Business Details
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Trusted Legal Experts in Cornwall
Established in 1890, Walters Barbary LLP has built a century-long reputation as trusted legal advisors in Cornwall. Our firm combines deep local knowledge with specialist expertise in conveyancing, family law, criminal law, and private client services. We prioritise clear communication, offering tailored solutions for complex legal matters while maintaining a personal approach. Our team includes Law Society-accredited specialists and experienced solicitors dedicated to achieving optimal outcomes for clients. We operate with full transparency, adhering to the Solicitors Code of Conduct and maintaining SRA authorisation since our inception. 
Services
Conveyancing
Family Law
Criminal Defence
Wills & Probate
Legal Aid Services
Highlights and features
- We have over 130 years of combined legal experience in Cornwall
- Our team includes Law Society Panel specialists in family law
- SRA-regulated practice with strict adherence to professional standards
- Fixed fee options available for key legal services
- Emergency appointments available for urgent legal matters
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Experienced team
Clear communication
Local knowledge
Prompt service
Expert representation
Services
Conveyancing
We handle residential property transactions from initial instruction to completion. Our process includes contract preparation, legal searches, and land registry registration. Clients benefit from dedicated support throughout the conveyancing process, with transparent pricing and regular progress updates. Our team manages all aspects of property transfers while maintaining clear communication with buyers, sellers, and mortgage providers.
Family Law
Our specialist family law team handles divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and domestic violence cases. We prioritise amicable resolutions through mediation while maintaining robust representation in court when necessary. Services include drafting parenting plans, negotiating financial settlements, and providing emergency injunctions. Our approach balances legal expertise with compassionate support during emotionally challenging situations.
Criminal Defence
We provide immediate legal support for police station interviews and court proceedings. Services cover minor motoring offences to serious criminal allegations, including representation in magistrates' and crown courts. Our accredited duty solicitors offer free initial advice and fixed fee options for specific cases. We maintain 24/7 availability for emergency legal interventions and police station attendances.
Wills & Probate
Our wills and probate services include drafting simple and complex wills, lasting powers of attorney, and full estate administration. We offer fixed fee options for standard grants of probate and bespoke solutions for high-value estates. Services cover inheritance tax planning, trust creation, and executor support. Our team provides clear guidance through the probate process while maintaining sensitivity to bereaved clients.
Legal Aid
We offer legal aid services for eligible clients in family law and criminal defence matters. Our team assists with eligibility assessments and application processes. Services include representation in court proceedings and advice sessions covered by public funding. We maintain transparent communication about funding options and potential client contributions throughout the legal process.
People
Rachel Wiles
Senior Partner
With over 25 years' experience in Cornish legal matters, Rachel specialises in complex property transactions and business law. She leads the firm's commercial property department and mentors junior solicitors.
Teresa Blenard
Partner
Family law specialist with Law Society accreditation, Teresa has handled hundreds of divorce and child custody cases across Cornwall. She focuses on achieving amicable resolutions through mediation.
Samantha Boyns
Partner
Specialising in probate and estate administration, Samantha has particular expertise in complex inheritance tax cases and trust management. She regularly advises executors on their legal obligations.
Alex Blair
Consultant
Criminal law expert with over 30 years' experience, Alex provides strategic defence advice for serious criminal allegations. He supervises the firm's criminal defence team and handles complex litigation.
Elouise Gregor
Head of Conveyancing
Leading the conveyancing department, Elouise manages property transactions across Cornwall. She specialises in resolving title issues and complex property chains, ensuring smooth completions for clients.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in conveyancing, family law, criminal defence, and private client work including wills and probate. Our team has particular expertise in Cornish property transactions and family law matters.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
Legal aid remains available for certain family law and criminal defence cases. Our team can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process during your initial consultation.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
We prioritise urgent matters and can usually offer same-day appointments for family law emergencies and criminal defence cases. Routine appointments are typically available within 48 hours.
What are your conveyancing fees?
Our conveyancing fees start at £1,500 for straightforward transactions, with detailed quotes provided before instruction. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs for standard property sales and purchases.
Do you offer home visits?
Home visits are available for vulnerable clients and specific legal matters. We charge a £75 fee for home visits to cover travel time and expenses within the local area.
How long does probate take?
Simple probate cases typically take 6-12 months to complete. Complex estates with multiple assets or inheritance tax issues may take longer. We provide regular progress updates throughout the administration process.
