Business Details
Expert Legal Services in Fordingbridge & New Forest
Established over 200 years ago, our firm has built a legacy of providing comprehensive legal services to private and business clients. In 2017, we strengthened our capabilities through a merger with Salisbury-based Bonallack and Bishop, expanding our expertise into family law, civil litigation, and personal injury claims while maintaining our core strengths in conveyancing and commercial property. Our team of experienced solicitors delivers professional, confidential advice tailored to individual client needs, combining traditional values with modern legal practices.We serve clients locally in Fordingbridge and the New Forest, as well as nationally and internationally. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our authorisation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and our focus on accessible legal solutions, including free initial telephone advice. We maintain our historic office at 5 Provost Street while continuously adapting to meet evolving client requirements across multiple legal disciplines.
Services
Conveyancing
Family Law
Business Disputes
Commercial Property
Probate
Wills
Compensation Claims
Employment Law
Litigation
Highlights and features
- We offer 200+ years of combined legal expertise across multiple practice areas
- Our team includes specialists in conveyancing, family law, and commercial disputes
- We provide free initial telephone advice for all legal matters
- Our solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
- We maintain a client-focused approach with local knowledge and national reach
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Conveyancing
We handle residential and commercial property transactions including freehold and leasehold sales, purchases, and remortgages. Our expertise covers Help to Buy schemes, shared ownership, and equity release. With decades of local knowledge in the New Forest area, our conveyancing team ensures smooth property transfers with clear communication throughout the process.
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and financial settlements. We offer mediation services to resolve disputes amicably while protecting client interests. The team provides sensitive support for domestic violence cases and prenuptial agreements, combining legal expertise with compassionate guidance during challenging times.
Commercial Property
We advise businesses on commercial property transactions including acquisitions, disposals, and lease agreements. Our services cover property development projects and landlord/tenant disputes. With experience in both urban and rural property markets, we provide practical solutions for commercial real estate needs while ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Wills & Probate
Our solicitors assist with creating legally sound wills and managing probate processes. We handle lasting powers of attorney, inheritance tax planning, and estate administration. The team provides clear guidance on complex probate matters, ensuring clients' wishes are respected while minimising potential family disputes over inheritance.
Business Disputes
We represent businesses in commercial disputes including contract breaches, partnership disagreements, and debt recovery. Our approach focuses on resolving conflicts through negotiation or mediation before court action. With experience in both regional and national cases, we provide strategic legal solutions to protect business interests while maintaining commercial relationships.
People
David Bowen-Ashwin
Solicitor
Qualified in 1981 with expertise in residential and commercial conveyancing, lease agreements, and probate matters. Specialises in property development transactions and has practiced in Fordingbridge for most of his career.
Stephen Nicholls
Solicitor
Qualified in 2006 with specialism in residential property transactions. Experienced in offshore company work from three years in the Channel Islands. Holds psychology degree and previously worked in homeless sector support.
Caroline Chandler
Conveyancer
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with 25+ years' experience in residential conveyancing. Specialises in Help to Buy schemes and equity release transactions. Has worked across southern England including Salisbury and Southampton.
Andrew Barker
Solicitor
Qualified in 1985 with 33 years' experience including partnership roles at Southampton firms. Joined Bonallack & Bishop in 2019 specialising in commercial and residential conveyancing for diverse clients.
Questions
What areas do you cover for legal services?
We serve clients in Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, and throughout England and Wales with both private and business legal matters.
Do you offer free initial legal advice?
Yes, we provide free initial telephone advice for all legal matters through our dedicated helpline.
What are your office hours?
Our Fordingbridge office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm with continuous service during lunch hours.
What legal accreditations do you hold?
We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under registration number 76483.
Reviews (2)
Eleanor Holmes
Jan 29, 2021
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I cannot express how brilliant these solicitors are! This is the second time we have used Bonnalack and Bishop, but the first time working with Chris and Claudia. From the very beginning and to the end they have been providing great advice and service. Both Chris and Claudia were easy to get hold of, and on the odd occasion they were on the phone we left a message with someone else & they would call or email us straight back.
Our sale / purchase was not easy nor quick, the solicitors that Chris and Claudia had to deal with were a challenge but they pushed the sale through & in time for no stamp duty. A huge thank-you, Dave & I really appreciate it!
Our sale / purchase was not easy nor quick, the solicitors that Chris and Claudia had to deal with were a challenge but they pushed the sale through & in time for no stamp duty. A huge thank-you, Dave & I really appreciate it!
Lawrence Bennett
Jan 10, 2021
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Caroline Chandler has been outstanding, and we could not recommended her highly enough. Excellent service and communication from start to finsh, for both the sale of our property, to the purchase of our new build.
