A divorce business based in Newquay has been shortlisted for a major European legal award alongside some of the continent’s best-known law firms.

Easy Online Divorce founded by James Brien, is one of eight organisations shortlisted for Best Client Service Initiative at The Lawyer European Awards 2026.

The shortlist includes international firms such as Bird & Bird and Morgan Lewis, making the recognition particularly significant for a business James started in 2020 after his own experience of divorce convinced him there had to be a better way for couples to separate.

Easy Online Divorce helps people across England and Wales manage their divorce and financial settlements through fixed-fee, digital services designed to reduce unnecessary cost, complexity and conflict.

The company is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and has now helped more than 15,000 people, with clients estimated to have saved £8.7 million in legal fees compared with traditional routes.

The latest recognition follows Easy Online Divorce being named Alternative Legal Service Provider of the Year at the British Legal Awards 2025.

Mr Brien said: “To build the business here in Newquay and now find ourselves shortlisted alongside some of Europe’s leading law firms is something I’m incredibly proud of.

“Easy Online Divorce came from my own experience of divorce. I felt there had to be a simpler and more affordable way for couples who were able to agree things without turning their separation into a legal battle.

“Recognition like this shows just how far the business and the team have come. We’ve always believed that where couples can reach agreement, divorce can be handled in a way that is straightforward, properly regulated and far less adversarial.

“Our ambition is to make that way of divorcing the mainstream rather than the alternative.”

The winners will be announced later this year.