Business Details
Your Trusted Ipswich Solicitors
Established over six decades ago, Bates Wells & Braithwaite stands as one of Ipswich's most enduring legal practices. Our firm specialises in delivering tailored legal solutions to individuals and businesses across Suffolk and surrounding regions, including Norfolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire. With a dedicated team of solicitors, we focus on areas critical to personal and professional life, including family law, residential and commercial property transactions, dispute resolution, and private client services.Our reputation for combining technical expertise with a compassionate approach has earned recognition in leading legal directories such as Legal 500 and Chambers UK. We prioritise clear communication, ensuring clients receive practical advice and robust representation throughout their legal matters.
Services
Family Law
Residential Property
Dispute Resolution
Wills & Probate
Business Law
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of legal expertise in Suffolk
- Our team includes specialists in family, property and business law
- Recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers UK directories
- We provide clear communication and transparent advice
- Experienced handling complex cases with compassionate support
Associations and certifications
- Legal 500
- Chambers UK
What people say
Fantastic conveyancing service
Excellent family law support
Clear communication
Professional team
Outstanding service
Services
Family Law
Our family law specialists handle relationship breakdowns, child arrangements and mediation services. We provide sensitive yet practical advice on divorce proceedings, financial settlements and childcare matters. Clients benefit from our legal expertise combined with compassionate support during challenging times, ensuring their family's interests are protected throughout the process.
Residential Property
We manage all aspects of residential property transactions including purchases, sales and remortgages. Our conveyancing team ensures smooth transfers of ownership while protecting clients' interests. From initial offer to completion, we provide clear guidance on legal requirements, property searches and contract exchanges, making the process as stress-free as possible for homebuyers and sellers.
Dispute Resolution
Our dispute resolution department handles civil conflicts ranging from neighbour disputes to commercial litigation. We offer strategic advice on debt recovery, contract breaches and property conflicts. With experienced solicitors advocating for clients' interests, we aim to resolve matters efficiently through negotiation, mediation or court representation when necessary, always prioritising cost-effective solutions.
Wills & Probate
We provide comprehensive wills, probate and lasting power of attorney services. Our solicitors help clients create legally sound wills that reflect their wishes while offering probate assistance to executors. We also specialise in establishing powers of attorney for future healthcare and financial decisions, ensuring clients' assets and personal affairs are protected according to their intentions.
Business Law
Our business law team advises on company formations, commercial property transactions and corporate matters. We assist with business sales, shareholder agreements and commercial disputes, providing practical legal solutions for companies and entrepreneurs. From formation to complex transactions, we support businesses throughout their lifecycle with tailored advice that aligns with their commercial objectives.
People
Denise Head
Partner
Specialising in family law and mediation, Denise Head brings extensive experience to complex childcare and divorce cases. Recognised in legal directories for her empathetic approach and legal acumen, she helps clients navigate family law matters with professional yet compassionate representation.
Scott Emsden
Partner
Scott Emsden focuses on residential property law, guiding clients through property transactions with clear communication. His expertise in conveyancing ensures smooth processes for homebuyers and sellers, combining technical knowledge with practical advice to resolve property-related legal matters efficiently.
Christopher Mason
Senior Associate
As a senior associate handling dispute resolution and personal injury claims, Christopher Mason advocates effectively for clients in civil litigation. With experience in debt recovery and commercial disputes, he provides strategic legal solutions while maintaining focus on achieving practical outcomes for clients.
Nicky Coates
Partner
Nicky Coates specialises in wills, probate and estate planning, helping clients protect their assets and future care arrangements. Her expertise in lasting powers of attorney ensures clients receive comprehensive advice on safeguarding their financial and healthcare decisions for the future.
Karen Healy
Partner
Karen Healy focuses on commercial property transactions and business law, supporting companies with property acquisitions and corporate matters. Her practical approach to commercial law helps businesses navigate property deals and corporate transactions with confidence and legal certainty.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in family law, residential and commercial property, dispute resolution, wills & probate, and business law services across Ipswich and surrounding regions.
Do you offer home visits or virtual consultations?
Yes, we provide home visits and video conferencing options for clients unable to visit our offices, ensuring accessible legal support when needed most.
Are your legal fees transparent?
We maintain clear fee structures with upfront cost information, particularly for conveyancing services, ensuring no hidden charges during your legal transactions.
How experienced is your legal team?
Our solicitors collectively hold decades of experience, with individual specialists recognised in Legal 500 and Chambers UK for excellence in family law and property transactions.
Can you handle complex legal cases?
Yes, our team manages complex matters including contested divorces, commercial disputes and clinical negligence claims, combining expertise with dedicated client support.
