Bad behaviour & divorce — does an affair affect the financial settlement?
We explore how adultery and other forms of misconduct fit into the current divorce framework and when behaviour affects the financial settlement.
Debbie Heald
Partner
0113 518 5052 0787 688 0692 debbie.heald@brabners.com
Debbie is a Partner in our family law team.
She advises a wide range of private individuals both in the UK and internationally on all types of family law matters including finances on divorce, nuptial agreements, child arrangements and cohabitation disputes.
A Resolution-accredited specialist in private children matters and complex financial remedies, Debbie has substantial experience in dealing with mid- and high-value financial cases, including those with international elements or technically complex features such as the treatment of business assets and valuable pension funds.
With her calm, down to earth and compassionate nature, Debbie is used to working with vulnerable individuals where capacity is a live issue. She considers each case carefully and analytically to provide practical solutions alongside straightforward legal advice, with a focus on developing strong relationships with all clients founded on empathy, trust and confidence.
After qualifying as a solicitor in 2012, Debbie has spent her entire legal career so far in Yorkshire. This includes almost ten years at the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, where she became a Partner in 2018 and stayed until joining our Leeds office in February 2024.
A keen netball player, runner and foodie, Debbie is recognised as a ‘key lawyer’ by The Legal 500. She is also a member of Resolution and the Family Law Panel as well as Leeds Law Society.
Debbie features on the Pro Bono Recognition List 2025, which recognises lawyers who undertook 25 hours or more of legal pro bono work over the last year.
“The way you talked to me showed more empathy than anyone has ever given me... I am extremely grateful.”
Client feedback
“You are incredibly caring, compassionate and thoughtful and we appreciate you more than words can describe. You have restored our faith and given us a purpose to live.”
Client feedback
“Debbie Heald dealt with my child arrangements case... [she] provided an exceptional service and was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout... I would highly recommend Debbie as a family law solicitor as I cannot thank her enough for how she dealt with what we needed.”
Client feedback
“An excellent lawyer with a lot of experience and a client first approach. Debbie Heald worked hard on my child arrangements case from the outset until its conclusion in court and supported me every step of the way.”
Client feedback
“I'm so grateful for you... You make this process so much easier, but most importantly, you bring me confidence to continue the fight.”
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