Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Gillingham
Established in 1936, Farnfields Solicitors has built an enduring reputation as a trusted legal practice serving individuals, families, and businesses across North Dorset, West Wiltshire, and South Somerset. With over 85 years of continuous operation and a team of more than 100 professionals, including 12 partners, we combine deep local knowledge with specialist expertise in areas such as residential and commercial property law, family law, agricultural law, and dispute resolution. Our firm holds prestigious accreditations including LEXCEL and the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), while several solicitors are members of STEP and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, underscoring our commitment to excellence.We maintain three offices in Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Warminster, and actively support local communities through long-standing partnerships with organisations like North Dorset Rugby Club and TLW Dance. Our approach prioritises clear communication, transparent pricing, and tailored solutions, ensuring clients receive both legal expertise and compassionate service.
Services
Residential Property
Family Law
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Agricultural Law
Wills and Probate
Mediation Services
Commercial Property
Land Development
Tax and Trusts
Notary Public
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience serving communities across Dorset and Wiltshire
- Our firm holds LEXCEL and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations
- 12 specialist partners lead teams in key legal disciplines
- We provide tailored solutions for both individuals and businesses
- Active community involvement since 1936 demonstrates local commitment
Associations and certifications
- LEXCEL
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme
- STEP
What people say
First class service
Professional and efficient
Hands-on approach
No-nonsense service
Highly recommend
Services
Residential Property
Our residential property specialists handle all aspects of home ownership transactions. We provide expert guidance for buying, selling, remortgaging, and auction purchases while offering practical advice on tenancy agreements and leasehold matters. With transparent pricing and clear communication, our conveyancing team ensures smooth property transfers for first-time buyers and experienced investors alike.
Family Law
We offer comprehensive family law services addressing relationship breakdowns, financial settlements, and child arrangements. Our solicitors handle prenuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and domestic abuse cases with sensitivity and legal precision. Through mediation or litigation, we prioritise clients' best interests while navigating complex family court procedures and post-divorce adjustments.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Our commercial dispute resolution team specialises in resolving business conflicts efficiently. We handle debt recovery, contract breaches, and partnership disagreements while minimising disruption to commercial operations. With strategic legal advice and negotiation expertise, we aim to achieve cost-effective solutions through alternative dispute resolution or court representation when necessary.
Agricultural Law
Agricultural law specialists advise on farm sales, land development, and rural property transactions. We handle agricultural tenancies, rights of way, and equine finance matters while supporting clients with telecoms infrastructure agreements and estate planning. Our expertise extends to advising landowners on complex agricultural property disputes and development opportunities.
Wills and Probate
Our wills and probate team provides comprehensive succession planning services. We assist with creating tailored wills, establishing trusts, and managing estate administration through the Court of Protection. With specialist knowledge in inheritance tax planning and lasting power of attorney arrangements, we help clients protect assets and ensure smooth wealth transfer across generations.
People
Susan Lacey
Partner
With 35 years' service at Farnfields, Susan Lacey is a trailblazing legal professional specialising in residential property law. Her extensive experience and client-focused approach have made her a trusted advisor in property transactions across Dorset.
Chris Pleasants
Partner
A dedicated property law specialist based in Gillingham, Chris Pleasants brings decades of experience to residential and commercial conveyancing matters. His expertise in handling complex property transactions has earned him recognition among local clients.
Clare Cross
Partner
As a Gillingham-based legal professional, Clare Cross specialises in property law with particular expertise in new build acquisitions and first-time buyer transactions. Her approachable manner and technical knowledge benefit clients across West Dorset.
Brian Noctor
Practice Director
Overseeing Farnfields' operations, Brian Noctor brings strategic leadership to the firm's three-office structure. With deep understanding of legal practice management, he ensures consistent service delivery across all specialisms.
Ingrid Hindle
Consultant
As a qualified Notary Public, Ingrid Hindle provides specialist services for international document authentication. Her expertise supports clients with cross-border legal requirements while maintaining the firm's high standards.
Questions
What areas do Farnfields Solicitors cover?
We serve clients across North Dorset, West Wiltshire, and South Somerset from our three offices in Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Warminster.
How can I get an instant conveyancing estimate?
Visit our website's Residential Property section to access our free Conveyancing Instant Estimate tool for property transaction costs.
Are Farnfields Solicitors regulated?
Yes, we're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulations Authority under number 608175.
What specialisms do your family law team handle?
Our family law specialists manage relationship breakdowns, financial settlements, child arrangements, prenuptial agreements, and domestic abuse cases.
Do you offer agricultural legal services?
Yes, our agricultural law team advises on farm sales, rural property disputes, agricultural tenancies, and land development matters.
Reviews (5)
Jane Feather
May 26, 2022
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This is the second time Samantha Cook has acted for us in a conveyancing capacity. She has always kept us informed in a friendly, professional manner and been most helpful, responding very quickly to queries either by phone or email. Natalie Hawkes, her assistant, has also been very helpful with our current transactions. Our sale has now completed and they are both continuing to provide a great level of service with our purchase. The receptionists are also friendly, professional and helpful. I would most definitely recommend Farnfields.
Lucy Ayres
May 24, 2022
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Confidently rating Farnfields Gillingham 5-stars! Samantha has been so reliable throughout our house purchase, what appeared to be a difficult property (land registry issues and more) was handled smoothly. We never felt the need to chase Samantha for updates, as we were confident that as soon as information came into Farnfields it would be acknowledged and actioned. As first-time buyers, we felt truly kept in the loop and highly recommend their conveyancing services.
Isabella Silva
May 14, 2022
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Thank you so much to Samantha Cook! She was honestly outstanding, we cannot recommend her enough to anyone, she is fabulous! We sold our home and bought another and Sam handled everything so quickly and efficiently and Sam was incredible at keeping in contact with us along the way and making sure we understood everything in simple terms, definitely went over and above for us. Thank you so much Sam! Izzy & Ben Xx
Sar Watt
Apr 15, 2022
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We engaged Farnfields on recommendation from our estate agent and have not been disappointed. The whole conveyancing process has taken 8 weeks and Emily Walker has always been on hand to offer advice and guide us through the process, particularly at the point of exchange when the buyers and their solicitors were being particularly petty. We would thoroughly recommend them.
Chris Smith
Apr 13, 2022
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We can not thank enough Emily Walker and the rest of the team at Farnfields for there excellent service. They have always been very efficient and helpful. They have made the process of selling our property so easy. Highly recommended.
