Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Eastbourne
Hart Reade LLP has provided trusted legal services since 1910, serving East Sussex and beyond with expertise in family law, property conveyancing, probate, and commercial legal matters. Our team of qualified solicitors and legal executives prioritises client care, combining local knowledge with national standards through accreditations like Lexcel and the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme. We maintain offices in Eastbourne, Hailsham, and Polegate, offering accessible, transparent legal support tailored to individual and business needs.With decades of collective experience, our specialists deliver practical solutions for property transactions, dispute resolution, wills, and business law. As an SRA-regulated practice, we uphold rigorous professional standards while maintaining affordability through clear cost structures and free initial consultations. Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures clients receive up-to-date advice aligned with evolving legal landscapes.
Services
Family Law
Property Conveyancing
Probate Services
Commercial Legal Advice
Wills and Estates
Details
- Year established: 1910
Highlights and features
- Over 110 years of continuous legal service in East Sussex
- Lexcel-accredited practice management standards
- Free 30-minute initial legal consultation
- Specialist departments covering family, property, and commercial law
- SRA-regulated with professional indemnity insurance
Associations and certifications
- Lexcel
- Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Resolution
- STEP
What people say
Exceptional service
Professional and efficient
Made the process stress-free
Expert guidance
Highly recommend
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle divorce, civil partnerships, and child arrangements with sensitivity and expertise. We provide clear guidance on parental responsibility, maintenance, and pre-nuptial agreements while prioritising client emotional well-being. Our collaborative approach minimises conflict through mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
Property Conveyancing
Recognised by the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme, our property team manages residential and commercial transactions. We handle sales, purchases, remortgages, and leasehold matters with transparent pricing, ensuring smooth processes from contract exchange to completion while addressing boundary and ownership issues.
Probate Services
We administer estates, draft wills, and establish powers of attorney with compassionate expertise. Our private client department manages trust creation, tax planning, and Court of Protection applications, ensuring legal documents reflect clients' wishes while complying with inheritance regulations.
Commercial Legal Advice
Our commercial department supports businesses with property leases, employment law, and dispute resolution. We handle company sales, contract negotiations, and landlord-tenant matters, combining local market knowledge with national legal standards to protect business interests.
Wills and Estates
Specialist solicitors create legally binding wills and manage estate planning. We ensure clear asset distribution instructions, establish trusts, and handle contested wills through probate court representation, providing peace of mind for clients' future arrangements.
People
Guy Brown
Co-Head of Department, Partner
Specialising in family law with particular expertise in divorce proceedings and financial settlements, Guy provides strategic legal guidance while maintaining client-focused support throughout complex cases.
Alexandra Funnell
Co-Head of Department, Partner
Leading collaborative family law solutions, Alexandra specialises in high-conflict divorce cases and child arrangement orders, combining legal expertise with mediation skills to achieve amicable resolutions.
Andrew Pluck
Head of Department, Partner
Commercial property specialist with extensive experience in lease negotiations and business transactions, Andrew oversees both property and commercial legal departments while maintaining client relationships across East Sussex.
John Benson
Head of Department, Partner
Private client expert managing wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney, John ensures comprehensive estate planning solutions tailored to individual circumstances and inheritance tax considerations.
Sebastian Hale-Smith
Solicitor, LLM
Employment law and litigation specialist, Sebastian provides practical advice on workplace disputes and represents clients in commercial litigation matters while maintaining clear communication during complex legal processes.
Questions
What areas of law does Hart Reade specialise in?
We specialise in family law, property conveyancing, probate, commercial legal matters, and wills, with dedicated departments for each practice area.
Do you offer free initial legal consultations?
Yes, our Family Law Department provides a free 30-minute no-obligation appointment to discuss your case and explain available options.
Are your conveyancing fees transparent?
Yes, we provide clear cost estimates upfront with no hidden fees, including details for property purchases, sales, and remortgages.
How can I verify your legal accreditations?
We're regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (number 817652) and hold Lexcel and Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations.
Do you serve clients outside East Sussex?
While based in East Sussex, we serve clients across the UK and internationally through our modern communication systems.
What identification is required for legal services?
We require a passport or driving licence plus recent utility bill, with alternative arrangements available if standard documents aren't accessible.
