Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Gillingham
Farnfields Solicitors has been providing comprehensive legal services since 1936, establishing itself as a trusted legal practice across North Dorset, West Wiltshire, and South Somerset. With three offices in Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Warminster, we serve individuals and businesses through specialist expertise in family law, property law, commercial and agricultural law, wills, probate, and trusts. Our team of over 100 professionals, including 12 partners, combines deep local knowledge with national experience to deliver tailored legal solutions. Accredited by LEXCEL and the Conveyancing Quality Scheme, we prioritise client satisfaction through transparent communication and community engagement.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in long-standing client relationships and recognition through industry accreditations. We support local organisations such as North Dorset Rugby Club and Shaftesbury Youth Cricket Club, reinforcing our dedication to the communities we serve. With a history spanning over 85 years, our firm remains focused on delivering accessible, high-quality legal advice that meets evolving client needs.
Services
Civil Dispute Resolution
Family Law
Residential Property
Commercial Law
Wills and Probate
Agricultural Law
Mediation Services
Tax and Trusts
Notary Public
Land Development
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- Over 85 years of legal expertise serving Dorset, Wiltshire, and Somerset
- LEXCEL and CQS accredited legal practice standards
- 12 partners leading specialist teams across multiple offices
- STEP members providing advanced expertise in wills and trusts
- Community-focused approach supporting local organisations since 1936
Associations and certifications
- LEXCEL
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)
What people say
First class service
Professionally and efficiently
Highly recommend
Hands-on service
No-nonsense approach
Services
Residential Property Conveyancing
Our residential property lawyers handle all aspects of home ownership transfers, including freehold and leasehold purchases/sales, remortgaging, and auction property transactions. We provide clear guidance on tenancy agreements, right-to-buy schemes, and investment property management. With dedicated support for first-time buyers and experienced property investors, we ensure smooth legal processes for your home.
Family Law Mediation
Specialist family law mediators help resolve relationship breakdowns through constructive negotiations. We handle financial settlements, child custody arrangements, prenuptial agreements, and domestic abuse cases. Our collaborative approach prioritises amicable solutions while protecting client interests, with court representation available when necessary. Services include tailored support for armed forces personnel and grandparents' rights cases.
Commercial Property Law
Comprehensive legal support for commercial property transactions including leases, sales/purchases, and development projects. We advise on SIPP pension property investments, landlord-tenant disputes, and complex commercial conveyancing. Our team handles agricultural property matters, telecoms infrastructure agreements, and land development financing for businesses across Dorset and Wiltshire.
Wills and Probate
Expert wills drafting, probate administration, and trust management services. We specialise in inheritance tax planning, lasting power of attorney creation, and Court of Protection applications. Our STEP-qualified solicitors provide sensitive handling of contentious probate cases and estate administration, ensuring clients' wishes are legally protected through lifetime planning strategies.
Agricultural Law
Tailored legal advice for farmers and rural landowners covering property transactions, agricultural tenancies, and rights of way. We handle farm sales/purchases, woodland management agreements, and agricultural dispute resolution. Our specialists support clients with telecoms infrastructure projects on rural land and development financing for agricultural estates across South West England.
People
Brian Noctor
Practice Director
With extensive legal practice management experience, Brian Noctor oversees Farnfields Solicitors' operations across three offices. He ensures delivery of high-quality legal services while maintaining the firm's community-focused ethos established over 85 years.
Susan Lacey
Senior Partner
Celebrating 35 years with Farnfields Solicitors, Susan Lacey is a trailblazing senior partner specialising in property law. Her expertise in residential and commercial conveyancing has made significant contributions to the firm's reputation for excellence in Dorset's legal sector.
Chris Pleasants
Solicitor
Based in Gillingham, Chris Pleasants specialises in residential property transactions. With deep local knowledge, he delivers professional service in home purchases/sales and complex conveyancing matters, earning client recognition for his efficient approach.
Clare Cross
Solicitor
Gillingham-based legal expert Clare Cross focuses on property law and estate administration. Her client-centred approach to conveyancing and probate matters has built strong relationships with local residents over many years of service.
Julian Alahakoon
Notary Public
As Farnfields Solicitors' designated Notary Public, Julian Alahakoon provides official authentication services for international legal documents. His specialist knowledge ensures clients' documents meet global legal requirements for use abroad.
Questions
What areas do Farnfields Solicitors Solicitors cover?
We serve clients across North Dorset, West Wiltshire, and South Somerset from our Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Warminster offices.
Are Farnfields Solicitors Solicitors accredited by legal bodies?
Yes, we hold LEXCEL and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations, with several solicitors as members of STEP and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers.
What specialist legal services do you offer?
We specialise in family law, property conveyancing, commercial and agricultural law, wills and probate, trusts, and dispute resolution for individuals and businesses.
Can I get an instant conveyancing estimate?
Yes, our website provides immediate conveyancing cost estimates for purchasing/selling freehold or leasehold properties and remortgaging.
Do you offer mediation services?
Yes, we provide family mediation services as an alternative to court proceedings for relationship breakdowns and child custody matters.
