Solicitor with over 20 years of experience in working in Family Law

I have over 25 years of experience in working in Family Law, specialising in Financial Remedy on Divorce and complex Children Act Proceedings. I have been recommended in the Legal 500 as a Legal 500 Key Lawyer. I qualified as a Resolution Accredited Mediator in 2008 and a trained Child Consultation Mediator 2010.
Supporting my client’s through what is often the most difficult time of their lives is very rewarding. Helping them navigate the process with empathy and common sense is very important to me. Ensuring they get the best outcome for them and their family is always at the forefront of my approach.
I am the Chair of a Children’s Charity in Barnsley, a post I have held for the last 9 years. I am also a Trustee of the Freshgate Foundation, a Charitable Trust providing funding to the South Yorkshire region.
I am married and have two teenage children, who keep me busy, as well as a cat called Percy.
In my spare time I like travelling in our motorhome called Gertrude, cooking and reading.
Barnsley
I was really stressed and emotional on our first consultation and you completely put me at ease and gave such clear advice. I felt like I came out of that conversation with a strategy and in control of my situation. All the steps in the process have been so smooth and clear, you've made a challenging process very easy. I can't thank you enough and will recommend you to anyone who finds themselves in my position.
Anonymous - February 2026
Alison at Rucklidge is magic. I always knew where I was at, she was responsive, caring and pragmatic. After every interaction with her I felt better, and clearer. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone who wants to get the job done, in the most pragmatic, well supported way possible.
Anonymous - February 2026
Just want to say a huge thank you for all the support from you over the last few months. They were extremely difficult for me to navigate through but with your help and support you made the process much easier for me to deal with and understand. All your emails, calls and correspondences were quick and informative, professional and very friendly and approachable. I would have no hesitation in coming to you for help in the future should I need it or recommend you to someone who may require your services. Once again, a huge thank you for everything you did, I appreciate it more than you know.
Katie - March 2025
Alison took over my case after 18 months of complete stalemate during my divorce proceedings. From the outset, she quickly grasped the background, the complexities, and the implications involved. Her guidance was clear, pragmatic, and grounded in a deep understanding of family law.
Anonymous - May 2025
All communication from Alison was timely, clear, and comprehensive. She consistently provided balanced advice, explaining not only the legal position, but also how different scenarios might be viewed by the court and what considerations the other party might reasonably have. This helped me navigate decisions with clarity and confidence.
Alison’s efficiency and strategic approach ultimately brought my case to a successful conclusion, achieving the best possible outcome in circumstances that had previously felt unresolvable. I am extremely grateful for her support, expertise, and professionalism throughout.
I would like to thank Alison for all she has done for me and my little family. Absolutely amazing, caring and very professional. Alison dealt with my family matter in a way that previous lawyers couldn't. I had lost all hope however when Alison was recommended by a friend I contacted Alison whom really listened and actually heard me whereas previously I felt I wasn't being heard.
Anonymous - October 2025
My matter was dealt with very professionally with the outcome I needed and wanted.
The communication was great and regular communication made it very easy to deal with the matter.
I would definitely 100% recommend Rucklidge Law and their services for those who require help with family matters etc.
I genuinely can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve given me since September. I was at a such a loss as to where to even start with this and had spoken to some very unhelpful solicitors, but as soon as you answered the phone, I instantly felt like a huge weight had been lifted from me as you were so kind and supportive and I just knew instantly that I’d found the right person to help me sort everything out. I will always be so grateful to you as you’ve helped me get out of a situation I thought was so futile. I’ll be having a glass of champagne this evening to celebrate and will toast to you for being such a wonderful and kind solicitor. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Here’s to hopefully much brighter and happier future for me and the boys!
Anonymous - July 2025
Where do I start regarding Alison, her professionalism, acting on my behalf on a very personal and delicate issue was second to none. Her attention to detail and understanding made me feel like I was never alone and knowing I had somebody in my corner like Alison put me at extreme ease throughout a very dark time. Her personal caring attention to detail was not only evident in my court case but also after when she ensured I was personally ok, which made me so much stronger! Thank you Alison.
Anonymous - February 2026
I can’t thank Alison enough for her help with my financial settlement. She handled everything professionally and kept me reassured throughout the whole process. Alison was friendly, supportive, and made a complicated situation feel much easier and far less stressful. She dealt with every challenge brilliantly. I’m genuinely grateful for all her work and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her
Anonymous - March 2026