From our offices at Artemis House in Milton Keynes, we are only around 15–20 minutes up the A5 from Dunstable, and provide free onsite parking so you can attend appointments easily, and discreetly, without the stress of town‑centre parking.
Experienced family law team
Our family law department is led by Lee Bailham, who has more than 30 years’ experience as a solicitor, having qualified in 1995. Lee and the team have extensive experience in dealing with complex children and financial cases, resolving matters with sensitivity while keeping a firm focus on achieving the best outcome for you and your family.
Some clients in the Dunstable area also prefer to instruct a firm that is slightly out of town, as this can feel more discreet than using a solicitor on their local high street, particularly in sensitive situations such as divorce or domestic abuse.
Comprehensive family law services
Our specialist family law solicitors can advise clients in Dunstable and neighbouring villages, on a wide range of issues arising from relationship breakdown and family change. Services include:
- Divorce and financial settlements – advice on starting or responding to divorce, negotiating fair financial outcomes and resolving property, pension and maintenance issues.
- Judicial separation and relationship breakdown – formalising arrangements where you separate but do not divorce, and protecting your position in the meantime.
- Children and parenting arrangements – assistance with where children live, how time is shared between parents, holiday arrangements and communication, always keeping their welfare at the centre.
- Parental responsibility and parental rights – guidance on acquiring, exercising and enforcing parental responsibility, including for unmarried parents.
- Unmarried couples and cohabitation – advice on property ownership, contributions, and financial and children issues when you are not married or in a civil partnership.
- Domestic abuse and protection orders – urgent help if you or your children are at risk, including applications for non‑molestation and occupation orders where appropriate.
- Pre‑nuptial and post‑nuptial agreements – putting in place clear financial arrangements at the start of, or during, a marriage or civil partnership.
- Cohabitation agreements – setting out how property, bills and finances are dealt with while you live together, and what should happen if you separate.
- Varying or enforcing existing orders – support where an order about finances or children is not being followed or no longer reflects your current circumstances.
- Change of name deeds – advice and documentation for changing an adult’s or child’s name.
How our family law team works
The emphasis of our family law practice is on sensible, constructive solutions, reducing unnecessary conflict wherever possible. Many cases can be resolved through negotiation and agreement, which is usually quicker, more cost‑effective and less stressful than a fully contested court process, particularly where children are involved.
If court proceedings are needed, your solicitor will prepare your case carefully, explain each step in plain language and represent you robustly to secure the best outcome available in your circumstances. Throughout your case, you will have a dedicated point of contact who understands both the legal and emotional challenges you are facing.
Why Heald Solicitors are great for clients in the Dunstable area
People from Dunstable and the surrounding Bedfordshire villages can turn to Heald Solicitors when they want specialist family law advice without heading into a busy town centre. Choosing our team means:
- Leadership from Lee Bailham, a highly experienced family solicitor with over three decades of post‑qualification experience.
- A dedicated family law department experienced in complex financial, children and relationship cases.
- A convenient location roughly 15–20 minutes’ drive up the A5 from Dunstable, with straightforward access.
- Free onsite parking for all clients, making meetings easier to attend and plan around.
- The option of using an out‑of‑town firm, which many clients feel offers greater discretion and privacy.
- Clear, pragmatic advice aimed at achieving fair, long‑term solutions for you and your family.
“As one of Milton Keynes’ longest established law firms, founded in 1980, we bring decades of experience to every matter we handle.”
Contact Us Let's have a chat
FAQ’s - Family Law in Dunstable
Some frequently asked questions covering our family law services in and around Dunstable. If you have a question that is not listed below, then please contact us, and one of our friendly legal team will be able to help you.
How soon can you help me start negotiating a financial settlement after beginning divorce proceedings?
We can begin discussing or negotiating financial matters as soon as the divorce process starts. Many people choose to address finances early to avoid delays, even though the final order cannot be approved until the conditional divorce order has been granted.
What happens if my ex partner will not agree to a parenting schedule?
If negotiation or communication breaks down, our solicitors can help you propose alternatives, refer you to mediation, or if necessary apply to the court for a Child Arrangements Order to ensure the children’s welfare is protected.
Can I get parental responsibility if I am not named on my child’s birth certificate?
Yes. We can help you acquire parental responsibility through a formal Parental Responsibility Agreement with the other parent or, if that isn’t possible, by applying to the court for a Parental Responsibility Order.
What happens if we separate and only one of us is named on the property deeds?
You may still have rights depending on your financial contributions, agreements made during the relationship, or the existence of a constructive trust or beneficial interest. Our solicitors can assess your position and advise you of your options.
How quickly can protective orders such as Non Molestation or Occupation Orders be obtained?
In urgent situations, an application can often be made without notice to the other party, meaning the court may issue temporary protection the same day or within 24 hours, depending on the risk level.
Are prenups actually enforceable if we divorce later?
While not automatically binding, courts give significant weight to prenuptial and postnuptial agreements if they are fair, entered into freely, and meet certain legal requirements. A well‑drafted agreement can strongly influence the outcome of financial proceedings.
