and it was excellent. He answered all of my questions thoroughly, paid close attention to every detail, and was very professional and helpful throughout.

May 2026   Mehrdad Ghanavati far

Alicia provided me with excellent counsel on short notice. Her approach was grounded, professional and took into consideration all of the provided facts accurately

May 2026   Dasha Borysov

About The Team

We are a specialist divorce and international divorce family law team, advising clients in the United Kingdom (specifically England and Wales) and throughout the world. We have a very people–orientated approach to working with clients. Henry Brookman has practised law for over 45 years, and our team has a wide range of skills and expertise. We are recommended by the Legal 500 and have been awarded the Law Society’s quality mark, Lexcel.

Partner

Philip Morton

Recommended by The Legal 500, Philip is an expert in all areas of family law, including domestic and international financial disputes, fraud and commercial dispute resolution.

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Partner

Henry Brookman

With over 45 years' experience, Henry Brookman is the senior member of the team. He is described by The Legal 500 as ‘shrewd, savvy, sagacious and highly experienced’.

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Partner

Natasha Slabas

Expert in all areas of family law, often involving cases that have an international element, including work in relation to financial settlements following divorce.

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Partner

Mark Rennie

Mark is the Group Head of the Horsham Family Law team. He specialises in all areas of matrimonial law, including complex divorce and financial disputes, and is recommended by The Legal 500.

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Partner

Nigel Winter

A highly experienced solicitor, Nigel has expertise in collaborative law, divorce, contested litigation, relationship agreements, and children matters. Nigel is recommended by The Legal 500.

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Partner

Samantha Jago

Partner at our Guildford office and recommended by The Legal 500, Samantha has specialist expertise in divorce, children matters, complex international cases, and is a trained mediator.

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Partner

Joanna Potbury

Family law specialist based in Brighton advising on divorce, cohabitation agreements, children, post-nuptial agreements, and domestic violence. Joanna is recommended by The Legal 500.

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Partner

Kevin Danagher

Kevin specialises exclusively in family law, advising on all aspects of relationship breakdown, divorce, same sex marriage, marital agreements, and international family cases.

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Partner

Ella Welsby

Known for her sensitivity and discretion combined with significant expertise, Ella advises on all family issues including high-value and multi-jurisdiction divorce and complex financial and children matters.

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Partner

Gemma Garrett

Based in Horsham, Gemma is a specialist advising on all areas of family law including divorce and separation (often involving jurisdiction issues), complex financial matters, and children matters.

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Partner

Alicia Cenizo

Alicia is a Partner in the family team and advises on all elements of family law, particularly private children work, including matters with an international element such as relocation.

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Partner

Rachel Osgood

Rachel specialises in financial claims on divorce and separation with a particular emphasis on high value cases and those involving inheritances, family businesses and claims by adult children.

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Partner

Nisha Tayal

With over 20 years of expertise in family law, Nisha specialises on all aspects of relationship breakdown and is trusted by clients for her discreet, tailored advice.

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Family Director (filex)

Natalie Matthews Bunting

Natalie is a specialist in divorce and financial remedy, including high value cases involving multiple pensions, multiple properties and multiple businesses.

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Senior Associate

Lauren Blythe

Lauren is a highly regarded specialist family law solicitor, based at our Guildford office. She advises on divorce, family finances, children matters, domestic abuse, cohabitee issues, and relationship agreements.

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Senior Solicitor

Susan Hayes

Susan qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and is based at our Brighton office. She is a longstanding member of the Law Society Specialist Children Panel and Family Law Panel. Susan is also a trained Collaborative Lawyer.

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Associate

Rachael Au

Rachael is a highly capable member of the family team in Brighton. She specialises in family law, advising on divorce, civil partnerships, financial matters, and children issues.

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Associate

Alice Barrett

Alice advises and supports clients on a range of family law matters including divorce, separation, financial remedy, private children matters and emergency applications.

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Associate

Amelia Groom

Amelia has experience across a full range of family matters, including divorce, complex disputes regarding finances that range from trusts through to cryptocurrencies, and arrangements for children.

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Associate

Natalie Higham

Natalie is a Family Legal Executive who advises individuals on divorce, separation, financial remedies available to them on the breakdown of their relationship, and children matters.

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Associate

Katie O'Kelly

Katie advises on a wide range of family law matters including co-habitation, divorce and separation, financial remedies, and private children law matters.

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Solicitor

Sophie John

An experienced solicitor, Sophie advises on matters relating to divorce, financial separation in both marriages and cohabiting relationships and children arrangements.

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Paralegal

Michelle Davies

Part of the Family Law team, Michelle supports on a variety of cases involving divorce, finances, children matters and day to day enquiries.

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Paralegal

Isabelle Basson

Isabelle is responsible for following up day-to-day enquiries, administrative case management and generally supporting the Family team fee-earners.

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Paralegal

Amelia Mahraj

Amelia is responsible, in her current role, for dealing with day-to day enquiries, administrative duties and supporting fee earners.

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Paralegal

Aimee Atalay

Aimee provides dedicated support to the Family and Contentious Probate teams across a diverse range of matters. Aimee studied Law and Criminology at the University of Kent.

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Paralegal

Izzy Minor

Izzy Minor is a Paralegal in the Family Team, supporting fee earners, and is a qualified Advanced CILEx Paralegal (MCILEx), holding a Diploma in Law and Practice.

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Paralegal

Madison Bryant-Pollins

Madison provides dedicated support to the Family and Contentious Probate teams, including case management and the provision of clear, empathetic assistance to clients.

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Secretary

Victoria Delatouche

Victoria is a highly experienced Legal Secretary and a long-standing member of the team. She provides secretarial support for the office.

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Secretary

Michelle Louison

Michelle provides secretarial support to Henry Brookman. A very experienced family law secretary, Michelle has worked in law for over 12 years.

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If you have questions, contact us now, we can help you.

Enquire Now

Or call us on 01483 467 403