Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Christchurch
Established in 1836, Williams Thompson Solicitors LLP has built an enduring reputation as a trusted legal practice serving Christchurch and surrounding areas. Our firm specialises exclusively in family law, wills & probate, and property law, enabling deep expertise in these critical areas. With five dedicated partners and a team of 19 professionals, we combine generational experience with modern legal technology to deliver precise, client-focused solutions. Our family law department, recognised as a regional leader, regularly receives referrals from other solicitors due to our proven track record in complex relationship breakdowns and child arrangements.The probate team provides compassionate yet thorough estate administration and inheritance planning, while our property department handles residential and commercial transactions with equal proficiency. We maintain direct solicitor-client relationships throughout cases, avoiding paralegal delegation, and operate under strict cost transparency principles. Our physical office in Christchurch remains accessible with wheelchair facilities, complemented by home visit options for clients with mobility needs.
Services
Family Law
Wills & Probate
Property Law
Residential Conveyancing
Commercial Property
Highlights and features
- We specialise in just three areas of law to maintain expert-level proficiency
- Our family law department receives regular referrals from other solicitors
- Direct solicitor-client relationships maintained throughout all cases
- Recognised expertise in complex property transactions and estate planning
- Operate from a purpose-built, accessible office in central Christchurch
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle relationship breakdowns, divorce proceedings, and child arrangement disputes with sensitivity and legal precision. We provide clear guidance on financial settlements, custody matters, and mediation options. Our team maintains strong relationships with local courts and mediation services to achieve optimal outcomes for clients.
Wills & Probate
We offer comprehensive will drafting, inheritance tax planning, and probate administration services. Our solicitors help clients create legally sound wills, establish property trusts, and navigate court of protection matters. The department also specialises in care home funding strategies and estate administration complexities.
Property Law
Our property team handles residential and commercial transactions including purchases, sales, remortgages, and leasehold extensions. We provide legal support for buy-to-let investments, equity release schemes, and commercial property developments across Dorset and surrounding regions.
People
Stephen Bowden
Property Partner
Head of Property Department with 12+ years' experience. Specialises in residential and commercial conveyancing. Holds LLB from Brunel University and qualified solicitor since 2008. Recommended by local estate agents and business owners.
David Orr
Probate Partner
Partner and Head of Wills & Probate department. Manages estate administration, lasting powers of attorney, and inheritance tax planning. Combines legal expertise with compassionate client support for later-life legal matters.
Emma Hamilton-Cole
Family Partner
Head of Family Department specialising in divorce, separation, and child arrangements. Recognised regional expert with extensive experience in complex family law cases and dispute resolution processes.
Suzanne Kadziola
Practice Manager
Key operational leader ensuring smooth firm management. Oversees administrative functions and supports solicitors across all three practice areas. Integral to maintaining service quality standards.
Amanda Bartlett
Property Solicitor
Specialises in residential conveyancing and commercial leases. Qualified solicitor since 2010 with LLB in law and criminology. Known for professional approach and client satisfaction in property transactions.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in family law, wills & probate, and property law. This focused expertise allows us to maintain high standards across these critical legal areas.
How can I make an initial appointment?
Contact us via phone at 01202 484242 to arrange a fixed-fee initial consultation. Our reception team will connect you with the appropriate department assistant.
Do you serve clients outside Christchurch?
Yes, we serve clients across Dorset including Bournemouth conurbation, New Forest, and other regional areas from our Christchurch base.
What identification do I need for my first visit?
Bring two forms of ID such as a passport/driving licence and utility bill/bank statement showing your current address for legal compliance purposes.
Are your offices accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, we have a downstairs interview room and wheelchair-accessible facilities available upon request at our Christchurch office.
Reviews (7)
Jeni Pierce
Feb 13, 2022
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I have used Stephen Bowden many times now and couldn't recommend him and his firm enough. He responds quickly to any questions I have and always keeps in me in loop. When the market is so incredibly busy, it's difficult to find a good solicitor but I will always recommend Stephen. Thank you so much!
Max Neradmic
Feb 10, 2022
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I really don't like to do Google reviews, I find people can be critical just for the sake of it. In this case however I feel compelled to comment. The receptionist here was so rude and unhelpful I decided I could not use such a firm. Never have I encountered such an awfully unhelpful person. I would never use a firm where they employ staff with such a awful attitude. This was a surprise to me as the firm was recommended.
Come on guys you need to improve. I think the lady's name was Caroline, I am now using another local lawyer who was glad to have my business. If want to be treated as a respected client, go somewhere else. It is your money you are spending, on my case a lot. Is it much to ask to be treated with respect.
Come on guys you need to improve. I think the lady's name was Caroline, I am now using another local lawyer who was glad to have my business. If want to be treated as a respected client, go somewhere else. It is your money you are spending, on my case a lot. Is it much to ask to be treated with respect.
Gaynor Rawlings
Sep 04, 2021
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Excellent service. My experience of the conveyancing department was fabulous. My solicitor made what I expected to be a stressful time run as smoothly as possible. 1st class communication. Very speedy responses to emails and calls. Very professional and I highly recommend this firm.
Undefined
Sep 04, 2021
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We suffered a very poor service from start to finish. David orme seems to be part time as most of the time he wasn't in the office or couldn't be got hold of. Instead of our sale taking 8-12 weeks it took 6 months and also cost us a lot of money in stamp duty due to him being lazy! Very poor service, would not use again. We used emma king from Mathew and Mathew. They were brilliant.
Sylvia Bailey
Aug 14, 2021
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Very helpful, friendly and thourough, helped me through whole process of selling my house and my bungerlow purchase, explaining process with any questions I had, helpful and empathetic at a very stressful time.
John Marshall
Jun 01, 2021
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This year we have worked with both the conveyancing and wills department and both times they have been excellent. In the past we did work with another firm for conveyancing and they were terrible, we thought all solicitors working in this area would be the same. Williams Thompson were amazing, and proved that there are very good solicitors out there if you look for them. We worked with a named contact in each case who were able to guide us through both processes providing detailed knowledge and recommendations.
In both cases they were always generous with their time on calls to walk us through any of our questions and were quick to respond via email. Should we have any other legal matters to handle, we will be going to this firm again without hesitation.
In both cases they were always generous with their time on calls to walk us through any of our questions and were quick to respond via email. Should we have any other legal matters to handle, we will be going to this firm again without hesitation.
Duncan Williams
Jun 17, 2018
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Good honest firm of Dorset based solicitors who can deal with a range of legal services in a professional and timely manner.
