Melanie Hartley – Cleckheaton
I am a Solicitor with over 10 years of experience working in Family Law. Having previously been a Partner and Head of Department at an award-winning firm, I am now dedicated and committed to providing a bespoke and flexible service to my clients as a Senior Consultant. I am known for my down to earth, creative and personable approach.
I have been recommended in the Legal 500 each year since 2016 and have been particularly noted as being “extremely talented” and for my ability to “negotiate strong settlements”.
My specialisms including all aspects of children arrangements, financial remedy and Pre and Post Nuptial Arrangements. My expertise includes negotiation, representation in Court and providing advice and representation within the Arbitration process and hybrid mediation sessions. I also have extensive experience of dealing with Domestic and Financial Abuse cases including advising and representation in Court and sign posting to various domestic abuse services.
I am a firm believer in the principles of Resolution and sit on the West and North Yorkshire Resolution Committee. My work on the Committee encourages and assists other family solicitors in our region to deal with Family Law in a constructive and non-confrontational way.
Outside of work, I love running, going to the gym and generally being outdoors in the fresh air with my young daughter, husband-to-be and our French Bulldog!
Contact Melanie on 0113 4830051
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What our clients say about Melanie
Communication via email was timely and detailed
From my first conversation with Melanie Hartley to the last over 2-years later, she struck the perfect
balance between giving clear, pragmatic and professional advice whilst also showing the kindness
and compassion I needed as I went through the most stressful time of my life; going through a
divorce whilst raising two young children. Melanie always provided legal advice with clarity, setting
out my options (and the financial cost of these) in a way I could process, and was always happy to
answer my many questions.
Communication via email was timely and detailed and, when needed, I was able to organise phone
calls at a mutually convenient time around my busy work schedule and family life. Melanie worked
on my divorce and financial separation, securing my Decree Absolute and court-approved Consent
Order, and also provided me with advice on children matters as needed. She also guided me on
when to seek external support and advice, such as mediation; her contacts and professional
relationship with them made the process much smoother and gave me the reassurance that I was
getting sound advice and support.
I cannot thank Melanie enough for all she has done; although of course I have paid for a legal service
that I am very happy with, I think it is always the way we are treated as people that stays with us in
life. I would highly recommend Melanie, and Rucklidge Law Limited, to anyone.
Melanie Hartley – Amanda August 2023
She gives sensible and clear advice, is easy-to-talk to, and makes herself available when you need her.
Melanie Hartley has expertly guided me through a complex series of issues related to divorce and family law to the right outcomes. She gives sensible and clear advice, is easy-to-talk-to, and makes herself available when you need her. Support from others at her firm (such as Jill Rucklidge) is also excellent.
Melanie Hartley – Jon September 2022