Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Dorset
Nantes Solicitors has been a trusted legal partner in Dorset since the 1800s, combining a rich heritage with forward-thinking practices. Our firm is built on decades of legal expertise and a commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective services tailored to both private individuals and businesses. With offices in Bridport, Dorchester, Weymouth, and Portland, we offer accessible, client-focused legal solutions led by experienced directors who bring deep industry knowledge to every case. Our approach prioritises clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.We pride ourselves on understanding the unique needs of our clients, whether in family law, conveyancing, commercial disputes, or probate, ensuring they receive practical advice and robust representation. Our long-standing reputation for excellence is supported by accreditations such as CQS and Lexcel, reflecting our adherence to the highest standards of client care and professional practice. We are committed to fostering strong community ties, supporting local initiatives, and providing transparent, ethical legal services that build lasting trust.
Services
Conveyancing
Family Law
Commercial Disputes
Probate Services
Debt Recovery
Highlights and features
- We have over 150 years of legal experience serving Dorset's communities.
- Each department is led by experienced directors with specialist knowledge.
- Our 'no exchange, no fee' conveyancing guarantee reduces client risk.
- We combine local market knowledge with national legal standards.
- Our client-first approach ensures transparent communication and tailored solutions.
Associations and certifications
- CQS
- Lexcel
What people say
Professional and efficient
No completion, no fee guarantee
Regular progress updates
Empathetic legal guidance
Exceptional response times
Services
Conveyancing
Our conveyancing service specialises in residential property transactions with a 'no exchange, no fee' guarantee. We handle sales, purchases, and leasehold matters while providing clear cost breakdowns and regular progress updates. Our CQS-accredited team ensures compliance with legal requirements while minimising stress for homebuyers and sellers across Dorset.
Family Law
We provide compassionate legal support for family matters including divorce, child custody, and financial settlements. Our Resolution-accredited solicitors prioritise collaborative approaches to reduce conflict while protecting client interests. With expertise in evolving family law frameworks, we offer practical solutions for complex personal situations.
Commercial Disputes
Our commercial dispute resolution team handles contract disagreements, debt recovery, and business conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or court representation. We focus on preserving commercial relationships while achieving cost-effective outcomes. Clients benefit from strategic advice tailored to their industry-specific challenges and operational continuity.
Probate Services
We guide executors through the probate process with clear explanations of legal responsibilities and timelines. Our services include will validation, inheritance tax calculations, and asset distribution. We help families manage estate matters during difficult times while ensuring compliance with current probate regulations.
Debt Recovery
Our debt recovery service helps businesses reclaim outstanding payments through formal letters, court proceedings, and enforcement actions. We assess each case's viability before action, focusing on cost-effective solutions. Our approach balances firmness with commercial pragmatism to maintain business relationships where possible.
People
Cherise Luke-Bennett
Director
Cherise has specialised in family law for 25 years, focusing on collaborative divorce solutions and mentoring legal professionals. She leads Nantes Solicitors' family law department with a commitment to reducing client conflict.
Mike Harvey
Director
Mike heads the conveyancing team with over 20 years' experience in residential property transactions. He is known for handling complex cases efficiently, including the firm's record four-day property completion.
Carolyn Harmer
Director
Carolyn specialises in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. With 18 years at Nantes Solicitors, she provides clear estate planning advice while supporting clients through sensitive probate matters.
Katie Day
Director
Katie leads the private client team, focusing on will drafting and inheritance tax planning. She combines technical expertise with approachable communication to help clients secure their family's financial future.
Simon Harvey
Director
Simon oversees commercial law services, advising businesses on contracts, disputes, and growth strategies. His pragmatic approach helps companies navigate legal challenges while maintaining operational focus.
Questions
What areas does Nantes Solicitors Solicitors cover?
We operate from four Dorset locations: Bridport, Dorchester, Portland, and Weymouth, serving clients across the county with local legal expertise.
Do you offer a fixed-fee conveyancing service?
Yes, our conveyancing includes a 'no exchange, no fee' guarantee with transparent pricing structures to eliminate unexpected costs during property transactions.
How experienced is your family law team?
Our family law specialists have over 25 years' combined experience, including Resolution accreditation and pioneering work in no-fault divorce procedures.
Can you handle urgent legal matters?
We prioritise urgent cases, with examples of same-day client assistance and four-day property completions demonstrating our responsiveness to time-sensitive legal needs.
What accreditations does Nantes Solicitors hold?
We maintain CQS accreditation for conveyancing excellence and Lexcel status for practice management, reflecting our commitment to the highest legal service standards.
Reviews (3)
Dave Sweet
Apr 13, 2021
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Excellent service, wouls recommend to anyone, Hayley and Leila kept me sane thru a very protracted sale, Simon 's advice spot on, my financial advisor ( based in Taunton is so impressed he is considering using Nantes)
Would give more stars if i could, very very good
Would give more stars if i could, very very good
Kelston Guest House
Jun 23, 2019
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I can't fault Nantes for conveyancing, professional, approachable and reasonable. Would definitely recommend and use for any legal needs in the future.
Tom Settle
Aug 09, 2018
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Sent an e-mail to the contact address they advertised in Wyke Register regarding Will reviews on 2 August and no one has contacted me over one week later so won't be using them
