How to choose a family law solicitor
Deciding to see a family solicitor is a very significant decision. It, and the reasons for it, mark one of
the major decisions in your life. If you are thinking about seeing a family solicitor for advice about
the breakdown of your marriage, relationship or indeed arrangements for your children, this useful
advice should help.
Choosing a family solicitor
The relationship that you have with your solicitor is an important one. You need to have confidence
in what they are doing and you need to feel that they are someone that you can work with.
If you go into your initial meeting with a solicitor equipped with facts and figures, they should be
able to give you a general indication of a likely outcome. Be quite wary of solicitors who refuse to
give advice when presented with facts, figures and circumstances.
Similarly, be cautious if they appear reluctant to give specifically tailored advice on your situation
and the process. You are paying for legal advice, not an administrator.
If you are not feeling comfortable, take a second opinion, however, be very wary of continuing to
take opinions until you get the advice you want to hear. If you have spoken to three solicitors and
they have all said roughly the same thing, but the fourth says what you wanted to hear, the chances
are that it is the last one that is wrong.
Before meeting with a family solicitor
Try to think objectively about whether you are in a proper frame of mind to seek and digest advice.
Consider whether you need any outside support in the form of counselling or therapy. Reflect on
whether you are in a position to make considered decisions or whether you feel inclined towards
knee-jerk responses. There can be a lot to take in at this initial meeting, so it might be helpful to
have a friend or family member with you.
If you do not want your spouse or partner to find out that you have been to see a solicitor keep the
appointment details secret and unwritten.
Have your details to hand and complete any forms that are sent to you prior to the meeting. This will
provide context and will save time at the meeting.
Before the meeting, put together a list of your principal concerns and the areas in which you need
advice or reassurance. Write down a list of questions and bring them to the meeting. At the end of
the meeting make sure that they have been properly answered.
Think about the psychology of your situation. Do you think that your spouse or partner will welcome
talking about matters in an amicable fashion? Do you trust them financially? Is there a high level of
anger or bitterness? What are their motivating factors likely to be? These, and other considerations,
will very much feed into the advice that you receive.
Finally, do not think that instructing a solicitor is a runaway train. You can change your mind,
reconcile and/or progress matters entirely at your own pace.
At Warners, we offer an initial meeting at a significantly reduced rate. This can then be claimed back
against our fees should you go to instruct us to act for you.
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to
constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published.
To find out more contact Warners Solicitors on 01732 747900 www.warners-solicitors.co.uk
Author: Helen Loder
Co-Director of Sevenoaks Mums