Marilyn Bell Partner | Joint Head of Family Law

Expertise

I help individuals navigate divorce, separation and family breakdown with clarity, composure and control. From financial settlements to complex disputes involving children, I provide steady, strategic advice to help clients move forward – and protect what matters most.

With decades of experience in family law, I’ve supported parents, grandparents and extended families through some of life’s most difficult chapters. My work often involves sensitive and high-stakes issues – including child arrangements, safeguarding concerns, and cases where social services are involved.

As well as being a solicitor, I’m an accredited mediator and a qualified collaborative lawyer. That means I can offer non-adversarial options wherever possible – helping clients avoid court and reach constructive agreements that reduce stress, delay and cost. But when court is the right path, I’m calm under pressure and unafraid to act.

Above all, I believe in giving clients clarity and confidence – so they can make smart decisions and shape the next stage of life on their own terms.

Specialisms include:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Financial settlements and asset division
  • Child arrangements and parental responsibility
  • Grandparents’ rights
  • Care proceedings and social services involvement
  • Mediation and collaborative law
  • Marilyn has a wonderful way in which she deals with clients.

    Chambers & Partners 2025
  • Marilyn Bell shows expertise and compassion when dealing with sensitive family cases which sets her apart from others. Her experience carries so much weight in family matters where emotions play a critical part. Marilyn is able to diffuse a situation by being level headed and truly a calming influence at times when parties emotions are heightened.

    Legal 500 2025
  • Marilyn Bell provides expertise in both financial and children related matters. Her knowledge and experience, attention to detail and dedication to clients is second to none. Rivalled only by her unrelenting work ethic, her determination to understand and get things right goes above and beyond. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend her to anyone. She genuinely cares about you and your family and its clear this is her vocation in life.

    Legal 500 2024
  • Marilyn Bell excels in her field. She has a wealth of experience and wisdom, and with abounding knowledge and professionalism.

    Legal 500 2024

Career & Qualifications

  • Qualified as a Solicitor on 01/11/95

In General

  • Member of the Resolution
  • Accredited mediator and member of Family Mediators Association
  • Accreditation in Advanced Financial Provision and Advocacy Financial Provision
  • Member of Hertfordshire Law Society (President in 2002)
  • Member of the Association of Women Solicitors
  • Member of SA Law’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee
  • Member of St Albans Civic Society
  • Member of Hertfordshire Agricultural Society
  • Director on the board of BID

Latest insights

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    Family Mediation Week 2026: Resolving Separation and Family Disputes Without Court

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