Cook Taylor Woodhouse (CTW Solicitors)

Cook Taylor Woodhouse, solicitors in South East England

Cook Taylor Woodhouse, trading as CTW Solicitors, is a law firm with roots going back over a hundred years. The firm presents itself as one of the longest-established independently-owned firms of solicitors in South East England and focuses on residential and commercial conveyancing, probate and estate administration, and the drafting of wills. It employs over one hundred specialist and fully-trained members of staff.

The firm states that it does not act as a case referral agency: it handles matters directly and personally. Each client works with the same assigned fee earner throughout the process, with access to their direct phone number and email to resolve queries during working hours.

Conveyancing and leases

The conveyancing department covers all the paperwork from the moment an offer is accepted until the keys are picked up. The firm handles both residential and commercial work and has a dedicated team specialising in the acquisition and disposal of freeholds, as well as lease extensions for flats and houses.

The firm also advises on buying, selling and staircasing of shared ownership homes through its specialist affordable housing team, and offers a case tracking service via a secure online case management system, with separate logins for clients and agents.

Probate, wills and estate planning

The probate and estate administration service is designed to make the administration of the deceased's estate as smooth as possible. The firm also deals with disputing a will, the option of handling probate yourself, and the possibility of home visits. Where there is no will in place, the firm explains the implications of intestacy.

In the area of wills, the private client team handles the professional drafting of wills and advises on why to use a solicitor. Care home planning, powers of attorney, court of protection and deputyship complete this practice area.

Fee transparency and complementary services

The firm publishes price transparency guides and a fees policy, and includes tools such as a ball park valuation estimate, information on stamp duty and on the one stop service for buying the freehold. It also offers an express probate and conveyancing service, and maintains an indemnity policy against financial scams and cybersecurity.

Structure and regulation

Cook Taylor Woodhouse Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under registration number 606304. The company is incorporated in England and Wales under company number 8355796 and its registered office is at 68 High Street, Eltham, London SE9 1BZ. The firm operates from three offices: Eltham, Dartford and Maidstone, the latter incorporating Brindles Solicitors.

Offices and locations

Eltham office: 68-70 High Street, Eltham, London, SE9 1BZ

Dartford office: First Floor, St Johns House, 37-41 Spital Street, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2DR

Maidstone office: First Floor, Warneford House, St Leonards Road, Allington, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0LS · Email: info@ctwsolicitors.co.uk