Andrew Barton
Latest Review
Private Client review:
I have dealt with Stephen Scown solicitors over the past 7-8 years on a number of issues and they have been by far the most knowledgeable and honest Solicitors with a 100% success rate in my case. Andrew has dealt with my complicated international divorce proceedings and has been successful in getting the outcome in my favour. He is very approachable, friendly and a pleasure to communicate with. I would highly recommend him. He is the best I have come across.
24 Nov 2025
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Private Client review:
I have dealt with Stephen Scown solicitors over the past 7-8 years on a number of issues and they have been by far the most knowledgeable and honest Solicitors with a 100% success rate in my case. Andrew has dealt with my complicated international divorce proceedings and has been successful in getting the outcome in my favour. He is very approachable, friendly and a pleasure to communicate with. I would highly recommend him. He is the best I have come across.
24 Nov 2025
Peer review:
I have no hesitation in recommending Andrew Barton (Stephens Scown). He is particularly adept at dealing with high-net-worth, complex financial remedy matters, including tricky valuation issues concerning businesses and trusts. He is the consummate professional and works collaboratively, including with counsel where required, to achieve the best possible result for clients.
31 Oct 2025
Private Client review:
Andrew was VERY professional in all exchanges, very pragmatic and managed expectations really well. I would recommend him to anyone in future that is in need of his services.
20 Oct 2025
Private Client review:
Andrew Barton dealt with my divorce, and the entire process was quick, efficient and cost effective, which meant that a difficult situation was made significantly easier. I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew and his team.
14 Sep 2025
Private Client review:
I cannot recommend Andy Barton highly enough. He guided me through the divorce process at every stage with a highly professional, diligent and considered approach, resulting in a fair and reasonable settlement. As I am a company director the financial elements were slightly more complicated, but Andy's significant understanding of business accounts, tax and finance was excellent. His explanations of complex financial matters were clear, and his communication skills are fantastic. His assistant Alana was also very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I would recommend Andy to anyone looking for a top-class solicitor to help navigate a difficult process.
Jason Hendy - Cloud 9 Technologies
09 Dec 2024
Private Client review:
Andy Barton provided an excellent and professional service with clear and concise understanding for a complex case. His Knowledge, attention to detail, communication skills, advice and choice of barrister provided reassurance and understanding at a difficult time.
Richard Wraighte - Garad Care Homes
19 Jul 2024
Private Client review:
I needed a very experienced divorce solicitor to assist me with my upcoming divorce situation, and gosh I certainly found one in Andrew Barton of Stephens Scown Solicitors. Andrew was amazing in helping me through the mine field that is divorce and I ended up with a deal that was to my satisfaction without any problems. Andrew is a very straight talking guy, where you feel he is genuinely on your side and will go the extra mile to assist you where he can. I felt right from the first conversation we had together that he would be very easy to work with and I was correct. I have no problem in recommending Andrew Barton and indeed Stephen Scown Solicitors for any help you may need with legal matters. Thank you to all the team at Stephen Scowns, one very happy customer here.
Mark Hooper - Argitech
29 Mar 2024
Private Client review:
I was very fortunate to have Andy support me during my very challenging divorce. I could always count on him for quality advice and he is very personable which helps at the darker moments. I would recommend him highly!
Jeremy Behrmann - PRIVATE
23 Apr 2023
Private Client review:
I can't recommend Andrew Barton highly enough. He is an absolute 1st class solicitor. His advice and conduct were excellent at all times. In a potentially difficult and complex situation he gave practical and clear advice which was acted upon expediently, smoothly and with compassion. This resulted in the best possible outcome for me with the minimum of stress. I would have Andrew in my corner any time.
Richard Cussons - n/a
08 Mar 2023
Private Client review:
I left my previous solicitor and was very fortunate to select Andrew to represent me in their place. He remained calm and focused throughout the entire process and was able to provide a very early and remarkably accurate indication of what would be the eventual outcome.
Andrew was always professional, yet firm when needed, and his experience and knowledge of family law was evident throughout. If I get divorced again, I will use him!
Andrew was always professional, yet firm when needed, and his experience and knowledge of family law was evident throughout. If I get divorced again, I will use him!
Graham Piecer - None
16 Feb 2023
Private Client review:
Andy dealt with my stop-start divorce over a number of years. We got it done in the end. Throughout the process he was easy to deal with, gave excellent advice and explained things clearly in layman's terms. I could not have asked for a better service.
PJ Davies - None
31 Jan 2023
Private Client review:
I could have not asked for better help and assistance in my recent divorce (made more complicated than needed because of personal issues). The level of contact was, just right. Only informing me of important items needing attention, this keeping my fees down as much as possible. I was always kept informed on how the fee amount and of any changes both what was due and expected costs all detailed. All in all very pleased with the service provided by Andy and his team.
Paul Tomlins - N/A
10 Feb 2022
Private Client review:
Andrew and his team provided me with the honest and dignified approach to divorcing my husband that I was looking for. He did not try to needlessly point score and treated both my husband and I in an extremely professional way throughout the process. I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew to anyone looking to exit their relationship with their dignity intact.
Patrick A Younger - None
29 Jul 2021
Private Client review:
I found myself so frustrated and sometimes debilitated by astonishment at what was being thrown at me during this process, Andy provided calming, assuring and such good guidance. I didn't go off down rabbit holes in anger. Andy steered me through a morally accurate course of action.
I always came away from conversations feeling like I understood and felt comfortable with the next action that needed to be taken.
Andy and his team were always calming and reassuring and that made my approach to hugely evocative circumstances far less complex.
Most importantly I came out of the process understanding everything, and feeling completely content with the outcome.
I always came away from conversations feeling like I understood and felt comfortable with the next action that needed to be taken.
Andy and his team were always calming and reassuring and that made my approach to hugely evocative circumstances far less complex.
Most importantly I came out of the process understanding everything, and feeling completely content with the outcome.
Sarah Hampson - Private
01 Jul 2021
Private Client review:
I have yet to meet Andrew myself because of the current epidemic though we have teleconferenced together, (and with his assistant, the very cheerful and personable Alara). Despite my years in business, I have no experience of this environment which is charged with emotions and has threatened to cloud my own judgement on several occasions! Andrew's telephone manner and demeanour have been reassuring from the beginning. His advice thus far while we try to agree and progress the financials without recourse to the court has also been exemplary. Andrew is professional at all times and his communication clear, keeping me appraised of every stage ahead and thus far while following up as he promised on every occasion. (Not my usual experience of solicitors).
I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Andrew for his extremely professional service, reliability and confidence. Together with Alara, they make a great team. I just hope we can reach an amicable settlement and both move on with our lives.
I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Andrew for his extremely professional service, reliability and confidence. Together with Alara, they make a great team. I just hope we can reach an amicable settlement and both move on with our lives.
Jon Ingram - Introsoft Ltd
18 Feb 2021
Private Client review:
I was unable to meet Andrew personally due to 'Covid' however his reassuring telephone manner and positive personality came across from the outset. I felt completely confident and assured at his advice whilst trying to reach a divorce settlement. Andrew was highly professional and his communication was exemplary, keeping me informed at every stage.
I have no hesitation what so ever in recommending Andrew for his extremely professional service. Thank you so much for helping me at a very difficult stage in my life to reach a fair conclusion, enabling me to emotionally move on. Andrew is truly a credit to his company
I have no hesitation what so ever in recommending Andrew for his extremely professional service. Thank you so much for helping me at a very difficult stage in my life to reach a fair conclusion, enabling me to emotionally move on. Andrew is truly a credit to his company
Deborah Twemlow - Private Client
17 Feb 2021
Private Client review:
Andy proved to be an outstanding and first class advocate for me during an extremely difficult time in my life. What was of great surprise and massive value was Andy's depth of emotional intelligence. A capability which he used to navigate me safely through a storm of crushing emotion. As my advocate he demonstrated his skill in knowing when it was appropriate to be conciliatory; conversely when he pressed a point it was with absolute and resounding precision. The combination and equal measure of both Andy's technical skill and his emotional intelligence, all wrapped up in a thoroughly decent human being, makes for a first class and memorable advocate and guide.
Wendy Fagan - LionHeart Change Management Limited
06 Nov 2020
Private Client review:
I might have found less costly or more expensive companies to act for me, but I couldn't have found a better person than Andrew to guide me, bewildered and reluctant as I was at times, through my divorce. Andrew's calm, measured and professional approach ensured that I was always confident to accept his advice. However, behind his personable, diplomatic and polite demeanour there lies a steely determination that ultimately achieved a fair and advantageous settlement in my favour.I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew to anyone who has the need for expert legal representation in matrimonial proceedings. Finally, a word of thanks and appreciation to Andrew's colleague, Alara, whose professionalism and cheerful manner ensures the continuity of service at all times.
Alistair Sargeant - Private client
02 Oct 2019
Private Client review:
Both Andrew and Alara were patient, clear and incredibly helpful, guiding me carefully and professionally through very complex and difficult circumstances.
Professor Siam Bhayro - University of Exeter
07 Mar 2019
Private Client review:
I cannot praise Andrew and his colleague Alara highly enough for their kindness and efficiency seeing me through what has been an emotional and difficult time. Their professionalism is a credit to them.
Veronica Carol Butler - Not Applicable
31 Jan 2019
Private Client review:
Not knowing anything about divorce, Andy looked after me and my best interests throughout the whole process, he was very professional and gave good guidance in particular matters. Got the best outcome for me in the divorce. A grateful client.
Ian Goodchild - Dunster Biomass Heating
28 Jan 2019
Private Client review:
Family Law Warrior - when I went in to see Andrew I was shaking like a leaf and tearful - I came out knowing that this lovely man was on my side, I also felt I had made a friend and employed my own personal gladiator, hidden in a nice suit. Andrew is calm, kind, reassuring. So, without hesitation I can recommned Andrew. Spend the money, he's worth it, the richest person in the graveyard is still dead. Employ a gladiator and don't look back. Move on, live, laugh, smell the roses, and above all feel safe.
Julie Richards - Stevens and Scown
08 Dec 2018
Private Client review:
I instructed Andrew to deal with my divorce and from the first meeting up until the final outcome I could not fault his professionalism, efficiency, communication and kindess. Andrew kept me informed every step of the way and made sure everything was clear for me to understand. I would recommend his services. I can't thank Andrew enough for all that he has done for me.
Emma Jane Would - N/A
30 Sep 2018
Private Client review:
Andrew's advice and help during a difficult divorce was invaluable. He acted with the utmost professionalism and was very sympathetic at all times. Although he was expensive I do believe that you get what you pay for. I had a very high quality service from Andrew and his colleagues. He responded quickly and efficiently to all correspondence and reacted swiftly when necessary. Thankfully the investment paid off and the outcome of the divorce was more than satisfactory. I would not hesitate to recommend him, and in fact I already have!
Rebecca Graham - Rebecca Graham
07 Aug 2018
Private Client review:
Calm, incisive and responsive, Andrew is representing me through my increasingly toxic divorce with sound, clear advice. His straightforward manner and ability to identify the salient points bring a breath of fresh air.
Esther Boughton - N/a
26 May 2018
Private Client review:
I was recommended to Andy by the firm's Commercial team following the breakup of my marriage. From the initial consultation through to conclusion of the divorce proceedings, which were complex and lasted almost twelve months, Andy and his colleagues were second to none. A highly professional team who took time to understand the case and with reasoned logic and were able to help me negotiate what I ultimately thought was a fair conclusion. Andy used clear advice to make the process as painless as possible and helped cut through the legal jargon positively and professionally. I would have no hesitation to both recommend Andy to friends and to use his firm again.
Martin Rothwell - Rothwell & Towler Ltd
17 Apr 2018
Private Client review:
I feel fortunate that the failings of my previous solicitor led me to instruct Andrew in the matter of my divorce - I do not think it would have reached as clean and fair a resolution for both parties had he not undertaken this work on my behalf. I very much appreciate the considered advice he provided and the resulting positive outcome for my family and I, despite the difficult situation and personalities involved.
Alex Nimmo-Smith - Exeter University
11 Jan 2018
Case Studies
Pre-nup agreement to protect £23m assets from company sale seven weeks before wedding
The client provided Andrew Barton with instructions to represent and assist him in preparing a prenuptial agreement. He was a fifty-percent shareholder in a large catering business in London. Together with his business partner, he had agreed to sell the business for £45m. At the same time, he was keen to progress his marriage to his new partner, and by consequence the prenuptial agreement, quickly so that he could transfer half of his shareholding to his wife/business colleague and that they could together benefit from the entrepreneurial tax relief on her half of the shares. The wedding was planned within seven weeks of our instruction.
The client was advised to proceed with an agreement providing that if the couple divorced, the pre-marital assets they collectively owned totalling c¬£23m would be divided as to ninety percent to the husband and ten percent to the wife, and the marital assets they acquired during the period they were together (to include growth on the premarital assets) would be divided equally. We were able to prepare the draft agreement and comprehensive letter of advice within seventy-two hours notice and agree its contents with the wife‘s solicitors within the space of a week.