Family Law Solicitors Serving St Albans, Harpenden and Berkhamsted
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“Many thanks for all your help and support during mediation, Lisa, although we did not reach full agreement hopefully we are on the right track thanks to your assistance” – Review Solicitors
Purcell Solicitors advises families across St Albans and the surrounding Hertfordshire and Chiltern towns, including Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Tring, Radlett and Redbourn, on divorce, financial settlements and children’s law matters. Whether you are facing the breakdown of a marriage, negotiating a fair financial settlement, or trying to reach the right arrangements for your children, our team provides clear, practical guidance at every stage of the process. We understand that no two family situations are the same, which is why we take the time to understand your individual circumstances before recommending the right path forward, whether that involves negotiation, mediation, arbitration or, where necessary, court proceedings.
We are ranked in Chambers and Partners for family and divorce law, a recognition reserved for firms and individual solicitors who demonstrate consistent excellence, technical skill and client care within their field. This ranking reflects not only the depth of experience within our team but also the trust that clients and fellow legal professionals place in the quality of our advice. For families across St Albans, Harpenden, Berkhamsted and the wider area, this means access to solicitors who are recognised specialists rather than generalists handling family law alongside other areas of practice.
Our practice covers family law exclusively, meaning every solicitor within the firm dedicates their career solely to this area of law rather than dividing their attention across multiple disciplines. This focus allows our team to stay closely attuned to developments in family law, from changes in court procedure to shifts in how the courts approach complex financial or children’s matters, ensuring our clients always receive advice that reflects the current legal landscape. All our solicitors hold Resolution membership, reflecting a shared commitment to resolving disputes constructively and, wherever possible, without unnecessary conflict, cost or delay, an approach that resonates strongly with families in St Albans and the surrounding towns who value discretion, efficiency and a considered path through a difficult time.
Specialist Advice for Complex Family and Financial Matters
St Albans, Harpenden and Berkhamsted are historic Hertfordshire towns known for their period architecture, strong schools and excellent commuter links into London. Many of the families we advise here have built up significant assets over long marriages – family businesses, multiple properties, pensions and investment portfolios – and when a relationship breaks down, untangling these fairly requires a solicitor with genuine experience of complex and high-value cases. Purcell Solicitors provides exactly this level of specialist support, combined with the discretion and personal attention our clients expect.
Our Expertise
Our Services for Clients Near St Albans
We regaularly advise clients in St Albans and surrounding areas on:
- Divorce and financial settlements involving complex or substantial assets, including business interests, multiple properties and investment portfolios
- Pension sharing and pension attachment orders, including SIPPs and final salary schemes
- Protection of family businesses and commercial interests during divorce proceedings
- Children’s law, including child arrangements, relocation and schooling disputes
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect family wealth ahead of or during a marriage
- Non-court dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration and collaborative law
- Advice for unmarried couples (cohabitees) on property and financial claims following separation
Towns We Cover Near St Albans
Court Proceedings for St Albans Clients
Family and financial remedy proceedings for the St Albans area are typically heard at St Albans Civil and Family Court, based at the Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3LB, open Monday to Friday. Purcell Solicitors regularly represents clients at this court and understands its local listing practices.
Why Choose Purcell Solicitors
Purcell Solicitors is a niche family law firm, meaning every case is handled by dedicated family law specialists rather than general practitioners. We are ranked in Chambers and Partners for family and divorce law, and all our solicitors hold Resolution membership, reflecting our commitment to constructive, non-confrontational approaches wherever possible. We offer a free 30-minute consultation, available in person or remotely by Zoom or Teams, so clients across St Albans, Harpenden, Berkhamsted and Tring can access specialist advice without unnecessary travel. Learn more About Us or explore our Divorce Solicitors and Family Law services.
Our 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
Call 01908 693000 or email enquiries@purcellsolicitors.co.uk. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Remote consultations by Zoom or Teams available to all clients; in-person appointments at our Milton Keynes office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you regulated and accredited?
Can I have a consultation without travelling to your office?
Do I need a local solicitor if I live in St Albans, Harpenden or Berkhamsted?
Do you handle cases involving business assets or complex finances?
Do you handle cases involving business assets or complex finances?
How much does a consultation cost?
Which court will handle my case if I live near St Albans?
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
