Family Law Solicitors in Bedford
“After a poor experience with a previous solicitor, I was very impressed with the professional set up at Purcell Solicitors. Lisa is extremely well organised with meticulous attention to detail. Her legal knowledge is extensive and always accurate, she prepares reports and documentation in a timely manner and has always kept me updated on a regular basis, by phone and by email. Her approach is always empathetic, with a very good awareness and understanding of the stress and pressures on me, whilst involved in the divorce process. When I needed to consult a barrister, she made an excellent recommendation. At times she had to tell me things that perhaps I didn’t want to hear, but she did it in a clear, thoughtful and supportive way. I had complete trust in her professionalism, her advice and her way of working, as I knew she had my best interests at heart. I can certainly recommend Lisa as a family lawyer.” – Review Solicitors
How we can help
If you are facing a family law matter in Bedford or the surrounding areas of Bedfordshire, Purcell Solicitors offers specialist family law advice from a team with over 30 years of experience in complex cases.
Bedford sits just under 20 miles from our Milton Keynes office — a straightforward journey along the A421 – and we advise clients across Bedford, Kempston, Wootton, Wixams, and the wider Borough every day. Whether you are separating, dealing with arrangements for your children, or resolving financial matters after a relationship breakdown, our team works exclusively in family law. There are no generalists here.
We are ranked in Chambers and Partners for family and divorce law and are proud members of Resolution, meaning every case is handled with a commitment to reducing conflict and protecting the long-term interests of everyone involved.
Our Expertise
Family Law Services for Bedford Clients
We advise Bedford clients across the full range of family law matters:
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Divorce Financial Settlements — dividing assets, pensions, property, and income fairly on divorce, including complex and high-net-worth cases
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Separation & Divorce — legal advice on ending a marriage, including contested and uncontested divorce proceedings
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Children’s Law — child arrangements, residence, contact disputes, and applications under the Children Act 1989
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Family Mediation — structured, out-of-court resolution for couples who want to reach agreement without litigation
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Cohabitation — rights and disputes for unmarried couples, including property and financial claims
Bedford Family Court
Family law proceedings for Bedford clients are heard at the Bedford County Court and Family Court, located at Shire Hall, 3 St Paul’s Square, Bedford, MK40 1SQ. The court handles divorce hearings, child arrangement proceedings, financial remedy applications, and domestic abuse matters. Our solicitors are experienced in proceedings at this court and can advise you on the process from the outset, including whether court proceedings are necessary at all or whether a non-court route — such as mediation, collaborative law, or private Financial Dispute Resolution — would resolve your matter more quickly and at lower cost.
Why Bedford Clients Choose Purcell Solicitors
Bedford Borough has a population of nearly 195,000 and is one of the most diverse communities in England outside London. Families here reflect the full range of circumstances we advise on: long marriages with complex pension and property arrangements, cohabiting couples whose rights are poorly understood, and international family matters involving more than one jurisdiction. Our International Family Law team is well placed to advise on cross-border cases, which arise more frequently in Bedford than many assume.
Our Chambers and Partners ranking reflects consistent performance in financially complex cases. Every solicitor in our team is a family law specialist. We also have qualified mediators and arbitrators in-house, so whatever route to resolution you need, we can provide it without referring you elsewhere.
Our Bedford Family Law Team
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Pauline Purcell — Managing Director, Family Solicitor, Mediator, Collaborative Lawyer and Family Arbitrator, over 30 years’ experience
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Mandi Austin — Director, Law Society Family Law Panel accredited specialist, over 25 years’ experience
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Lisa Buckridge — Director, Collaborative Lawyer, Family Mediation Council-accredited Mediator, over 20 years’ experience
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Haidee French — Law Society Family Law Panel accredited specialist, over 12 years’ experience
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Stephanie Dodman — Family Law Solicitor, Resolution member
Get in Touch
We advise Bedford clients on family law matters every day. Whether you need initial guidance or full representation, our team is ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have an office in Bedford?
How do I get started?
What family law services do you offer to Bedford clients?
Which court handles family law cases in Bedford?
We Are Accredited
Purcell Solicitors Other Services
Family Dispute Services
Our Family Law Services
Helping You Create A Family
Why Use Purcell Solicitors?
Specialists in complex matrimonial cases
Exclusively covering all areas of relationship breakdown including divorce, civil partnership dissolution and separation.
Experts in the field of Family Law
We deal with your unique circumstances with experience, empathy and efficiency.
Speak to us in confidence
Consultations at our Milton Keynes office, or remotely on zoom or teams.
Open communication and guidance
You will be assigned a legal specialist to find the most cost-effective, fair and lasting solutions for your situation.
Skilled in Dispute Resolution
We offer all alternatives to Court and work with you to find the best outcome for you and your family.
Friendly and supportive environment
We are on hand to alleviate your concerns and provide professional advice on your next steps.