Family Law Bedford
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“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
Can you advise me remotely if I live in Bedfordshire?
Do I need a family solicitor in Bedfordshire, or can I use one based in Milton Keynes?
Do you act for clients throughout Bedfordshire?
About Purcell Solicitors?
When a relationship breaks down and families need to readjust, we understand how upsetting and worrying it is for those involved.
Our team of family law experts throughout the Bedfordshire area will work with you compassionately and collaboratively, so you feel fully supported. We will help you resolve your family law legal issues either by agreement or, if necessary, by robustly representing your interests in Court or Arbitration proceedings. Combining our experience in family law with our high level of service, to provide you with the very best family law advice and representation.
Why Use Purcell Solicitors?
Experts in complex matrimonial cases
With long-standing recognition in Chambers and Partners Guide, we are experts in family law, recommended by peers and professionals. Benefit from our extensive experience in all separation-related matters.
Bedford-based Family Lawyers
We are skilled in dealing with every aspect of family law and separation.
Talk to us in confidence
Book a call to discuss your circumstances with our specialist team.
Safe and supportive environment
Rest assured, we are on your side and here to listen to your concerns.
Specialist advice and representation
Your dedicated Bedford family lawyer will do everything to help achieve the solution you want as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Dispute Resolution Experts
Where possible, we always strive to resolve matters out of court successfully and are specialists in non-court dispute resolution.
We Are Accredited
