Major Family Law > Newcastle upon Tyne, England > Firm Profile

Major Family Law
12 WEST ROAD
PONTELAND
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE20 9SU
England

Private client > Family Tier 1

Boutique firm Major Family Law is described as a ‘go-to firm in the region’, covering all aspects of family law, including high value financial issues surrounding relationship breakdowns and complex private children’s work. Managing director Joanne Hilary Major stands out for her ‘integrity, strategic rigour, legal prowess and enterprise’. Key practitioner Anna Hunter’s practice includes complex children work such as cases involving allegation of abuse, while senior associate Sam Carter also regularly handles child arrangements. All lawyers mentioned are based in Newcastle, while in addition the firm has expanded its regional presence with a second office in Carlisle.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Hilary Major

Other key lawyers:

Lucinda Connell; Anna Hunter; Calvin Walker; Jonathan Dunkley; Sam Carter; Sahil Aggarwal

Testimonials

‘Over recent years, many boutique family law practices have been established. When Major Family Law (MFL) was created by Joanne Major from a standing start 13 years ago, niche family law firms were still in their infancy. MFL paved the way for a new type of legal practice across the UK.’

‘This firm and its managing director are extremely innovative. I have had the pleasure of working with them on a new innovation due to launch shortly which has the power to transform the legal market nationally. This is a forward-thinking firm that is not afraid of taking risks that benefit all people in need of their services.’

‘Joanne Major, the firm’s managing director is an outstanding lawyer, colleague and mentor. A trailblazer when it comes to innovation in the legal sector, her creativity in developing new initiatives within the family law arena is unmatched. Joanne outshines all of the other partners I have had the privilege to work with on account of her integrity, strategic rigour, legal prowess and enterprise.’

‘This large team of family and divorce is known as the go-to firm in the region. I am a business owner and entrepreneur and have frequently heard about this firm and its talented lawyers for many years, thereby making it a natural choice when I needed help. The vanguard of the firm, Joanne Major is an influential, innovative woman who has developed her very own, unique brand of family law.’

‘I cannot recommend this practice highly enough, they were extremely professional throughout the whole process. Everything was explained well, and in a way which was easy to understand. All communication was well managed, queries were answered quickly and efficiently and they made everything as painless as possible. The billing was very clear and very reasonable.’

‘First class treatment of such difficult issues with such compassion and morality. Understanding on all fronts with a sense of truly caring.’

‘Jonathan Dunkley was outstanding. His advise was second to none and after many years of bad advice and people using my situation for financial gain it was appreciated beyond words.’

‘Major Family Law stands out head and shoulders above any other matrimonial finance firms in Newcastle and the North East. They are quite simply the ‘go-to’ firm in the region, having outstanding strength in depth and some superb individual practitioners.’

Major Family Law is a highly-regarded specialist practice, offering family law advice and representation.  They are known as being a strong, experienced team of lawyers, most in excess of 20 years’ post qualification experience, and together they provide a depth of expertise many other practices lack.

Founded in 2009 by managing director Joanne Major, the firm has grown organically from a standing start. Starting off as a sole trader the firm now has over 25 staff.

The firm’s team of lawyers combine their legal expertise and emotional intelligence with hard-hitting commercial nous.  This is epitomised by Joanne Major; her commitment to clients is second to none, and is coupled with commercial acumen – her style and gravitas are replicated by the rest of the team.

Major Family Law has established relationships with other legal practices and non-legal professionals regionally and nationally to ensure a high proportion of cases are secured through professional as well as personal recommendations.  As a stand-alone family law practice, referrals are very important.  Those who recommend work to the firm are not forced to do so – and would not do so – unless they were confident in the standard of care their referred clients received. Many professional referrers are other solicitors, barristers, members of the local judiciary as well as other businesses, accountants in the region and beyond.

Major Family Law has a significant share of the North East family law market. Over recent years, many boutique family law practices have been established. When Major Family Law was created, niche firms were still in their infancy. The success of Major Family Law helped pave the way for a new type of family law legal practice.

Principal areas of work

Divorce and separation: Major Family Law is a leading divorce and separation practice in the North East, offering expert guidance and services for divorce and separation agreements. Our team offers services for those undergoing divorce or other relationship issues. We also provide services and advice on civil partnership dissolutions and same-sex divorce.

Read more about our divorce & separation services

Children and parenting disputes: Our leading North East family law firm provides expert advice from our best child law specialist solicitors. Our experienced solicitors manage all parenting disputes, including child arrangement orders, financial provision matters, and step-parent parental responsibility issues. We can offer specialist guidance and legal knowledge to guide you through your situation; we also offer full court representation where required.

Read more about our child law services

Financial provision: Ending your relationship will have huge financial implications for a family. Whatever your personal circumstances, you need to understand your financial obligations and entitlements. We are here to provide assistance in securing the financial support that you need, as well as to help protect what is yours.

Read more about our services for marital and family finances

Unmarried couple and cohabitation disputes: Major Family Law can help couples who are not married but may require legal assistance to settle a dispute or to avoid one. We can help couples protect their assets, such as property, when they are cohabiting. We can also advise clients who have children with a partner they are not married to and are seeking to protect their child’s interests.

Read more about our services for cohabiting couples

International divorce and child abduction: Major Family Law is a top family law firm specialising in matters of Expat divorce and separation, child and parental disputes, property disputes, and international relocation. Our team are some of the best separation and international divorce solicitors in the North East and we represent clients from across England and abroad.

Read more about our international family law services →

Variation and enforcement of financial orders: Major Family Law can help you recover your assets, that are rightfully yours, after a divorce. Alternatively, we can vary the terms of settlement in light of a change in your financial circumstances. Variation and enforcement of financial orders are court orders that are sometimes necessary to ensure a fair financial settlement. Often this will come as a result of a change of employment or circumstances. In the event that you need a temporary, or permanent change of circumstances, our solicitors can help you to apply to the court for a variation order.

Read more about our services for relating to financial orders

Motoring and driving offences: The Major Family Law motoring solicitors can quickly help you avoid some of the sanctions imposed with driving offenses. Whether you have been charged, summonsed or have received a notice of intended prosecution for any motoring offense, we can offer our expert services. We are here to protect you from discretionary bans, licence revocation and some totting up driving bans.  Our job is to protect you from the impact that a driving ban could have on you and your family.

Read more about our services for relating to motoring offences

Our recent Knowledge Hub articles
A selection of the recent articles published on our knowledge hub:

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Managing Director Joanne Majorjoannemajor@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Legal Director Anna Hunterannahunter@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Legal Director Lucinda Connelllucindaconnell@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Children's Law Senior Associate Solicitor Samuel Cartersamcarter@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Consultant Solicitor Jonathan Dunkleyjonathandunkley@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Consultant Rona SamuelRona@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Consultant Solicitor Lewis Hulattlewishulatt@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Associate Solicitor Calvin Walkercalvinwalker@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Stephanie Laytonstephanielayton@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Sahil Aggarwalsahilaggarwal@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Katie Wrightkatiewright@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Stacy Williamsstacywilliams@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Jenny GreenJennyGreen@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Nida AliNidaAli@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Consultant Solicitor Charlie WaddellCharles@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Practice Manager Jane Hendersonjanehenderson@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Client Manager Helen Charltonclientmanager@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
Solicitor Anya Harrisonanyaharrison@majorfamilylaw.co.uk01661 824582
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Sahil Aggarwal photoMr Sahil AggarwalAssociate Solicitor at Major Family Law Sahil is an experienced and approachable…
Nida Ali photoMs Nida AliSolicitor at Major Family Law Nida joined Major Family Law in February…
Sam Carter photoMr Sam CarterSenior Associate Solicitor at Major Family Law Since qualifying as a solicitor…
Lucinda Connell photoMrs Lucinda ConnellLegal Director at Major Family Law Lucinda has practiced exclusively in family…
Jonathan Dunkley photoMr Jonathan DunkleyConsultant Solicitor at Major Family Law Jonathan Dunkley is now in his…
Jenny Green photoMs Jenny GreenSolicitor at Major Family Law Jenny is a Solicitor with Major Family…
Anya Harrison photoMs Anya HarrisonSolicitor at Major Family Law Anya graduated with an Upper Second-Class Honours…
Lewis Hulatt photoMr Lewis HulattSouth East Consultant at Major Family Law Lewis qualified as a solicitor…
Anna Hunter photoMrs Anna HunterLegal Director at Major Family Law Anna is a well-respected and experienced…
Stephanie Layton photoMs Stephanie LaytonSolicitor at Major Family Law Stephanie qualified as Solicitor in February 2014…
Joanne Major photoMrs Joanne MajorManaging Director at Major Family Law Joanne Major is a well-regarded family…
Rona Samuel photoMrs Rona SamuelConsultant at Major Family Law Rona joined Major Family Law in January…
Charlie Waddell photoMr Charlie WaddellConsultant Criminal Defence Solicitor at Major Family Law Charles has worked as…
Calvin Walker photoMr Calvin WalkerAssociate Solicitor at Major Family Law Calvin is a highly motivated solicitor…
Stacy Williams photoMs Stacy WilliamsSolicitor at Major Family Law Stacy is a Solicitor with Major Family…
Katie Wright photoMs Katie WrightSenior Solicitor at Major Family Law Katie qualified as a solicitor in…
Partners : 3
Consultant Solicitors : 5
Associates : 3
Solicitors : 6
Paralegals : 3
Support Team : 9
English
Resolution

CLIENT: Jason Wainwright, Managing Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: Muckle LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Complete faith in dealing with Joanne Major: We have very high standards of excellence at Muckle LLP and expect them from people to whom we refer work. In this respect we have complete faith in dealing with Joanne Major and her team of specialist family lawyers as we have heard nothing but good things from our clients about their client care and their capable approach to family law legal services.


CLIENT: Gillian Hall, Formerly Senior Partner, Watson Burton LLP
COMPANY/FIRM: Gillian Hall Consulting
TESTIMONIAL: Joanne’s knowledge of family law, professionalism and business acumen are second to none: I have known Joanne for many years. She has never disappointed. Her knowledge of family law, professionalism and business acumen are second to none.


CLIENT: Bradley Thomas, Tax Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: RHK Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
TESTIMONIAL: Have referred a number of clients to her. I am very impressed with the quality: I have known Joanne Major since she established Major Family Law and have referred a number of clients to her. I am very impressed with the quality of her legal advice, her professional and personable approach and that of her able team of experienced Family Lawyers.


CLIENT: James Richardson, Barrister
COMPANY/FIRM: Trinity Chambers
TESTIMONIAL: Hugely impressed by Joanne Major’s drive, vision, and meticulous attention to detail: I’ve always been hugely impressed by Joanne Major’s drive, vision, and meticulous attention to detail. I’m not surprised, therefore, that Joanne and her dedicated team of lawyers and support staff have rapidly gained recognition as one of the most forward-looking, innovative, client-focussed family practices in the country.

CLIENT: Max Paterson, CEO
COMPANY/FIRM: Settify
TESTIMONIAL: Joanne Major has rare and outstanding strategic vision: I am a lawyer who left practice due, in part, to a sense of frustration with the legal profession due to what I perceive as a lack of innovation, bureaucratic decision making, and defensive conservatism. Through my start-up legal tech company Settify, I now work with 150 family law practices around Australia, New Zealand and the UK, representing more than 1,000 family lawyers. Of that, Major Family Law under Joanne’s leadership stands out for having the courage to chart its own course, the ability to make strategic decisions without oppressive prevarication, a rare sense of ‘nimbleness’, which is hugely underrated in law, and a genuine desire to work collaboratively with partners of all kinds to advance clients’ interests. It is my contention that Joanne Major has rare and outstanding strategic vision.


CLIENT: Eugenia Castro
COMPANY/FIRM: Former Client
TESTIMONIAL: I went to the right team of lawyers: Joanne and her team handled my divorce which was a complex matter over 24 months, and involved cross-jurisdictional child contact. From the first phone call, she took time to explain to me both the human and legal aspects of each step. I needed a great deal of reassurance about my infant daughter and about the financial aspects of my divorce, because it had bearing on my family home which had been gifted to me during marriage. Joanne and her team see the long term picture – resolution, mediation, a sound path forward during a very upsetting time. I went to the right team of lawyers who, under expert liaison with each other, guided me through both financial and contact matters. I am based in Spain and the distance was no barrier. I trust Joanne and her team implicitly. I am not surprised her firm has grown so steadily and with such recommendation.


CLIENT: Tracy Chandler
COMPANY/FIRM: Former Client
TESTIMONIAL: Invaluable professional advice: Joanne Major and her experienced team of family lawyers are first rate. Throughout the most difficult and emotionally challenging time of my life, I was warmly guided and provided with invaluable professional advice. It is possible to reach the light at the end of the tunnel, and rest assured Major family Law are the best people to get you there. I can recommend this law firm in a heartbeat – your future truly is in the safest of hands.


CLIENT: Neville Takiar, Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: TT Law
TESTIMONIAL: We believe they are the best around: We consider Major Family Law to be the pre-eminent specialist family law firm in the North East, particularly for complex and/or high value matters. We choose to recommend Major Family Law to our clients because we believe they are the best around.


CLIENT: Paul McGowen, Principal Solicitor
COMPANY/FIRM: Collingwood Legal
TESTIMONIAL: Family lawyer of high calibre and drive: Having worked with Joanne Major at a large commercial firm some years ago, I am aware she is a family lawyer of high calibre and drive. During a short period of time she has put together an excellent team of intelligent, approachable lawyers who deliver first rate family law services to clients. We as a firm are happy to recommend them.


CLIENT: Louisa Whitney
COMPANY/FIRM: LKW Mediation
TESTIMONIAL: Positive attitude and practical approach: I have worked as a family mediator in Surrey for a number of years. It really helps the mediation process where the solicitors giving the clients advice understand how the mediation process works, and work to help the clients achieve a resolution in mediation. I have found Lewis Hulatt really understands the mediation process and how best to support it. This gives his clients the best chance of finding a sensible resolution. His positive attitude and practical approach work well with mediation, and that makes him the kind of solicitor that I like to work with.