Business Details
Trusted Legal Services in Henley-on-Thames
Mercers Law has been providing expert legal services since 1827, combining a client-focused approach with two centuries of experience in private and commercial legal matters. Our team of solicitors specialises in Wills, Trusts & Probate, Residential Property, Trust & Estate Disputes, and Civil Litigation, serving clients across Henley-on-Thames, Wallingford, Watlington, Dorchester, Marlow, Wargrave, Sonning, Pangbourne, and throughout England. We prioritise empathy and understanding, treating clients as individuals while delivering cost-effective solutions grounded in deep legal expertise. Our commitment to independence, continuous professional development, and community engagement ensures high standards of service.With a proven track record in dispute resolution and property transactions, we build long-term relationships by listening carefully and offering tailored advice. Our professional indemnity insurance exceeds regulatory requirements, and we maintain transparent fee structures. As a Limited Liability Partnership since 2023, we uphold our heritage while adapting to modern legal challenges, ensuring reliable, ethical representation for both private individuals and businesses.
Services
Dispute Resolution
Residential Property
Notary Public
Wills & Probate
Litigation
Highlights and features
- 200-year heritage of legal excellence in the Thames Valley
- Client-focused approach with specialist departments for complex cases
- Transparent fee structures and cost-effective dispute resolution
- Local expertise serving Henley-on-Thames and surrounding communities
- Professional indemnity insurance exceeding SRA minimum requirements
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Companies House
What people say
Highly professional manner
Stress-free experience
First class service
Patient and understanding
Efficient conveyancing process
Services
Dispute Resolution
Our specialist Trusts & Disputes department provides pragmatic, cost-effective solutions for Contentious Probate and Court of Protection matters. We guide clients through court processes or negotiate settlements with minimal expense. With expertise in inheritance conflicts, property disputes, and professional negligence claims, we combine legal knowledge with compassionate representation to achieve practical outcomes for executors, beneficiaries, and trustees.
Residential Property
We offer comprehensive conveyancing services for residential property sales, purchases, and refinances. Our experienced team handles transfers of equity, new build transactions, and property portfolio management. With membership on most lending institution panels, we facilitate smooth transactions for buyers, sellers, and investors while maintaining transparent fee structures and providing local market expertise across the Thames Valley region.
Notary Public
Sarah Crowther provides specialist Notary Public services for international document authentication. We handle powers of attorney, affidavits, and document certification required for overseas property transactions and legal matters. Our services include preparation for apostille certification and embassy legalisation, with appointments available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 9:30am and 5pm at our Henley-on-Thames office.
Wills & Probate
Our Private Client team offers complete inheritance planning services including Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Trust administration. We provide tax-efficient solutions for estate planning, helping clients protect assets and minimise inheritance tax liabilities. With expertise in contested probate matters and Court of Protection applications, we ensure legally sound documentation and compassionate support during complex family transitions.
Litigation
We represent clients in civil litigation matters covering property disputes, contract enforcement, and debt recovery. Our approach prioritises alternative dispute resolution while maintaining readiness for court proceedings when necessary. Specialising in residential landlord-tenant conflicts, TOLATA claims, and inheritance act disputes, we combine legal tenacity with cost-conscious strategies to protect client interests across the Thames Valley and beyond.
People
Sarah Crowther
Notary Public & Private Client Solicitor
Qualified solicitor with expertise in private client matters and notarial services. Specialises in international document authentication, wills, and estate planning. Provides notary services Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Henley office.
Paul Stott
Consultant
Tax planning specialist focusing on capital taxation, trusts, and asset protection. Former partner with decades of experience advising on complex inheritance tax mitigation strategies and trust structures for high-net-worth individuals.
Justine McCool
Head of Litigation
Partner leading the litigation and contentious trusts department. Specialises in estate disputes, probate litigation, and court of protection matters. Holds history degree from Cambridge and brings strategic legal expertise to complex family conflicts.
Ruth McKenzie
Head of Residential Property
Chartered legal executive and licensed conveyancer heading the residential property department. Specialises in property transactions, new build developments, and equity transfers. Became partner in November 2022 after demonstrating leadership in conveyancing services.
Alexandra Parnell
Private Client Partner
Partner in the private client department with legal practice masters qualification. Focuses on estate planning, will drafting, and probate administration. Joined partnership in July 2023, bringing expertise in complex inheritance matters and family law intersections.
Questions
How do I start a property dispute claim?
Contact our litigation team for initial assessment. We'll review your case, explain options, and guide you through TOLATA claims or court proceedings if necessary.
What documents need notarisation for overseas use?
Common documents include powers of attorney, property transfers, affidavits, and marriage certificates. Our notary public service authenticates these for international legal recognition.
How does inheritance tax planning work?
Our specialists create tax-efficient wills, establish trusts, and structure estates to minimise liabilities while ensuring your wishes are legally protected and enforceable.
What's involved in residential conveyancing?
We handle contracts, property searches, equity transfers, and legal completions for purchases, sales, and remortgages with transparent fee structures and local expertise.
How can I contest a will?
Our contentious probate team assesses validity claims, represents beneficiaries/executors, and navigates court challenges regarding mental capacity or improper execution.
What happens if someone lacks mental capacity?
We assist with Lasting Powers of Attorney creation, Court of Protection applications, and deputyship arrangements to legally manage financial and welfare decisions.
