Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Legal Services in Welwyn Garden City
Established in 1938, Crane & Staples Solicitors has served Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas for over 85 years. Our practice is built on four core values: Excellence, Empathy, Integrity, and Community. We provide expert legal advice across family law, residential conveyancing, wills and probate, commercial property, employment law, and dispute resolution. Recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers HNW guides, our independent approach prioritises client needs, with many families relying on our services across generations.We maintain transparency in costs and outcomes, ensuring clients receive jargon-free advice. Our team's expertise spans complex commercial matters and sensitive family cases, supported by modern technology for efficient service. Active in the local community, we combine traditional values with innovative practices to deliver trusted legal solutions.
Services
Family Law
Residential Conveyancing
Wills & Probate
Commercial Property
Employment Law
Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- We offer over 85 years of legal expertise in Hertfordshire
- Our client-first approach avoids referral fees and prioritises your needs
- Recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers HNW for excellence
- Transparent costs with clear, upfront pricing information
- Award-winning team covering all legal specialisms under one roof
Associations and certifications
- Legal 500
- Chambers HNW
- Lexcel Accredited
- Cyber Essentials Plus
What people say
Exceptional conveyancing service
Expert family law support
Transparent costs
Award-winning team
Stress-free experience
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle divorce, child custody, and domestic abuse cases with sensitivity and expertise. We guide clients through emotionally challenging situations while protecting their interests. The team provides clear advice on financial settlements, parenting arrangements, and emergency protection orders, maintaining a compassionate yet professional approach throughout the legal process.
Residential Conveyancing
We manage residential property purchases, sales, and remortgages with efficiency and transparency. Our conveyancing team ensures smooth transactions from offer to completion, handling title checks, contracts, and legal transfers. Clients benefit from regular updates and fixed-fee pricing, making the process stress-free even for first-time buyers or complex property chains.
Wills & Probate
Our specialists create tailored wills and manage probate processes with attention to detail. We help clients protect assets through trusts, lasting powers of attorney, and inheritance tax planning. The team also handles contentious probate matters and estate administration, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while respecting family circumstances.
Commercial Property
We advise businesses on commercial property transactions including leases, purchases, and development agreements. Our solicitors handle due diligence, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance for office spaces, retail units, and industrial properties. Clients receive practical guidance on property investments and landlord-tenant disputes, supporting long-term business growth.
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services for employers and employees. This includes contract drafting, disciplinary procedures, redundancy consultations, and tribunal representation. Our team ensures compliance with employment legislation while protecting client interests in both contentious and non-contentious workplace matters.
People
Danielle Peters
Partner, Head of Family
Specialising in family law for over 20 years, Danielle leads our family department with expertise in complex divorce cases and child arrangement disputes. She combines legal knowledge with compassionate client care.
David Bird
Partner, Head of Wills & Probate
With 25+ years in probate law, David advises on estate planning, wills, and inheritance tax mitigation. He manages high-value estate administrations and contentious probate cases with meticulous attention to detail.
Chris Brewis
Partner, Head of Residential Property
Leading the conveyancing team, Chris oversees residential property transactions with a focus on first-time buyer schemes and new development purchases. His expertise ensures efficient completions for property chains.
Bonnie Twiggs
Partner, Commercial Property
Bonnie specialises in commercial property law, handling business premises leases, property investments, and development projects. She provides strategic advice to landlords and commercial tenants across Hertfordshire.
Michael Scutt
Partner, Employment Law
Michael advises businesses and employees on employment contracts, workplace disputes, and tribunal cases. His pragmatic approach balances legal compliance with commercial realities for employers.
Questions
What areas of law does Crane & Staples specialise in?
We specialise in family law, residential and commercial property, wills & probate, employment law, and dispute resolution.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our solicitors have decades of combined experience, with some team members recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers HNW guides.
Are your costs transparent and competitive?
Yes, we provide clear cost breakdowns with no hidden fees, ensuring value for money legal services.
Do you offer local community support?
We actively support Welwyn Garden City through sponsorships, events, and pro bono work.