Business Details
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Your Trusted Legal Partner in Rochdale & Heywood
Established to serve clients across Rochdale and Heywood, we provide comprehensive legal solutions tailored to both individual and business needs. Our practice spans criminal defence, family law, conveyancing, and probate, supported by a team with extensive local expertise. Recognised for our approachable nature and affordability, we combine over 130 years of collective experience with a commitment to accessibility. As an SRA-regulated firm, we prioritise client welfare through transparent communication and ethical representation.Our specialists handle complex cases while maintaining personal accountability, ensuring clients receive both legal excellence and compassionate guidance. We actively participate in legal aid schemes and maintain partnerships with local authorities to support vulnerable clients. Our conveyancing team offers seamless property transaction management, leveraging deep regional knowledge to minimise client stress. Continuous professional development ensures our solicitors remain at the forefront of legal practice developments.
Services
Property Conveyancing
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Wills & Probate
Childcare Proceedings
Highlights and features
- We have over 130 years of combined legal experience across multiple practice areas
- Our solicitors maintain specialist accreditation through the Law Society's panels
- SRA-regulated practice ensuring adherence to strict professional standards
- Local offices in both Rochdale and Heywood for convenient client access
- Specialist childcare law team with immediate legal aid availability for eligible cases
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Property and Conveyancing
Our conveyancing service manages residential property transactions including purchases, sales, and remortgages. We provide continuous case management from instruction through completion, ensuring transparent communication throughout. Our solicitors combine local market knowledge with technical expertise to resolve title issues efficiently, minimising client stress during what is often a significant life event.
Criminal Defence
We represent clients facing criminal charges at police stations and courts, including serious offences like assault and motoring violations. Our solicitors operate 24/7 duty schemes and hold legal aid franchises for eligible cases. We provide cost estimates and fixed-fee arrangements where appropriate, with hourly rates starting at 160 plus VAT for court representation.
Family and Matrimonial
Specialising in divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases, we prioritise negotiated settlements while maintaining court readiness. Our team includes Law Society-accredited specialists and offers legal aid options. We provide fixed-fee divorce packages requiring 50% upfront payment, with flexible arrangements for financial disputes and child arrangement agreements.
Wills and Probate
We draft simple and complex wills, manage probate administration, and establish lasting powers of attorney. Our services include Court of Protection applications and inheritance tax planning. We assist executors with asset collection, debt settlement, and beneficiary distributions, providing comprehensive support during bereavement.
Childcare Proceedings
Led by specialist solicitor Jo Khan, we represent families in care proceedings and social services interventions. Our services cover emergency applications, adoption processes, and special guardianship arrangements. Legal aid is available for most childcare cases, with immediate assistance provided for at-risk families through our dedicated care department.
People
Miss Moira C. McLachlan
Partner
Qualified solicitor with extensive experience in legal practice management. Specialises in strategic oversight and client relations. Provides leadership in maintaining professional standards across both office locations.
Mr Colin J. Davidson
Partner
Criminal law specialist and 24-hour duty scheme member. Manages complex defence cases and oversees complaints resolution. Holds legal aid franchise accreditation for criminal defence matters.
Mr Amjed Mushtaq
Senior Associate Solicitor
Experienced legal practitioner handling diverse casework across multiple practice areas. Provides specialist expertise in property transactions and general litigation matters.
Ms Jo Khan
Head of Care Department
Accredited childcare law specialist with extensive local authority experience. Leads our care department in handling emergency applications and long-term child welfare cases.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in criminal defence, family law, conveyancing, wills and probate, and childcare proceedings. Our SRA-regulated team handles both individual and business legal matters.
Do you offer legal aid services?
Yes, we provide legal aid for eligible childcare proceedings and certain family law matters. Criminal defence cases may also qualify under specific legal aid schemes.
Are your conveyancing fees fixed?
We offer fixed-fee conveyancing packages for standard transactions. Complex cases may require hourly billing at £160 plus VAT, with detailed cost estimates provided upfront.
What childcare legal services do you provide?
We handle care proceedings, child protection conferences, emergency applications, and special guardianship arrangements. Our specialist team provides immediate legal aid-eligible representation for family matters.
Reviews (4)
Sue Sutton
May 31, 2021
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We have used these solicitors for house conveyance twice now. Proffessional, speedy, hassle-free and great communications at a very reasonable price. Would definitely recommend. Oct 2020 - Commissioned I&H again to sell home and buy new home. GREAT service again, no stress, all in safe hands. Thank you Ms. McLachlan and your team.
Mills Plumbing & Heating
Jan 05, 2021
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Only a 3 star. is a shame really because I felt let down by them and wouldn't use again tbh. they did what they said but whenever I walked in I was made to feel uneasy and was spoken to quite rude to say I was a customer when at the desk
Lisa Johnstone
Jul 07, 2019
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Only left 1 star because there is no option to leave none. Two receptionists extremely rude, unhelpful and their attitudes absolutely stink. Especially the red haired girl (sorry didn't catch her name as she was being rude to me)They both need another profession, one in which they don't have to deal with the public. Would never use this solicitors again, simply so i don't have to deal with them again.
Andrea Williamson
May 27, 2018
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I found ALL the staff to be friendly & supportive. My solicitors Debbie & Pam were great, they both explained court proceedures in a way I understood. making me feel less anxious. overall great firm & I highly recommend them!
