Business Details
33 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services Through Life's Journey
Established in 1993, our firm combines centuries of local legal expertise with a commitment to guiding clients through life's legal challenges. We serve individuals and businesses across southwest Scotland, offering tailored solutions in property law, estate planning, family matters, and commercial transactions. Our solicitors, deeply rooted in the communities we serve, prioritise clear communication and practical advice. With offices in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbright, and Dumfries, we blend historical knowledge with modern legal practices. Our team's extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters ensures comprehensive support for clients' evolving needs.We maintain rigorous compliance with regulatory standards while focusing on client-centric outcomes. Regular investments in professional development ensure our legal expertise remains current and relevant. Client testimonials consistently highlight our approachability, diligence, and successful case resolutions. We provide transparent pricing structures while maintaining flexibility for complex cases. Our long-standing reputation reflects our dedication to legal excellence and community service.
Services
Conveyancing
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Estate Administration
Agricultural Law
Commercial Conveyancing
Leasing
Family Law
Notarial Services
Estate Agency
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in local legal matters
- Our solicitors maintain dual qualifications in Scotland and England
- We provide transparent pricing structures with fixed fee options
- Our team includes partners with specialist property law expertise
- We combine historical knowledge with modern legal practices
What people say
Professional and diligent manner
Excellent service
Friendly and patient
Highly recommend
Smooth transactions
Services
Conveyancing
Our conveyancing specialists handle residential and commercial property transactions with expertise. We manage contract negotiations, title transfers, and mortgage arrangements while maintaining clear communication throughout the process. Clients benefit from our local market knowledge and established relationships with property professionals across southwest Scotland.
Wills
We create tailored wills that reflect clients' wishes while considering inheritance tax implications. Our solicitors provide clear guidance on estate planning and offer combined will and power of attorney packages. We ensure documents comply with current legislation while addressing individual family circumstances.
Powers of Attorney
Our team prepares financial and welfare powers of attorney to protect clients' interests. We explain different types of legal guardianship and their implications, ensuring documents meet Scottish legal requirements while providing practical solutions for future care planning.
Estate Administration
We guide executors through estate administration processes, handling inventory preparation and tax forms. Our solicitors manage debt settlement and asset distribution while providing support during complex bereavement matters. We offer clear pricing structures where possible.
Agricultural Law
Specialist solicitors handle farm sales, estate management, and agricultural leasing. We advise on rural business structures and compliance with relevant legislation. Our team understands local agricultural practices and their legal implications.
People
Abby McAteer
Partner
Qualified solicitor with over 25 years' experience in property law. Specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing. Partner in charge at Dalbeattie office since 2007. Holds LLB(Hons) and Diploma in Legal Practice.
Adam Turnbull
Partner
Dual-qualified solicitor with expertise in residential property and court proceedings. Appointed partner in 2011. Graduated with law degrees from University of Edinburgh. Handles general practice matters across Castle Douglas office.
Jean L. McKnight
Associate
Family law specialist with 10 years' experience in Scotland and England. Qualified in both jurisdictions. Focuses on matrimonial law, guardianships, and residential conveyancing. Active in Kirkcudbright's Rotary Club.
Vicky Evans
Partner
Wills and estates specialist at Castle Douglas office. Completed legal training in St Andrews before joining the firm in 2017. Holds postgraduate legal qualifications from Dundee University. Active in local church community.
David J Currie
Associate Solicitor
Residential property specialist with 30+ years' experience in Dumfries and Galloway. Graduated from Aberdeen University. Joined firm in 2023 after long career at local practice. Enjoys countryside walks and outdoor activities.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in property law, wills and estates, family law, agricultural legal matters, and commercial conveyancing across southwest Scotland.
How does your conveyancing process work?
Our conveyancing process involves contract negotiation, title verification, mortgage coordination, and completion arrangements. We keep clients informed at every stage with plain English explanations.
Why should I create a Will?
A properly drafted Will ensures your estate passes to chosen beneficiaries, helps avoid family disputes, and allows tax planning to protect your assets.
How do you handle estate administration?
We guide executors through inventory preparation, tax filings, debt settlement, and asset distribution. Our team provides support for complex estates requiring court submissions.
Do you offer agricultural legal services?
Yes, we handle farm sales, rural leases, estate management, and partnership arrangements for agricultural businesses across southwest Scotland.
