South West firm Coodes Solicitors is embracing the future of law by launching a brand new online legal service.

"Coodes Direct" offers fixed price legal support across a range of areas plus an innovative “DIY Law Online” service where customers can create their own legal documents.

Both services launched on Friday, February 12 and are available through the firm’s recently revamped website www.coodes.co.uk.

The launch means customers will be able to access advice and legal products, from divorce to employment contracts, with the click of a mouse.

While Coodes is presenting an industry first for the South West, the firm believes that buying and selling legal services through the internet will become more and more common in coming years.

Ian Taylor, Managing Partner at Coodes Solicitors, said: “Offering online legal products and fixed price fees is a new way of thinking for a regional firm such as Coodes.

“However we believe strongly this is the future of law – it enables us to be upfront and transparent about the costs of our services, as well as offer flexibility for customers to access our products wherever and whenever they choose.”

Legislation regulating the types of businesses able to sell legal services is being relaxed, meaning other companies such as supermarkets and high-street retailers will be able to offer legal advice.

Coodes Direct will enable customers to access affordable legal services from trained and experienced solicitors from Coodes’ seven offices in Cornwall and Devon.

A range of legal services will be available via a shopping cart system to buy online whilst a larger range of fixed price packages, with fees clearly displayed, will enable customers to budget for their legal advice and start the procedure online.

Examples of the products that will be on offer through Coodes Direct are:

-         Fixed price conveyancing for first time home buyers

-         Fixed price divorce packages (excluding work on children or finances)

-         Fixed price employment law packages

-         Fixed price specialist advice sessions

-         Wills and Powers of Attorney

-         Commercial property fixed prices

Mr Taylor added: “Some may see this as a controversial move, but customers can be assured that the quality of legal advice available through Coodes Direct will be just as high as if you walk into one of our branches.

“We’ve recognised that consumers are becoming more and more comfortable with buying products and services online, are inclined to shop around for the best price and enjoy the convenience of e-commerce.

“Our solicitors are still available by phone or face to face when you buy through Coodes Direct but the great advantage is that our services are now accessible to anyone with a computer, anywhere in the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

For more information, go to www.coodes.co.uk and click on Coodes Direct, or call 08000 322 622.