Business Details
12 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Hertfordshire
Established in 2014, Five Counties Legal Services provides cost-effective legal solutions across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire. Our principal solicitor, Ian Fraser, brings over 43 years of experience in property and private client law, having previously worked with firms such as Charles Russell Speechlys and Weld & Beavan. We specialise in residential and commercial conveyancing, probate, wills, and lasting powers of attorney, utilising modern technology to reduce overheads while maintaining quality and client care. Our services include fixed-fee conveyancing, estate planning, lease extensions, and probate administration, with home visits available at no extra cost.We prioritise transparency, offering clear pricing structures and avoiding unnecessary fees associated with traditional legal practices. Our expertise extends to collective enfranchisement, trust creation, and contentious probate resolution through mediation. We operate with a network of trusted partners to handle mortgage-related transactions and maintain affiliations with Carr Richards Solicitors for continued advisory support. Our approach combines traditional legal expertise with innovative cost-saving measures to deliver accessible, efficient services tailored to client needs.
Services
Residential conveyancing
Commercial property
Probate services
Wills drafting
Lease extensions
Estate planning
Trust creation
Contentious probate
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Deputyship applications
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Principal solicitor with 43 years' experience in property and probate law
- Fixed conveyancing fees from 400 with no hidden costs
- Home visits available at no additional charge
- Specialist knowledge in lease extensions and collective enfranchisement
- Transparent pricing structure eliminating traditional legal overheads
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Residential conveyancing
We handle freehold and leasehold property transactions with fixed fees starting at 400. Our services include contract preparation, local authority searches, and registration with HM Land Registry. Clients benefit from transparent pricing and experienced solicitor handling without lender panel restrictions.
Probate administration
Our probate services cover grant applications, asset collection, debt settlement, and estate distribution. Fees start at 325 for estates under 325,000, with full administration available at 0.5% of gross value. We assist executors and administrators through complex inheritance matters.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
We prepare property/financial and health/welfare LPAs with registration support. Our 295 fixed fee covers both documents, including certificate provision. We advise on appropriate attorney appointments and registration requirements under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Lease extensions
We facilitate lease extensions through private negotiation or statutory procedures under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993. Fees start at 550 for private agreements, with collective enfranchisement services from 1,580. We advise on premium calculations and landlord cost obligations.
Wills drafting
Our will-writing service starts at 95 for simple wills, with additional clauses from 15. We include testamentary guardianship provisions and residue distribution planning. We recommend professional valuation input for complex estate arrangements.
People
Ian Fraser
Principal Solicitor
Qualified solicitor with over 43 years' experience in property and private client law. Former partner at Weld & Beavan, now providing consultancy services to Carr Richards Solicitors. Specialises in conveyancing and probate matters.
Questions
Do you operate outside the five counties?
While our primary focus is five counties, we consider cases beyond these areas. Contact us to discuss specific requirements.
What conveyancing fees apply to newbuild properties?
Newbuild conveyancing starts at £595 for freehold and £695 for leasehold properties, excluding disbursements.
How are probate fees calculated?
Probate fees start at £325 for estates under £325,000. Full administration costs 0.5% of gross estate value up to £1m.
Can you assist with leasehold enfranchisement?
Yes, we handle both individual lease extensions and collective freehold purchases under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993.
Are home visits available?
Yes, we offer home visits for will discussions and power of attorney arrangements at no additional charge.
When does VAT apply to your services?
All fees attract 20% VAT from August 2024 onwards, including disbursements and existing fixed-fee agreements.
Reviews (6)
Susie Smith
Dec 15, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Ian helped with my late fathers will . He made the process easy and hassle free. Everything was done very professionally and very quickly. Would use again without hesitation.
Ian helped with my late fathers will . He made the process easy and hassle free. Everything was done very professionally and very quickly. Would use again without hesitation.
Lindsay Brown
Nov 25, 2021
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Mr Fraser is a very professional and caring solicitor. He has helped our family with various legal issues. He does whatever is required promptly and efficiently.
Dawn Torrance
Nov 18, 2021
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Highly recommended. The sale of our flat (which was not the easiest of transactions) was dealt with with extreme professionalism and upmost efficiency. I have never dealt with a solicitor who is so responsive to emails. Every contact with Ian was a pleasure and we will certainly be using his services again
Nancy Zhang
Sep 30, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Ian dealt with my transfer of equity case extremely efficiently. He is very diligent and persistent - great qualities to have when you need to chase down responses from freeholders and banks!
Ian dealt with my transfer of equity case extremely efficiently. He is very diligent and persistent - great qualities to have when you need to chase down responses from freeholders and banks!
Jonny Wardle
Aug 17, 2021
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Mr Fraser provided me with an excellent legal service and I would not hesitate to recommend him. He helped explain the process clearly and dealt with matters in an efficient, courteous and cost-effective manner.
Colin Nolan
Jan 06, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Ian provided an excellent service for a property purchase, always replying to emails promptly and explaining things well. I would highly recommend.
Ian provided an excellent service for a property purchase, always replying to emails promptly and explaining things well. I would highly recommend.
