Stephen Sowden

Stephen Sowden qualified as a Solicitor in 1994, having studied at the University of West of England, and became a Partner at Hartnell Chanot and Partners in 2005.

After qualifying Stephen was involved in civil litigation focusing primarily on insolvency work. In 1999, after five years acting for the public in civil litigation and disputes, Stephen made the change to family law as he had the desire to make a significant difference to people’s lives.

Although Stephen has experience in all areas of family work, he has a particular interest in all matters relating to children, the rights of the child and what is in the best interest of the child. He is on the Law Society’s children panel.

Stephen acts for parents as well as extended family members (in particular Grandparents) and for and against Local Authorities in terms of public law matters, and specialises in contact issues, residence issues, step parent adoption, adoption and Special Guardianship Orders.

To see a video of Stephen talking to The Grandparents Association about helping those grandparents' with issues such as special guardianships and denied contact click here.

Qualifications

• Member of the Law Society’s Children Panel
• Member of Resolution
• Grandparents Association