Business Details
Trusted Legal & Property Services in Kilmarnock
Established in the early 19th century, Barnetts has maintained a steadfast commitment to delivering personalised legal and estate agency services. Our team of experienced solicitors and property professionals combines deep local knowledge with specialist expertise in areas such as conveyancing, wills, estates, and court representation. With a focus on building long-term client relationships, we prioritise continuity and tailored support, ensuring clients receive prompt, sympathetic, and efficient service.Our partners and staff regularly undertake professional development to stay abreast of legislative changes and best practices, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted legal and property services provider in Kilmarnock and surrounding areas.
Services
Legal Services
Estate Agency
Conveyancing
Wills & Estates
Court Representation
Power of Attorney
Highlights and features
- We offer over 200 years of combined legal expertise in Ayrshire.
- Our multi-skilled team handles complex legal and property matters seamlessly.
- We provide tailored solutions with a focus on client relationships.
- Our partners hold specialist qualifications in family, child, and property law.
- We combine traditional values with modern legal practices.
Associations and certifications
- Law Society (Family Law & Child Law specialist accreditation)
- Office of the Public Guardian (Professional Guardian)
- Scottish Government panel of solicitors
Services
Legal Services
Barnetts provides comprehensive legal services covering family law, property transactions, and court representation. Our qualified solicitors offer expert advice on dispute resolution, inheritance matters, and legal compliance. With decades of combined experience, we ensure clients receive strategic guidance tailored to their specific needs while maintaining strict adherence to Scottish legal standards.
Estate Agency
Our estate agency service specialises in residential and commercial property transactions. We offer free valuations, professional marketing through Rightmove, and dedicated support throughout the buying or selling process. Lynne Strachan, our property manager, ensures smooth transactions with evening and weekend viewings available, all backed by our local market expertise in Ayrshire.
Conveyancing
Barnetts handles all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, including pre-purchase advice, contract preparation, and completion processes. Our team ensures compliance with Scottish Standard Clauses while providing clear guidance on home reports, mortgages, and transaction costs. We streamline the process to minimise stress for buyers and sellers alike.
Wills & Estates
We assist clients in creating legally binding wills and managing estate administration. Services include executor appointments, inheritance tax planning, and handling confirmation applications. Our team ensures your wishes are clearly documented to prevent family disputes, offering peace of mind through professionally drafted documents and expert probate support.
Power of Attorney
Barnetts prepares enduring powers of attorney and assists with guardianship appointments for individuals unable to manage their affairs. We guide clients through creating legal frameworks for financial, health, and welfare decisions, ensuring compliance with Office of the Public Guardian requirements while protecting clients' interests in later life.
People
Alastair Cochrane
Partner
Alastair heads our Property and Estate Departments, specialising in residential and commercial conveyancing. With over 35 years' experience since joining Barnetts in 1988, he ensures seamless property transactions and estate management for clients across Ayrshire.
Hollie McDicken
Partner
Hollie specialises in residential conveyancing and private client work. After qualifying in 2022, she became a partner in 2025, bringing modern expertise to property transactions and estate planning while maintaining Barnetts' tradition of excellence.
Lynn Walker
Partner
Lynn leads our court department with specialist qualifications in family law and child welfare. As a certified safeguarder and curator ad litem, she represents vulnerable clients in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, combining legal expertise with compassionate advocacy.
Laura Fulton
Solicitor
Laura focuses on private client work including wills, powers of attorney, and executries. Qualified in 2024 after completing her traineeship at Barnetts, she provides clear legal guidance on estate planning and property matters with a client-first approach.
Lynne Strachan
Property Manager
Lynne manages all aspects of property sales and rentals, offering personal service from valuation to completion. Her expertise in marketing and transaction management ensures smooth property moves for clients using Barnetts' integrated legal and estate agency services.
Questions
What legal services do Barnetts offer?
We provide family law, conveyancing, wills, estates, court representation, and power of attorney services, combining traditional expertise with modern legal practices.
How much does making a will cost?
Costs are modest and vary based on complexity. Most family wills can be arranged quickly with a short consultation, ensuring legally binding documentation at reasonable rates.
Do you handle property transactions across Scotland?
While based in Kilmarnock, we manage residential and commercial property transactions throughout Ayrshire and surrounding areas with local market knowledge.
Can I get legal aid for court matters?
Yes, we advise on legal aid eligibility and handle applications for both civil and criminal matters, ensuring accessible legal representation where possible.
What happens if I don't make a will?
Without a will, your assets may be frozen during executor appointments, causing delays and extra costs. We help create legally sound wills to ensure your wishes are followed.
How does your estate agency service work?
We offer free valuations, Rightmove listings, and dedicated support from valuation to completion, including evening and weekend viewings to suit your schedule.
Reviews (3)
David Marshall
Nov 15, 2020
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I have dealt with Mark on several occasions when buying and selling my properties, he is extremely knowledgeable and professional at what he does, I would recommend him and Barnetts to anyone who needs a solicitor for whatever reason!
Martin Stevenson
Nov 16, 2019
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Having just bought a property where Barnetts were the selling solicitor and estate agent, I am disgusted with the lies that we were fed. They told us the leaking boiler had been fixed and there was a receipt and guarantee for the work carried out. Turned out the boiler wasn't fixed and started leaking again 2 weeks after moving in. They told us it wasn't reported in 5 days so basically tough. When I paid British Gas to come fix it, they said the boiler had obviously never been opened up or fixed and that there were 2 faults. Check you've got all the facts and don't trust word of mouth!
Matthew Brannagan
May 08, 2018
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Fantastic service really good at his job and knows his stuff would highly recommend keep my license to anyone that has any driving issues top guy
