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Henriques Griffiths was established in Bristol in 1973. Today, we have two offices that service business and individual clients across England and Wales.
We like tradition; and we like new. Our firm has grown because of a reputation founded on many years of working within our local and wider communities; we continue to grow because we deliver modern legal services that match clients evolving needs.
Relationships are important to us. Most of our clients come to us via referrals from others, and we value the connections we have with people and businesses all over the UK and overseas. It marks us out as a law firm with influence. One that is consistently relied on and one that couldn’t be more committed to the client experience.
Founded in 1973
50 people in their team
For some, property is a business. For others, it’s a place from which to run a business. Whichever way you look at it, property is the cornerstone of commercial enterprise and the right legal advice and support is essential to ensure your business interests are protected and that you can achieve your commercial goals.
Our commercial property solicitors in Bristol advise local, national and international clients on all aspects of commercial property. We are known for our expertise in development, transactional and landlord and tenant work and have acted on major residential, industrial, office and licensed premises deals in the UK.
With decades of experience handling all aspects of commercial property law, we have the specialist legal knowledge and practical skills to get the outcome you need. Our approach to our clients and their situations marks us out as more than lawyers, making us key partners for your business operations. It’s why clients choose us, and why they stay with us.
We have local offices in Bristol and Winterbourne allowing us to offer a convenient service for businesses across the South West. Clients from further afield also regularly work with our commercial property team thanks to our reputation for commercially astute legal expertise and exceptional client service.
Speak to one of our commercial property solicitors in Bristol or Winterbourne today by calling 0117 909 4000 or using our simple enquiry form to request a call back.
Our commercial property lawyers offer a comprehensive legal service for all areas of commercial property law, working across a wide range of industries for individual entrepreneurs and businesses both small and large.
Buying and selling commercial property can present excellent opportunities, but only if handled correctly. There are many different details that need to be considered and various stages to the sales process that must be handled efficiently and effectively.
Our commercial conveyancing solicitors in Bristol and Winterbourne can advise you on purchase and sale of all types of business premises, development plots and more throughout the UK. Our expertise means we can help to ensure you achieve your commercial goals while staying financially and legally protected.
For both landlords and tenants, your commercial lease is a vital document, setting out your rights and responsibilities and helping to define the landlord-tenant relationship. A well-drafted lease can minimise the risk of disputes and give you strong legal recourse if a problem does arise.
Our commercial lease solicitors can draft, negotiate and amend all types of commercial leases so that any potential issues are considered and accounted for. We can also help to effectively resolve commercial lease disputes where these arise, making sure your long-term interests are defended.
We understand that with residential developments of any size, delays mean more cost for you. Our goal, therefore, is to help facilitate the smooth progression of your development, ensuring all necessary transactions are carried out quickly and reliably so there are no avoidable delays that end up costing your project extra time and money.
Our commercial property solicitors in Bristol and Winterbourne can help with all aspects of residential property development, including site acquisition and assembly, advice on planning, development contracts, joint ventures, construction contracts and sale of finished units.
Disputes over property can take up a lot of time, money and energy to resolve, as well as potentially delaying your plans. However, with the right legal expertise and a proactive, commercially-minded approach, it is often possible to secure a positive outcome quickly and cost-effectively, allowing you to get things back on track.
Our commercial dispute resolution team offer the expertise and skilled advocacy to help resolve any conflicts over your commercial property quickly and cost-effectively. Wherever possible we will help you find a solution without the need for court action, while ensuring you have the best possible representation if court action is required to resolve the matter.
We can also help with various issues related to commercial property and business law, including:
We know how important cost is when dealing with any commercial property matter, so aim to keep our pricing clear and competitive.
When you contact our commercial property solicitors in Bristol and Winterbourne, we will provide an upfront estimate of costs. This will include a clear breakdown of all of our fees and any third-party costs involved with no hidden charges to worry about.
For some commercial property matters, we are able to offer fixed cost packages while in other cases we will charge according to an agreed hourly rate dependant on the level of expertise required.
For more information about our pricing and an estimate or costs for dealing with your commercial property law needs, please get in touch.
Henriques Griffiths has been helping clients with all aspects of commercial property since 1973. By combining traditional legal expertise with the latest technical innovations, we are able to offer a modern legal service that matches our clients changing needs.
Over the years, we have built a strong reputation within the local area, as well as regularly working with clients all over the UK and overseas. Our focus on developing strong relationships means we have excellent links throughout the local community and further afield, giving us the contacts to allow your transactions to go ahead smoothly and ensure any issues that arise can be resolved quickly and cost-effectively.
As a firm, we have achieved the Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation in recognition of our excellent practice management and client care. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) providing assurance that we continually meet the highest legal and professional standards.
For help with any aspect of commercial property law, please contact our local offices in Bristol or Winterbourne now.
You can call us on 0117 909 4000 or use our simple enquiry form to request a call back.
Having represented business all over England and Wales in all types of business disputes, we know that court action is not always the best solution. In many cases, it is in your interests to find a solution through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and other non-confrontational methods as this can be faster, less expensive and allow you to keep the matter private while also preserving important business relationships.
However, where court proceedings are the best approach, we can offer the skilled advocacy you need to make sure your interests are effectively represented and you have the best chance of a fair outcome.
When your business is owed money, it can have serious consequences, including impacting your cash flow and ability to meet your own financial commitments. Our experienced business debt recovery solicitors can help you quickly recover outstanding payments, unlocking essential funds and freeing you up to focus on running your business.
Sadly, family life isn’t always smooth sailing. When emotions run high, it’s easy for disagreements to evolve into bitterly fought disputes. If legal advice is not sought early enough, families can find themselves locked in a costly courtroom conflict with their partner attempting to reach a fair outcome.
At Henriques Griffiths, our aim is to relieve you of the stress that family troubles can cause. With a sensitive but determined approach, our family law solicitors will fight for a fair and comfortable future for your family.
Our family law solicitors work carefully and sensibly through complex issues including:
Our team is accredited by the Law Society for Family Law & Children Law in recognition of our expertise in these complex areas.
We offer Fixed Fees for many of our family services, giving you clarity over the costs involved.
You will find that we take time to explain your position clearly, rather than drowning you in complicated legal jargon.
Where possible, we will aim to achieve the right result through alternative dispute resolution. This may involve constructive mediation sessions, allowing you and your partner to reach an agreement amicably and cost-effectively.
However, above all, our priority is to secure a positive outcome that meets your needs. No matter how complex your circumstances, we’ll fight hard to promote your rights and make sure the correct decisions are taken.
Speak to one of our family law solicitors now by contacting your local Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol or Winterbourne, or you can use our simple enquiry form to ask a question or request a call back.
Where children are concerned, you can rely on Henriques Griffiths Solicitors to prioritise their needs, no matter how complex the circumstances.
We can assist with all of the issues that may follow a separation, including issues about contact (spend time with), residence (live with), jurisdictional matters and parental responsibility.
Our childcare lawyers also have expertise in working with families where children have been taken into care or social services are assessing a family.
With a strong reputation for fighting for our clients and achieving positive results, you can trust us to guide you through this difficult time with realistic, focused advice.
See our childcare legal services.
Separating from your partner is never easy - whether you’ve been married for five years or fifty. At Henriques Griffiths, our family law solicitors are committed to keeping the stress and time involved in your divorce to a minimum.
Our family lawyers in Bristol can help with every aspect of divorce, including starting and responding to divorce proceedings, achieving a financial separation and making arrangements for children.
By employing techniques of Alternative Dispute Resolution, we are able to help separating couples to reach an agreement in a calm environment outside of court, saving a great deal of time and costs. Whether it’s through referral to constructive mediation sessions or a collaborative approach, or from taking more firm legal action, our solicitors will always ensure that the outcome we secure satisfies your needs.
See our divorce legal services.
Divorce laws vary massively from country to country, so where you or your spouse start divorce proceedings can make a big difference to the outcome, including any financial settlement you receive.
You do not necessarily need to get divorced in the country where you got married or have been most recently living, so if you are considering divorce proceedings, our international divorce lawyers can advise you on the best options for your interests.
We can guide you through the whole process of issuing and responding to divorce proceedings, either in the UK or in another country. Where required, we can put you in touch with trusted local divorce lawyers in other jurisdictions to make sure you have the very best advice and representation for every stage of your divorce.
See our international divorce legal services.
Watching a family member lose mental capacity is extremely challenging and can cause a great deal of stress when issues surrounding their welfare and financial assets arise. If this sounds familiar, we advise reaching out to a qualified family law solicitor to determine the best approach in protecting their interests.
Our team are dedicated to helping families get the right arrangements in place before a problem arises. Should you wish to apply to the Court of Protection or appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney, you can rely on our team to act with sensitivity and determination to achieve the right solution.
See our incapacity legal services.
We can assist families with all aspects of adoption law, including adopting as a stepparent, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our family lawyers can also assist with becoming a child’s special guardian where the child’s parents are unable or have been deemed unfit to care for them.
See our adoption and special guardianship legal services.
In situations of domestic abuse, it is critical to get effective legal support as soon as possible. Our team knows how difficult these situations can be, so we offer sensitive, clear advice and support to help you take immediate and robust action to protect yourself and your loved ones.
See our domestic abuse legal services.
We understand how emotionally challenging it can be when a relationship breaks down, and how difficult it can be to make those tough decisions alone. That’s why we dedicate our time to helping families through negotiation towards resolution with minimal time and costs.
We can assist with methods of alternative dispute resolution that may be appropriate, depending on your circumstances - family mediation.
This is the most common way of dealing with disputes around divorce and separation. It involves both parties meeting with a trained mediator over a series of sessions to discuss any points of conflict and agree how they should be resolved. The mediator acts as a neutral third party to defuse potential conflict and advise on points of law, with all decisions remaining in your hands.
Mediation is typically much faster and less costly than court proceedings, as well as keeping conflict to a minimum. You will normally need to show you have at least considered mediation before you will be allowed to take a divorce to court.
In most family law cases we will try to agree with you a fixed fee for the legal work involved. So, whether you instruct our family solicitors for your divorce, your children, or a mentally incapacitated family member, you will know from the outset how much it will cost from beginning to end. And you’ll know exactly what work we’ll do in return.
See our fixed fee family law services.
Where a fixed fee is not possible, we will work according to an agreed hourly rate on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, where you are billed for the exact amount of time needed to deal with your legal needs. This means we can provide exactly as much support as you need at a fair rate.
Since 1973, our family law solicitors have built a reputation for delivering an exceptional service that families can rely on.
Our family lawyers are accredited by the Law Society for Family Law & Children Law. This recognises that our team meets the quality standard required to offer reliable, effective legal advice and representation in these areas.
Several of our family law solicitors are members of Resolution, a network of legal professionals who promote methods of non-combative Alternative Dispute Resolution. This reflects our commitment to removing conflict from family law.
Family Law Partner Carol Simmons is recognised by Resolution as a specialist in the areas of Child Private Law and Domestic Abuse.
With a wide range of strong legal expertise across our firm, we can also assist with matters often connected to family law matters, such as buying and selling property and updating your Will.
Henriques Griffiths is Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for our practice management and client care.
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), providing assurance that we continually meet the highest legal and professional standards.
Speak to one of our family law solicitors now by contacting your local Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol or Winterbourne, or you can use our simple enquiry form to ask a question or request a call back.
At Henriques Griffiths, our dedicated team of residential property solicitors strive to relieve the stress that conveyancing can often cause. So, whether you’re putting your first foot on the property ladder or are selling your home, you can rely on the expertise of our solicitors to guide you through with minimal fuss.
Property transactions are often regarded as one of life’s most stressful experiences. With so much to do in a short space of time, it’s only natural - after all, property is one of the most significant financial commitments we can make. With this in mind, our dedicated solicitors have developed a service that aims to take the weight off your shoulders.
So how do we do it?
At Henriques Griffiths, we believe that the conveyancing process should bring excitement, not frustration. By instructing one of our specialist residential property solicitors, you can guarantee a smooth service from start to finish. We treat each of our clients’ property transactions as if they were our own, working meticulously to ensure each document has been thoroughly assessed and each search result is satisfactory. Where issues arise, we will go above and beyond to resolve them in a timely manner to prevent delays.
Our first step will be to gain a detailed understanding of the transaction and property in question in order to establish the volume of legal work involved. From here, we can provide you with a detailed quote for our fees. If there is no change to your situation, the fee we charge upon completion will not differ from the one we have quoted. This transparency is particularly beneficial during a time where certainty on costs is paramount to those involved.
From our vast experience working with a diverse client-base throughout Bristol and beyond, we have refined our conveyancing service to ensure each individual receives the same level of care and attention every step of the way. We know that the last thing you need is to be kept in the dark in regards to your transaction, so you can count on our residential property solicitors to keep you updated with each new development as it happens.
Boasting a wealth of knowledge and experience across the entire spectrum of residential property law, our team can assist and advise on the following:
If you’ve decided to purchase or sell your home, choosing a specialist property solicitor is essential to protect your interests and ensure a speedy transaction. Whether you’re upgrading your flat to a family home or your sights are set on a fixer-upper, you can count on our dedicated team to provide a seamless and reliable service.
Extending your lease can be a complicated, costly and time-consuming process, so it pays to be prepared. In order to determine whether the lease extension is worth the effort and expense, it’s essential to seek specialist advice from an expert residential property solicitor. We will always take the time to assess your unique circumstances to determine the best approach before assisting you in negotiating with the freeholder.
Our solicitors have extensive experience in buying and selling land and agricultural property - whether by auction, private treaty or tender. With close ties across the farming community in the South West, our specialist knowledge of land and agricultural transactions will help us provide you with both strategic advice and expert legal guidance through your purchase or sale.
The legal work involved with a new build property often differs slightly from that of an existing house: in many cases, house-builders and associations will give the buyer only 4-6 weeks between reserving a property and exchanging contracts. This gives the buyer’s solicitor a very small window in which to assess the property and ensure there are no issues prior to completion.
If you have reserved a new build property and are seeking a specialist to complete your transaction in a timely manner, get in touch with our team today.
The government’s Help To Buy schemes are designed to help first time buyers on to the property ladder, and include various options: Shared Ownership, the Help to Buy ISA or the Help To Buy Equity Loan.
Many of our clients purchasing property through the Help To Buy scheme will require a tailored approach to their conveyancing and expert advice as to whether buying through these schemes is financially worthwhile. If you have questions regarding a Help to Buy scheme or are seeking a quote for your transaction, get in touch with our residential property solicitors today.
Clients often seek advice from our residential property solicitors in regards to remortgaging; a tactic used by property owners to save on costs by getting a better rate mortgage. Remortgaging will either allow you to reduce your monthly payments or to raise capital, both proving as attractive options for homeowners. Whatever your reasons for remortgaging, our solicitors will provide step-by-step guidance throughout the process.
There are three main stages to buying or selling a property:
The process will differ depending on whether you are buying or selling:
Offer and acceptance
The conveyancing process officially begins once the buyer has made an offer on a property which has been accepted by the seller. At this stage, the transaction will be “subject to contract”. This means your agreement is not yet legally binding and either party can back out at any time without incurring penalties (other than your personal costs).
Between offer/acceptance and exchange of contracts, the seller will provide the draft contracts and further information about the property; the buyer will conduct their own investigations into the property and secure their mortgage.
Exchange of contracts
Once the buyer is happy to proceed with the sale, they will pay the deposit and sign and exchange contracts with the seller. Once contracts are exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding and neither party can back out without incurring penalties.
Completion
Completion occurs is when ownership of the property officially changes hands. It usually happens a few weeks after exchange. Upon the completion date, the buyer’s solicitor will transfer the rest of the purchase monies, arrange payment of Stamp Duty (if payable), and apply to the Land Registry to register the new ownership; the seller’s solicitor will redeem the seller’s mortgage (if they have one).
The time it takes to complete your conveyancing will ultimately depend on the individual circumstances of your case. For example, if there are issues with the buyer’s searches and investigations or there is a chain, the process is likely to take longer than a straightforward, chain-free sale/purchase.
We can provide a tailored time estimate but generally, conveyancing (from our instruction to completion) takes around 8-12 weeks.
Freehold and leasehold are ways you can own property in the UK.
Freehold means you own the entirety of your home outright, including the ground it stands on. You do not have to pay ground rent to any other person but you will be responsible for maintaining the property. Your ownership will only end if you sell/gift the property or you die.
Leasehold means you own a long lease to occupy the property for a certain number of years (up to 999 years). The ground the property stands on and the surrounding building (if you live in a flat) belongs to a separate freeholder, or landlord, to whom you will likely pay rent and service charges.
It is important to know the difference between freehold and leasehold when buying, selling or otherwise dealing with residential property because it affects the way you can enjoy your home. For example, leaseholders usually have to gain permission to make alterations but are often not responsible for things like maintaining the roof. Freeholders can make any changes they want (subject to covenants, local planning laws and other restrictions) but are responsible for maintaining the entire building.
Additionally, if you own a leasehold, your ownership is not perpetual and as the lease term decreases, the value of the property will decrease. Leaseholders do have the right to extend their lease or even purchase the freehold, however, this can be a costly process.
We can provide in-depth advice about the differences between freehold and leasehold as well as providing services such as:
The most important aspect you should consider is whether your solicitor has the right legal expertise to handle your transaction.
We are Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited by the Law Society for our high level of knowledge and excellent customer service. We have a strong track record of helping clients complete their sale or purchase efficiently, cost-effectively, and within a reasonable timeframe.
Based in Bristol and Winterbourne, we have extensive knowledge of the area and local factors which might affect your transaction. However, regardless of your location, we address each case with meticulous attention to detail to ensure every aspect of your sale or purchase is accurately completed.
Get in touch with our residential property solicitors in Bristol by giving us a call at your local branch near central Bristol or in Winterbourne or fill in our simple online enquiry form for a quick response.
