Business Details
12 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Hertfordshire
Established in 2014, Five Counties Legal Services is a forward-thinking legal practice founded on over four decades of expertise in property and private client law. Our principal solicitor, Ian Fraser, brings 43 years of hands-on experience, having worked with esteemed firms across London and the Home Counties. We specialise in delivering cost-effective conveyancing, probate, and estate planning solutions by leveraging modern technology to eliminate traditional overheads. Our services span Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire, with flexibility to assist clients beyond these areas. We prioritise direct client engagement, offering home visits and fixed-fee structures to ensure accessibility without compromising quality.Our commitment to transparency is evident in our clear pricing models and collaborative approach to estate administration. With a deep understanding of both residential and commercial property law, we provide tailored advice to individuals and businesses alike. Our practice reflects a dedication to innovation while maintaining the highest standards of legal professionalism. Clients benefit from our extensive network of trusted professionals for complex cases requiring specialist input. We are authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, ensuring adherence to rigorous regulatory standards.
Services
Residential conveyancing
Probate services
Estate planning
Commercial property
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Lease extensions
Wills drafting
Collective enfranchisement
Trust creation
Deputyship applications
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Principal solicitor with 43 years of property and probate experience
- Fixed conveyancing fees from 400 and probate fees from 325
- Home visits available at no extra cost
- Specialist knowledge of local property markets across five counties
- Direct client access to qualified solicitor without junior staff involvement
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Residential conveyancing
We handle freehold and leasehold property transactions with fixed fees starting at 400. Our solicitor personally manages each case, offering home visits and leveraging technology to streamline processes. Clients benefit from transparent pricing and expert guidance through every stage of property transfer.
Probate services
From straightforward grants of representation to complex estate management, we provide fixed-fee probate services starting at 325. Our expertise includes inheritance tax calculations, asset distribution, and resolving contentious probate matters through mediation rather than litigation.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
We create tailored LPA documents for property, financial affairs, and health welfare decisions. Our service includes certificate provision from 95 and guidance on using ordinary powers to bridge registration periods, ensuring continuous legal authority for clients.
Lease extensions
We facilitate both statutory and private lease extensions under the 1993 Act. Our fees start at 550 for negotiated extensions, with expert valuation advice and representation in collective enfranchisement cases for freehold purchases by qualifying tenants.
Estate planning
Our tax-efficient estate planning considers lifetime gifts, trusts, and inheritance strategies. We help clients balance family needs with financial protection, ensuring clear documentation for asset distribution while considering future care requirements and tax implications.
People
Ian Fraser
Principal Solicitor
Qualified solicitor with 43 years' experience in property and private client law. Former partner at Wilson Barca incorporating Frasers and consultant at Weld & Beavan. Specialises in conveyancing, probate, and estate planning.
Questions
Do you operate outside the five counties?
While our focus is Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, we can discuss requirements beyond these areas and often assist clients remotely.
How are conveyancing fees structured?
Residential conveyancing fees start at £400 for sales and £450 for freehold purchases, calculated at 0.1% of property value with minimum charges. Disbursements are additional.
What probate services do you offer?
We provide grant-only applications from £325 and full estate administration at 0.5% of gross value up to £1m, with minimum fees applying for smaller estates.
Can you help with lease extensions?
Yes, we handle both statutory extensions under the 1993 Act from £790 and private negotiations from £550, including collective enfranchisement cases for freehold purchases.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, we provide home visits at no extra cost for will drafting, lasting powers of attorney, and estate planning consultations across our service areas.
How are complex estates managed?
We administer complex estates with multiple assets, international holdings, or contentious issues, offering fixed fees where possible and hourly rates at £150 when required.
