Business Details
13 Years
experience
Expert Family Law & Legal Services in Newmarket
Julie McDonald Family Law provides expert legal advice in all aspects of family law and private client services. Established in 2013, our firm is led by Managing Director Julie McDonald, a qualified solicitor with over 15 years of experience in family law. We specialise in divorce, dissolution, financial matters, child arrangements, wills, lasting powers of attorney, and probate administration. Our team of solicitors and legal executives is committed to delivering a caring, supportive service while ensuring clients receive clear, jargon-free guidance. We offer free initial 30-minute consultations and provide home visits within 15 miles of our Newmarket office.Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, we prioritise transparency, regular case updates, and fixed-fee services where possible. Our approach combines professionalism with empathy, ensuring clients feel supported through challenging legal processes. With offices in Newmarket and serving Suffolk, Cambridge, and surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on being accessible and community-focused. Our team's expertise extends to supporting US Air Force personnel and handling complex private client matters with integrity.
Services
Family Law
Wills
Probate
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Divorce
Child Arrangements
Financial Settlements
Pre-Marital Agreements
Living Together Agreements
Trusts
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Free initial 30-minute consultation with no obligation
- Fixed-fee services available for transparency
- Professional advice from qualified solicitors with decades of experience
- Free home visits within 15 miles of Newmarket
- Regular case updates and transparent cost communication
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Friendly and approachable
Clear explanations
Home visits available
Professional service
Jargon-free advice
Services
Family Law
Our family law services cover divorce, dissolution, financial settlements, and child arrangements. We provide clear guidance on parental responsibility, pre-marital agreements, and living together arrangements. With a focus on non-confrontational resolution through Resolution membership, we prioritise clients' emotional and legal needs. Our team handles complex cases with sensitivity, including international family law matters for US Air Force personnel.
Wills
We offer comprehensive will-writing services tailored to individual circumstances. Our fixed-fee basic wills ensure clarity and affordability, while living wills and trusts provide future security. We explain legal requirements in plain language, offering home visits for housebound clients. Our services include updating existing wills, addressing tax implications, and ensuring proper execution to avoid disputes.
Probate
Our probate services guide executors through estate administration, including will validation, asset distribution, and tax considerations. We handle challenges to wills and trust formations, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Clients receive step-by-step support for straightforward or complex probate matters, with transparent pricing and regular progress updates.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
We specialise in creating lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) for health, welfare, and property decisions. Our fixed-fee LPA service includes registration assistance and clear explanations of legal responsibilities. We help clients plan for future incapacity while maintaining control over their affairs, with home visits available for convenience.
Divorce
Our divorce services include fixed-fee options, financial settlement guidance, and child custody arrangements. We explain court processes clearly, manage paperwork efficiently, and prioritise amicable resolutions. For military personnel, we provide tailored advice on divorce implications. Home visits and evening appointments accommodate clients' schedules during difficult transitions.
People
Julie McDonald
Solicitor and Managing Director
Qualified solicitor since 2008 with specialist family law expertise. Former partner at Suffolk firm, established Julie McDonald Family Law in 2013. Member of Resolution, prioritising non-confrontational dispute resolution. Active in local theatre charities and St Nicholas Hospice.
Ellen Connelly
Solicitor
Qualified in 2020 after LLM at BPP University. Specialises in wills, LPAs, and probate. Methodical approach ensures first-class service. Enjoys theatre visits and long walks with her labrador.
Iain MacAskill
Solicitor
Family law specialist since 1989 with 22 years as regional firm partner. Focuses on swift, cost-effective resolutions while prepared for court representation. Enjoys rugby and golf, with four adult children.
Fabia Cioffo
Solicitor
Qualified in 2023 after family law clinic experience. Handles divorce, child arrangements, and domestic abuse cases. Prioritises amicable solutions to reduce court costs. Travels extensively and enjoys running and baking.
Rebecca Wilson
Legal Executive
Former RAF Lakenheath legal assistant since 2016. Specialises in divorce and children act cases. Resolution member committed to non-confrontational approaches. Enjoys rugby and countryside walks with her family.
Questions
What areas do you cover for home visits?
We offer free home visits within 15 miles of Newmarket, including Bury St Edmunds, Mildenhall, Red Lodge, and Suffolk/Cambridge villages.
Do you offer fixed-fee services?
Yes, we provide fixed-fee options for wills, lasting powers of attorney, and basic divorce proceedings to ensure cost transparency.
Are you regulated by legal authorities?
Yes, we're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 835268.
Can you assist US Air Force personnel?
Yes, we have experience supporting US Air Force personnel with UK legal matters, including divorce and powers of attorney.
Do you store wills securely?
Yes, we offer free secure storage for wills prepared by our firm to ensure long-term accessibility.
Reviews (2)
Aria Robbins
Jan 05, 2018
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Julie has been my solicitor through a number of issues for a number of years now. I can honestly say she is fantastic, patient and attentive to her clients needs. She has always helped me make an informed decision regarding family issues and is always up front with me. I could not recommend her enough!
Rachel Mcleod
Aug 19, 2016
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Julie offers a great service with lots of help and advise when needed on all aspects of Family law including her Will services a really lovely lady who relates to your situation and helps you all the way.
