Business Details
Your Trusted Family Law Solicitors in Norwich
Established to provide comprehensive family law services, bbl family law combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to guide clients through complex personal matters. Our team of dedicated solicitors and mediators specialises exclusively in family law, offering tailored solutions for divorce, separation, child arrangements, and financial disputes. With a strong emphasis on mediation and collaborative law, we prioritise amicable resolutions while maintaining the capability to advocate fiercely in court when necessary.Our client-centred philosophy ensures individuals receive transparent cost estimates, including fixed-fee consultations, to maintain control over legal expenses. Located in Norwich, we serve clients nationally through virtual mediation options, supported by our accreditation from Resolution and the Family Mediation Council. By focusing solely on family law, we deliver deep expertise and practical guidance to help clients navigate life-changing legal challenges with confidence.
Services
Mediation
Divorce
Children matters
Financial settlements
Prenuptial agreements
Inheritance claims
Collaborative law
Highlights and features
- We offer fixed-fee consultations for transparent legal costs
- Our mediators are accredited by the Family Mediation Council
- Specialist focus solely on family law since establishment
- We prioritise children's interests in all family disputes
- Experienced litigators with collaborative law expertise
Associations and certifications
- Resolution
- Family Mediation Council
- Ministry of Justice voucher scheme
What people say
Professional yet personable approach
Resolve disputes quickly
Expertise and understanding
Cost-effective solution
Positive ongoing relationship
Services
Family Mediation
Our accredited mediators help separating couples resolve child custody, financial, and property issues through structured negotiations. This voluntary process offers faster, more cost-effective solutions compared to court proceedings while maintaining amicable relationships. Mediation sessions typically last 1.5 hours with most couples requiring 1-2 meetings.
Divorce Services
We guide clients through all aspects of divorce proceedings including financial settlements, child arrangements, and post-divorce financial matters. Our approach balances compassionate support with practical legal advice to achieve fair outcomes while minimising emotional distress during this life-changing process.
Children Matters
Specialist legal advice covering child custody, visitation rights, and parental responsibility issues. We prioritise children's best interests while helping parents create practical co-parenting arrangements, including school choices, healthcare decisions, and holiday schedules through negotiation or court representation.
Financial Settlements
Expert guidance on dividing marital assets, spousal maintenance, and financial agreements during divorce or separation. We handle complex financial cases involving property, pensions, business interests, and international assets to ensure fair settlements while protecting clients' long-term financial security.
Collaborative Law
This alternative dispute resolution method involves joint meetings with both parties' solicitors to reach mutually beneficial agreements without court involvement. We use collaborative law to resolve divorce-related financial and child custody matters efficiently while maintaining respectful communication between separating couples.
People
Patricia Brodie
Mediator
Experienced family law solicitor and accredited mediator specialising in complex financial settlements and child custody matters. Member of Resolution with over 15 years' experience in family law practice.
Peter Baughan
Mediator
Family law specialist and accredited mediator focusing on high-net-worth divorce cases. Combines litigation expertise with collaborative problem-solving to achieve practical solutions for clients with complex asset portfolios.
Matthew Lord
Mediator
Dedicated family law practitioner with mediation accreditation, specialising in child arrangement disputes and prenuptial agreements. Known for empathetic approach while maintaining clear legal guidance throughout the mediation process.
Lucy Steele
Mediator
Accredited family mediator with particular expertise in financial settlements for unmarried couples. Combines legal knowledge with practical problem-solving skills to resolve complex property and child support issues.
Tara Saunders
Legal Secretary
Experienced legal secretary providing administrative support to clients throughout their family law matters. Ensures smooth communication between clients and solicitors while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Questions
What family law services do you offer?
We specialise in divorce, child custody, financial settlements, prenuptial agreements, inheritance claims, and mediation services across East Anglia and nationally via virtual consultations.
How does your mediation process work?
Our accredited mediators facilitate discussions between parties to reach agreements on children, finances, or property matters through face-to-face or virtual sessions, typically requiring 1-2 meetings.
What are your legal fees?
We offer fixed-fee initial consultations at £180, with transparent cost estimates provided before proceeding. Mediation may qualify for a £500 Ministry of Justice voucher contribution.
Do you handle cases outside Norwich?
Yes, while based in Norwich, we provide services nationwide through virtual mediation and represent clients in courts across England and Wales.
How do you prioritise children's interests?
We ensure children's voices are heard through age-appropriate mediation processes, providing specialist guidance to create child-focused custody and visitation arrangements.
Reviews (5)
Mike N.
Dec 22, 2019
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I spent 267 on two wasted hours and was spoken to with an appalling lack of respect by BEVERLEY LONG, who provided a thoroughly unprofessional service throughout, taking sides with my estranged wife for no apparent reason. What happened to impartiality? During this session, Beverley Long made no notes, forgot what was agreed and appeared to lose the plot when suddenly asking me "Why have you picked up a glass (of water)?"
She then asked "Do you feel safe in here Michael?" I replied "Sorry, why are you saying these things?"
Furthermore, when I asked to borrow a pen, Beverley refused, even though
She then asked "Do you feel safe in here Michael?" I replied "Sorry, why are you saying these things?"
Furthermore, when I asked to borrow a pen, Beverley refused, even though
Vinny Field
Jan 18, 2019
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BBL Family Law have been nothing short of outstanding;
Lucy Steele has been simply amazing - Given my own personal circumstances, Lucy has been completely focused on getting me the best result and outcome possible, under very challenging circumstances. Advice has been on hand throughout the last 10 months, either by telephone, email or in person. From the very outset of my maritial/family issues, Lucy has had a clear objective, which has not once been deviated from. Lucy has been resolute in her approach, always applying the correct amount of pressure to a circumstance to portray the law, my
Lucy Steele has been simply amazing - Given my own personal circumstances, Lucy has been completely focused on getting me the best result and outcome possible, under very challenging circumstances. Advice has been on hand throughout the last 10 months, either by telephone, email or in person. From the very outset of my maritial/family issues, Lucy has had a clear objective, which has not once been deviated from. Lucy has been resolute in her approach, always applying the correct amount of pressure to a circumstance to portray the law, my
Paul Youngs
Jan 08, 2019
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On the occasions that I have needed Patricia to act for me, she has proved to be extremely professional and knowledgeable. Her realistic and thoughtful approach to matters helped me to take a more balanced view on things at a time when it could have been all to easy to allow emotions to take control. In the 15 years I have known Trish I have recommended her on numerous occasions and will continue to do so.
Lisa Heath
Jan 02, 2019
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I was a client of Patricia Brodie for nearly 2 years. Within that time Patricia was extremely helpful and professional. My divorce was very long winded and complicated and unfortunately during this time I suffered a brain haemorrhage and was in hospital for 3 weeks, thereafter convalescing for several months. Patricia dealt with my partner at this time and made sure that any 'issues/concerns' were not brought to my attention in order for me to recover. Patricia's reassurance and gentle approach was so important during a very distressful time. I would highly recommend Patricia as a a divorce solicitor
Shane Rammell
Jun 23, 2018
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I was recommended to use Beverley Long at BBL family law while in a meeting with my financial advisor. I made the call on her high recommendation around 5 years ago and Im glad I did. My ex girlfriend decided to be as nasty as possible and stop my access to me seeing my daughter and I was in a bad place at the time as she was and is my world. On my first meeting with Beverley she completely put me at ease and assured me that as long as I hadnt done anything wrong in the eyes of the law then I hadnt anything to worry about , She explained that mediation was best way forward and cheapest
