Choosing a Divorce Lawyer

Choosing A Divorce Lawyer

The earliest stages of a separation and divorce can be the most stressful, and can make decision making a difficult process. As a result, many people end up with the wrong lawyer for them.

The selection of your solicitor is crucial, not only to the ultimate outcome of your case, but also to how your case progresses from start to finish, in terms of stress for you and your children, cost, and length of time.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid making the wrong choice when it comes to engaging a solicitor to assist you with your divorce:

  1. Ask friends and colleagues for a personal recommendation. There is no substitute for word of mouth when it comes to finding a good solicitor. You could also ask the solicitor if you could speak to any of their clients for their thoughts.
  2. Look for a solicitor who specialises in Family Law and has a number of year’s experience. Family law is not a formulaic kind of law; you need someone with experience who understands the law and can apply the relevant factors to your case.
  3. Speak to the potential solicitor. Most solicitors will offer a free initial consultation. Some suggested questions for the solicitor could be;
  • How long have you practiced family law?
  • What is your approach to a new case?
  • What is your approach to settling a case?
  • How often will you keep me updated with costs and are you able to work to a budget?
  • Are you easy to get hold of? Do you have a direct number I can have?
  • How often will you keep me updated/informed on what is happening with my case?
  • Who in your firm will work on my case?
  1. After you have talked to a solicitor, take stock and think back over the conversation.
  • Did you feel comfortable opening up to this solicitor?
  • Did you feel intimidated by them?
  • Were they a good listener, or did they spend the entire time singing their own praises?
  • Did their suggested approach sound sensible to you?

Trust your gut feeling. If something does not seem right, it probably isn’t.

If you would like to talk any of this through with our partner in Family Law, Paul Prentice, please call him on his direct line 01483 237 989, or email him at paul@prenticefamilylaw.co.uk