Rickards & Cleaver

Business Details

Your Trusted Legal Partner in Alfreton

Established in 1796, Rickards & Cleaver stands as one of the UK's oldest law firms, combining centuries of experience with a contemporary approach to legal services. Our team of solicitors, with an average of over 30 years' experience, prioritises client care, ensuring every matter is handled professionally and empathetically. We maintain a transparent fee structure, avoiding unexpected costs, and allocate specialists to each case for consistent, tailored support. Our regional network of legal and financial partners ensures clients receive comprehensive solutions even beyond our direct expertise. As an equal opportunities employer, we uphold zero tolerance for discrimination and actively support local and national charities, including Cancer Research UK and Age UK.

Our history of assisting thousands with property transactions, family law matters, and estate planning reflects our commitment to resolving legal challenges with dignity and expertise. We pride ourselves on treating clients as individuals, not case numbers, and maintaining the highest standards of service evidenced by hundreds of positive reviews. Our practice spans wills, probate, inheritance tax planning, and lasting powers of attorney, alongside property and family law services. This enduring legacy of client-focused legal excellence continues to define our approach today.

Services

Property Probate & Estate Administration Wills Lasting Powers of Attorney Inheritance Tax Planning Elderly Clients Family Law

Highlights and features

We offer over 200 years of legal expertise in Derbyshire
Our solicitors have an average of 30+ years' experience
Transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees
We maintain consistent client-solicitor relationships throughout cases
Regional network provides extended legal and financial support

Associations and certifications

Solicitors Regulation Authority

What people say

Great service Professional and helpful Exemplary manner No pressure Kind natured

Website

Update Listing

Services

Property

Our property law specialists handle residential and commercial transactions with precision. We assist with purchases, sales, remortgaging, and equity protection against care fees. Clients benefit from clear communication and fixed-fee structures that prevent unexpected costs during property transfers.

Family Law

We resolve family matters including divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Our approach prioritises amicable solutions while maintaining efficiency when disputes escalate. Specialised support extends to social care interventions and post-separation relationship rebuilding for children's welfare.

Wills

Crafting legally sound wills tailored to individual circumstances ensures asset distribution aligns with client wishes. Our solicitors guide executors through probate processes and address complex inheritance scenarios while maintaining compassionate, straightforward communication throughout.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

We establish LPAs for health, welfare, and financial decisions, ensuring clients' interests remain protected during mental incapacity. The process includes registration guidance and advisory services on appropriate attorney appointments for personal and business affairs.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Our specialists create tax-efficient estate plans using trusts and gifting strategies. Services include post-death tax planning, nil-rate band optimisation, and charitable donation structuring to minimise liabilities while preserving family wealth across generations.

Questions

What legal services do you specialise in?

We specialise in property law, family law, wills, probate, lasting powers of attorney, and inheritance tax planning for private and business clients.

How does your firm differ from modern practices?

With over 200 years' experience, we combine traditional values with contemporary legal expertise, maintaining personal client relationships and transparent pricing structures.

Can I get same-day legal advice?

We offer urgent appointments where possible, though complex matters typically require scheduled consultations with our specialist solicitors.

How are your legal fees structured?

Our fees are transparent with no hidden extras. We provide fixed-fee options and detailed cost breakdowns before commencing work.

Do you serve clients outside Derbyshire?

While based in Alfreton, we assist clients nationwide through remote consultations and our regional legal network partnerships.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Neil Shaw

Nov 27, 2021 Report

Excellent professional service. We were kept informed throughout the purchase of our property. The courteous manner we received from our face to face meetings with Mark, Beverley and Penny were exemplary. We would have no hesitation at all in recommending them. Try them. You wont be disappointed.

Mandy Dawson

Nov 24, 2021 Report

States on their website open Saturday but fails to mention that's only if the unhelpful staff member can't get parked in Tesco.

Coz T.

Feb 16, 2021 Report

Really friendly helpful staff, very welcoming and made you feel at home. I made a few changes to my will and everyone - the reception staff, the admin staff and Liz were always accommodating and always kept communication open during this process. I would fully recommend these solicitors.

David Coleman

Feb 14, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Rickards and Cleaver dealt with the sale of our mothers house during lockdown. They provided a first rate service and made the process very straight forward particularly as both and myself do not live locally. I would definitely recommended them for any conveyancing.