Wills, homes, estates and the harder conversations in between. One office, one set of files, and a habit of answering the letter the week it arrives.
Six areas of work, each opened in a particular year and never closed. The same files, the same strongroom, the same street.
Wills written in plain English, kept safe in our strongroom, and carried out with care when the time comes.
Since1888Buying, selling and passing on a house, with one solicitor from the first call to the keys.
Since1888Trusts for grandchildren, for a family farm, or for someone who needs looking after.
Since1911Separation, children and money, handled quietly and with mediation first wherever it can work.
Since1946Lasting powers of attorney, care funding and the paperwork that should not fall to a son or daughter alone.
Since1974When an estate or a boundary goes wrong, we argue the point firmly and try to keep the family talking.
Since1999We do not ask you to trust a promise. We show you the ledger: six dates, and the work that started on each of them.
Two clerks open a practice on Hallam Street with a desk, a copy press and a ledger that is still in the strongroom.
A trust for a mill family’s grandchildren, written that spring, is still being administered by the firm.
The firm starts to advise on marriage, children and money, and takes on its first woman partner.
The practice moves to Weir House by the river, where the strongroom now holds 2,640 wills.
Every family matter now starts with the offer of a mediated meeting before any letter goes out.
Great-grandchildren of our first clients still come in through the same door, now with an appointment booked online.
You have looked after my father’s affairs, and now mine, without once making either of us feel hurried. I should like my children to know where to find you.
No forms to fill and no clock running in the first hour. Most people leave knowing exactly what happens next and what it will cost.
Tell us in a few lines what has happened. A partner reads every first letter.
We meet at Weir House or at your kitchen table. The first hour is without charge.
You receive our terms in writing, with a fixed fee wherever the work allows one.
A partner reads every first enquiry and replies within the week. If it cannot wait, telephone and ask for the duty solicitor.
Weir House
9 Hallam Street
Ashcombe
01632 960 418
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.30