Solicitor at McAlister Family Law
Ruth Hetherington
Solicitor - Partner
SRA ID: 37147
Ruth, previously a Partner and Head of the Family department for FDR Law, is a highly experienced family lawyer of more than 25 years and a specialist in Children Law, both public and private. She has been a member of the Law Society Children Panel for more than 20 years, is a Member of Resolution, Reunite and works closely with the Association of Lawyers for Children as a Member of their organisation, attending the executive committee meetings. She is also a representative on the Cheshire and Merseyside Family Justice Board, often arranging training courses for her fellow professionals. Ruth, who conducts her own advocacy, has acted for children, parents and grandparents on all areas of children law, including complex injury cases, sexual and physical abuse, infant death, jurisdictional issues, including trafficking, relocation cases, adoption and special guardianship. Her many Children public law cases include drug and alcohol issues, complex jurisdiction issues, injuries to children, child abduction and international matters. When acting for parents, she understands learning disabilities, the cycle of domestic abuse and deals with experts in other fields to ensure all matters are presented to the court. Her Children private law matters include living arrangements for children, parents wishing to move children to another jurisdiction, the interplay of domestic abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse. This can lead to linked criminal proceedings, which Ruth has frequently dealt with.
4 Castle Street, M3 4LZ
Licensed for 28 years
Practice Areas
Family Law, Consumer
- Family Law 50%
- Consumer 50%
Ruth Hetherington
03332026433 ruth.hetherington@mcalisterfamilylaw.co.uk Website Book an appointment13 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Communication
- Initial Impressions
- Approachability
- Documentation Accuracy
- Legal knowledge
About Ruth Hetherington
Ruth, previously a Partner and Head of the Family department for FDR Law, is a highly experienced family lawyer of more than 25 years and a specialist in Children Law, both public and private. She has been a member of the Law Society Children Panel for more than 20 years, is a Member of Resolution, Reunite and works closely with the Association of Lawyers for Children as a Member of their organisation, attending the executive committee meetings. She is also a representative on the Cheshire and Merseyside Family Justice Board, often arranging training courses for her fellow professionals. Ruth, who conducts her own advocacy, has acted for children, parents and grandparents on all areas of children law, including complex injury cases, sexual and physical abuse, infant death, jurisdictional issues, including trafficking, relocation cases, adoption and special guardianship. Her many Children public law cases include drug and alcohol issues, complex jurisdiction issues, injuries to children, child abduction and international matters. When acting for parents, she understands learning disabilities, the cycle of domestic abuse and deals with experts in other fields to ensure all matters are presented to the court. Her Children private law matters include living arrangements for children, parents wishing to move children to another jurisdiction, the interplay of domestic abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual abuse. This can lead to linked criminal proceedings, which Ruth has frequently dealt with.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact Ruth Hetherington
Resume
LICENSE
Country
Status
Acquired
Updated
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
01/11/96
09/12/22
We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
Employee
Forshaws Davies Ridgway
?-present
Simply the best.
Ruth took on our case at a particularly vulnerable time for the family and showed nothing but compassion and consideration throughout the whole process. She gave us confidence that we were in safe hands and indeed we were. She and the whole team were utterly fantastic, I can't rate them highly enough.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 25 June, 2024
Dear Sarah, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are pleased to hear that Ruth and our team provided compassionate and considerate support during your family's challenging time. At McAlister Family Law, we prioritize empathy and professionalism to ensure our clients feel confident and well-cared for throughout their legal process.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Calm through the storm
Thanks so much for achieving a positive outcome with my childcare arrangements. It’s been on of the most challenging and stressful periods of my life but you have provided sanity and calmness through a meticulous approach. You’ve not only been a worrier but have also provided great council and been a friend to me. I’m so pleased with a fair outcome and a much more positive relationship with everyone involved. I highly recommend Ruth.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 26 July, 2023
Thank you, Nick, for sharing your feedback. We're thrilled to hear that we could help achieve a positive outcome for your childcare arrangements. We understand the challenges and stress involved, and we're glad that our approach provided sanity and calmness. Thank you for your kind recommendation.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Thank you!
Ruth,
I was just reflecting on today’s hearing. I’m so pleased you were representing me. If it weren’t for your decisive and perfectly timed action, I think we would have been in a completely different situation.
The best bit? I can go away and enjoy my holiday and deal with all this when I return.
So …. Thank you! You have made all of this so much more manageable.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 17 July, 2023
Mirian, Thank you for leaving this five-star review regarding Ruth. We're delighted to hear that you were pleased with Ruth's representation during your hearing. We're thrilled that Ruth's actions were able to positively impact your situation and potentially avoid a different outcome. Thank you for choosing McAlister Family Law, if you need any further legal advise please don't hesitate to reach out. Best wishes, McAlister Family Law.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Thank you!
Ruth,
I was just reflecting on today’s hearing. I’m so pleased you were representing me. If it weren’t for your decisive and perfectly timed action, I think we would have been in a completely different situation.
The best bit? I can go away and enjoy my holiday and deal with all this when I return.
So …. Thank you! You have made all of this so much more manageable.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 17 July, 2023
Mirian, Thank you for leaving this five-star review regarding Ruth. We're delighted to hear that you were pleased with Ruth's representation during your hearing. We're thrilled that Ruth's actions were able to positively impact your situation and potentially avoid a different outcome. Thank you for choosing McAlister Family Law, if you need any further legal advise please don't hesitate to reach out. Best wishes, McAlister Family Law.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Children Matters
I’ve worked with McAlister family law for the last 3 years and they have all the knowledge, professionalism and expertise you would expect from a family law firm. What has set them apart has been the kindness and compassion they showed during one of the most stressful times of my life.
Caroline was there from the beginning and has been a constant source of support. Paul helped bring our proceedings to a close whilst Caroline was on leave and was able to quickly grasp the complexity of the case, was able to provide containment but also showed sensitivity.
Thank you to Caroline, Ruth, Paul and Melissa for everything you’ve done! The outcome would have been very different without you.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 27 March, 2023
Thank you, Louise, for leaving us such a great review. This is exactly the type of service we strive for and we are pleased that the team was able to assist you and we appreciate your custom over the last 3 years. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further assistance. Best wishes for the future. The team at McAlister Family Law.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Thankyou Ruth
Going through the family courts when it involves your own child in a personal capacity was genuinely one of the most emotionally stressful experiences I have ever endured. I remember the first time I called Ruth on the phone at the beginning of our seven month journey and how driven Ruth was in supporting me as a full time working mum and put me at ease that this wouldn’t be seen as detrimental in the court process. My case required a lot of work to be done very quickly and was in the best interest of my daughter and Ruth worked so hard to achieve this. Ruth’s thinking was child centred and her thinking was always in line with what was best for my daughter.
I look back now at how stressful the situation that I was in was and I can hand on heart say I think I would have become really unwell with sustained stress had Ruth and her team not been so supportive, quick thinking and dedicated to supporting me as their client. I was updated regularly, always able to get hold of Ruth or someone from the team when something had happened and I never felt on my own as the case was developing. As difficult emotionally as the family court process is, knowing Ruth is leading you through it made the process bearable due to the trust and faith I had in her and her personality, Knowledge and work ethic. Ruth is personable and puts you at ease when you talk to her and most importantly listens to you, I never felt embarrassed to be emotional or upset which unfortunately due to the process involving your child, at times is unavoidable.
Ruth throughout went above and beyond what I had expected from the experience in terms of a solicitor, her experience and knowledge throughout left me with such a confidence that whatever we had coming our way from the other side I knew that the outcome that I would get would not only be the best one for me but the best one for my daughter too. Ruth is able to listen in an empathic and supportive manner whilst having that balance of professionalism that leaves you knowing that you’re always in a safe pair of hands. Going through the family courts was never something I has imagined I would ever have to do as a mum. Ruth is always honest and upfront about all of the possible outcomes at court and has such a depth of knowledge around family law and I would recommend Ruth to anyone who finds themselves in the position of needing a family solicitor. I won’t forget Ruth and the work she put in to support me and my daughter to achieve the best outcome for us both, and I will genuinely be forever grateful. Being a mum means the world to me and Ruth empowered me to stay strong and confident throughout the process, those attributes are not always easy to come by in the legal field. On behalf of me and my daughter Ruth, Thank you,
Amy-Louise
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
Ruth Hetherington from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 16 March, 2023
Thank you Amy for such a positive review. It was an absolute pleasure to support you through your journey, which was tough at times but you stayed strong and together we were able to achieve the best outcome for you and your daughter. I wish you and your daughter the very best for your future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Thank you Ruth
Ruth worked on my case for around 18 months, having being recommended to me to support my long running and increasingly complex matter. Ruth is an outstanding professional, working incredibly my case. She is non-judgemental and importantly, highly communicative, providing regular updates and conferences. Ruth did not hesitate to get stuck into the case from the start, focussing objectively on the issues of key importance to both my child and I. Ruth worked brilliantly with carefully-selected barristers and maintained constant communication with them to ensure collectively, we were up to speed at all times. This had been an extremely stressful experience for me, for a number of years, however, Ruth's depth of experience has been clearly apparent throughout. Ruth and her team were at hand to break the issues down into a way I understood, and guided me carefully through statements, reports and hearings. Ruth took time to assess every new piece of information and gave full consideration to every document, sentence by sentence, whilst setting my mind at ease and managing my own tendencies to get lost in detail and the legal process. I am extremely grateful for Ruth's support in achieving the best possible outcome for my child, thank you Ruth!
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 14 March, 2023
We are thrilled to hear that your long-running and increasingly complex legal matter was successfully resolved with Ruth's help. As we understand, she worked tirelessly on your case for around 18 months, providing you with detailed updates via emails or calls and offering guidance throughout the process. It is satisfying to know that her dedication towards seeking a favourable outcome was successful. On behalf of our firm, we thank you for trusting us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ruth was the calm to my chaos
Ruth is one of the most empowering women I have had the opportunity to meet albeit under these circumstances. After years of back and forth, three proceedings in four years, I had reached my limit and the process had truly taken it's toll on me. That is when I reached out to Ruth. Ruth has incredible expertise and knowledge that is invaluable. Ruth is extremely professional and straightforward. Ruth does not hesitate to guide you in your case but also, draw on all of her expertise when you need her opinion on what to do. Ruth really put my son and my needs at the forefront of this case. Ruth is extremely friendly, very approachable and has so much compassion. Ruth gave me the strength I needed to pursue this in the right way and bring an end to proceedings. Ruth can also act in court for her clients and I cannot explain the relief of having someone who knew, understood and has been through this journey with me, being by my side at the final hearing. I definitely received the best outcome for my son. Despite being in high demand, Ruth made sure I always had time with her if I needed it and sometimes, that even extended to out of hours, showing her dedication to the people whom she is representing. I don't think I would have had the courage I had without her. She reassured me at every turn and honestly Ruth, words are not enough to say how grateful we are.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 03 January, 2023
Hi Ceren, firstly, thank you for taking the time out of your day to leave feedback regarding your experience when using our services. We are delighted to hear that Ruth has made you feel like this when using our services as we aim to deliver high-quality customer service for our clients. Thank you for recommending our firm; we wish you all the best in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Highly recommend
Ruth's was recommended to me, and I�m so pleased to have taken the advice. Ruth�s legal knowledge and professionalism was second to none. Her robust approach meant I felt reassured of a positive outcome right from our first meeting. Ruth is also friendly, approachable, and non- judgemental. I am very grateful to Ruth to secure outcome I wanted and would highly recommend her to any potential clients.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 28 October, 2022
Thank you, Glenda. What a great review. We are delighted you are pleased with the client service provided by Ruth, and we really appreciate your custom and your recommendation. There really is no better compliment than that. We look forward to working with you again in the future. Regards.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Outstanding lady.
Ruth and Nik are simply the best! Understanding, professional, amazing communication and very approachable, thank you so much ladies my children and I are safe because of you. I would and have recommended you.
Lawyer named in this review: Ruth Hetherington
A representative from McAlister Family Law Limited responded to this review on 29 September, 2022
Hello, Nulle's and thank you for your kind review! We're pleased to hear that you were happy with the service received.
Was this review helpful? Yes